Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 2 November 1916, Page 23

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) October 28. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. T. P. Halpin on the death of her father (Mr. Kenny) at Napier.— R.I.P. The following cable has been received by Mrs. Kennedy, relict of Mr. Martin Kennedy, who was such a staunch supporter of the Irish Party and the Home Rule cause. It was sent in the name of the Party by the Irish leader, Mr. John Redmond:—‘ln the name Irish Party I send deepest sympathy. Redmond. The Rev. Father Hurley, S.M., Adm., and Messrs W. F. Johnson and P. D. Hoskins journeyed to Feilding, Rongotea, and Eketahuna respectively, for the purpose of addressing meetings of the parish committees last Sunday. Successful meetings were held in all three districts, and as a result it is expected that the membership will be considerably augmented. The Rev. Father Daly, who has been chaplain in the Trentham Camp for a considerable period, will leave New Zealand with the 19th He will be replaced by the Rev. Father Moloney, who re-, turned by the hospital ship Marama, and who in turn' will be succeeded by the Rev. Father Segrief. The Rev. Father Bartley will replace Father Segrief at the Featherston Camp. Mr. J. Cullen, Commissioner of Police, received cabled advice last night of the death of his son. Gunner Leo Gerald Cullen, of the New Zealand Field Artillery, in France. Gunner Cullen, who was 23 years of age, left with the 6th Reinforcements. He was wounded on the 13th inst., and died two days later. ’ Before enlisting he was for some time in the service of Messrs. John Burns and Co., Ltd., warehousemen, Auckland, and for a shorter period with Messrs. Briscoe, McNeil, and Co., Ltd., Wellington. An analysis of the religious denominations of the members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces now at the front was given by Bishop Averill at the Auckland Anglican Synod last week. He stated that the force is composed as follows:—Anglicans, 53 per cent, (not quite); Presbyterians, 26 per cent, (not quite); Roman Catholics, 13 per cent, (not quite); Methodists, 5 per cent, (not quite) ; Congregationalists, 4 per cent. ; Salvation Army, 1 per cent, (less than); "jews, oneninth per cent.; other denominations, II- per cent. Mr. F. Just, chief inspector in the physical instruction branch for the North Island, paid a visit to the Marist Brothers’ School, Newtown, last week and put the boys through their facings in this work. Mr. Just expressed himself very well pleased with the showing of the boys, and commended them particularly for their marching. It is pleasing to know that in at least one respect we are not interfering with the socalled National system of education, for these physical instruction inspectors are only too pleased to visit the Catholic schools and render all the assistance possible. In connection with the recent Labor Day sports, an essay competition was held. The subject was ‘ The Origin and Meaning of Labor Day,’ and the competition was open to all the schools of Wellington. The first, second, and third places were secured respectively by J. Delaney, J. McLean, and Win. Scott, alKof the Marist Brothers’ School, Newtown. The boys also secured the silver cup and trophies for the Wellington schools’ relay race. The winning team was composed of J. McAteer, J. Corby, P. Coleman, J. Ward. The boys also secured nearly all the prizes in the boys’ section of the sports. ' Messrs. Henry and McGrath have kindly donated special prizes for swimming at the school this year.

The boisterous -weather last Saturday interfered with the work of clearing the gorse on the grounds attached to the Home of Compassion at Island Bay. For several Saturdays voluntary workers have been assisting the Sisters by grubbing the gorse, which is seriously encroaching on the grazing grounds of the Home’s cow herd, from which is derived the principal means of sustenance for the large number of baby inmates of the Home. The grounds are very extensive and the scrub thick, so that there is ample scope for all volunteers to help, and the more that assist the sooner will the work be finished. The hope is expressed that a large number will respond and assist the institution, which is doing so much good in our midst. The ‘ At Home ’ given by the Catholic Knitting Guild on Saturday proved a pleasant, homely affair. Despite the bad weather, there was a fair muster of brave knitters, and the Town Hall Concert Chamber was soon a hive of industry. Small tables, cosy chairs, and artistic decorations of sweet peas made the chamber a bower, while the stage was nicely arranged with flowers and bowls of arum lilies, and white and yellow broom. Those present were regaled with afternoon tea, while a musical programme was also presented, having been arranged by Miss Agnes Segrief. The Mayoress, Mrs. Luke, was present, and had charge of the raffles which were drawn. In announcing the winners, Mrs. Luke congratulated the guild on its work, and stressed the need for keeping up the supply of comforts for the men at the front. Mrs. Corrigan, Miss Kennedy, and others dispensed afternoon tea, while those who assisted musically were Misses N. Strickland, Eileen Clark, Messrs. Kevin Dillon, Gordon O’Meeghan, Master Ben O’Brien, and his juvenile orchestra. The drawing of the raffles excited much interest. The ladies responsible for the function are to be heartily congratulated. They were: Miss Kennedy (president), Mesdames Rylands, Corrigan, Mackin, J. E. Gamble, J. J. L. Burke, Misses O’Connor, Flannery, and Wheeler. The latter lady, who is secretary of the guild, deserves a special meed of praise.