ST. BENEDICT’S PARISH, AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 28 September 1916, Page 53

ST. BENEDICT’S PARISH, AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) September 13. On Sunday evening last the diocesan executive of the Catholic Federation visited Ponsonby, when the annual meeting of that branch was held in the parish hall after Devotions. The Rev. Father Carran (president of the branch) presided, and there were present the Right Rev. Monsignor Gillan, V.G., Very Rev. Father Cahill, Rev. Father O’Flynn, and a large attendance of parishioners. A spirited address was delivered by Monsignor Gillan, who had come from his own parish especially to be present at the meeting. In the course of his remarks the Right Rev. Monsignor emphasised the necessity of the Catholic people linking themselves up in a strong organisation for the purpose of safeguarding their interests as Catholics and citizens. At the conclusion of his address, which was listened to with rapt attention throughout, the meeting passed a resolution, moved by Father Cahill, and seconded by Mr. Temm, thanking the Right Rev. Monsignor for his very interesting address. Mr. A. Rose (president of the diocesan executive) also delivered a short address, after which the meeting elected a new committee and officers for the new year. A resolution, moved by Mr. P. Darby, and seconded by Mr. Martin, protesting against the attitude of the Government in denying to Catholics their just rights in the matter of education and pledging themselves to support the Federation in any action that may be deemed best, as carried unanimously.

On Sunday afternoon last the executive committee of the Catholic Women’s Hostel met at St. Benedict’s Hall. Right Rev. Monsignor Gillan, V.G., presided over a full attendance of members. Mr. J. J. O’Brien submitted a report upon his investigation into the suitability or otherwise of several properties that were under consideration. After considering the report and discussing various sites, it was resolved to adopt a recommendation made in regard to a property in Park avenue, which was considered the most suitable at present available. Messrs. J. J. O’Brien and F. Burns were appointed to negotiate with the owner on behalf of the committee and to endeavor to secure the property on terms suggested. A special selection committee was set up to deal with the applications for the position of matron, and power given it to appoint same. On Tuesday evening last this committee duly met, and after lengthy consideration of the claims of the twelve applicants, appointed Miss A. V. Lorrigan to the position. This lady has acted as lion, secretary to the Catholic Immigration Committee for the' past three years, and has been in close contact with all Catholic activities in Auckland for a number of years. At a subsequent meeting of the executive Messrs J. J. O’Brien and F. Burns reported that they had been successful in negotiating with the owner of the property decided on, and had secured terms considered most satisfactory in all respects. Legal arrangements had been completed, and the committee would take possession as from September 25, 1916. The property secured is a very fine two-storeyed house situated at No. 5 Park avenue (near Hospital), Grafton district, within Id section of the city and a few minutes’ walk from cars over Grafton Bridge. This place has been secured as a temporary arrangement, and after the institution has been established it is expected either a larger property will have to be obtained or the present

one enlarged. It is expected the various Catholic societies in the city will assist in the furnishing of the Hostel. Several societies, including the Children of Mary and Catholic Clubs, have decided to undertake the furnishing of a room. With this institution established, a long-felt want in this city will have been satisfied. On Monday evening last St. Benedict’s branch of the Catholic Federation held its ordinary monthly meeting, when there was a large attendance of members. Rev. Father Bleakley (president) occupied the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting were read, and confirmed. Reports of canvassers were of a highly satisfactory nature, subscriptions totalling over £8 being received during the month. After various routine matters had been dealt with the following resolution, moved by Mr. F. G. J. Temm and seconded by Mr. J. G. Foy, was carried‘That St. Benedict’s branch of the New Zealand Catholic Federation enters an emphatic protest at the decision of the Government as conveyed by the Minister of Education to a recent deputation from the Federation in the matter of Catholic claims on the education question, and views the attitude of the Government as an ultimatum laid down to the Catholic people of the Dominion, and exhorts the Dominion executive to accept this challenge, and speedily resolve on what action is deemed best, feeling confident that it will be supported by an overwhelming majority of our fair-minded fellow-citizens who despise anything in the nature of unjust treatment being meted out to any section of the people, and that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Government, the Dominion Executive, and the press.’ The general committee of the benefit entertainment in aid of a sick priest held a meeting in St. Benedict’s Clubrooms on Sunday afternoon last, when there was a large attendance. The chairman (Mr. F. G. J. Temm) reported that the matters referred to the executive had been duly attended to. The hall had been definitely engaged and booked for Monday, October 16. Tickets had now been printed, and it behoved each member of the committee to endeavor to push the sale of these as much as possible in order to ensure the success of the entertainment. A programme committee, consisting of Messrs. A. J. Woodley (chairman), J. Foy, L. O’Malley, C. B. Reid, F. G. J. Temm, and Misses A. Lorrigan, and M. J. Mcllhone, was set up to arrange a suitable programme. A sub-committee of ladies (with Miss Willis as convener) was also set up to deal with the matter of arranging for the selling of sweets baskets ’ in the hall. Various other matters were also attended to. On Wednesday evening, September 13, the Literature and Vigilance Committee of the Catholic Federation met in St. Benedict’s Clubrooms. The Rev. Father Dunphy presided over a fair attendance of members. Miss Boylan reported on several matters that had been attended to since the previous meeting. Mr. Teimn (hon. secretary) also reported that on representations made on behalf of the committee, several matters coming under its jurisdiction had been dealt with satisfactorily. On the motion of Miss Boylan, _ seconded by Mrs. Eccles, a resolution was carried recommending the diocesan executive to request the Dominion Council to forward the Hon. Mr. Russell a congratulatory letter of thanks for his action in the matter of legislation for the censorship of picture films.