CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB.

New Zealand Tablet, 7 June 1917, Page 39

CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB.

(From our own correspondent.) ( The Catholic Club last week entertained ChaplainCaptain Murphy, who was passing through Christchurch to one of those pleasant gatherings for which it is noted. The president (Mr, J. R. Hayward) presided, and amongst those present were Rev. Fathers Long and llanrahan, Marist Brothers, Dr. A. B. O’Brien, Messrs Cuthbert Harper, W. T. Ward, H. A. Bown, Lee’ Dickson, representatives of St. Patrick’s branch H.A.C.B. Society, St. Mary’s branch H.A.C.B. Sodety, Celtic Club, and Catholic Federation. A musical and elocutionary programme was contributed to by Rev. Brother Emilian, Messrs. B. Rennell, W. Brittenden, C. Fottrell, and Dugay, met with Lie genuine appreciation of those present. The president apologised for the impromptu nature of the proceedings owing to unavoidable circumstances, the clubs object in meeting that evening was to say au re voir to one who had been spiritual director, and to wish him God speed and a safe return. He referred to the part icular interest that Father Murphy had taken m the club as well as in the individual members, and though sorry to pari with him, they had the consolalou of knowing that he was going to join that noble Mini of Catholic chaplains whose heroism and devotedness were acknowledged, together with all those of different nationalities at the front. As a slight memento of his connection with the club, he asked bather Murphy to accept from the club a set of brushes which he trusted would be of service to him. Chaplain-Captain Murphy, in responding, expressed his gratitude for the evening set aside in his honor, as well as for the presentation from the Catholic Club, an institution which he had always held in respect and honor. If he had been of service to the club in the past, the knowledge of having been so was ample reward to him fojy-his labor. He thanked the club for their gift, and would value it as a reminder of many happy evenings spent in the company of its members. Father Murphy, in his own happy way enumerated pleasant incidents of camp life, and also made feeling reference to Chaplain-Captain Dore— a man whose personality was respected by everybody no matter their creed or nationality. Father Murphy hopes for a speedy conclusion of the war, and trusts when he returns to be in the company of men of heroism of whom New Zealand may justly be proud. „ Mr. J. R. Hayward, on behalf of the Christchurch Catholic Club, availed himself of the opportunity of asking Mr. Cuthbert Harper to take along to his brother (Mi. Eric Harper) a small token of gratitude from his fellow-officers and members. Mi. Cuthbert Harper, on behalf of his brother, thanked his comrades for their kind expressions, and for the appreciation of the services of his brother Eric, who had always had a great love for the club.