DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 28 June 1917, Page 22

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) June 18.’ The Feast of St. John the Baptist, patronal feast of the diocese, was fittingly celebrated on Sunday last at the Cathedral. Solemn High Mass was celebrated at 11 o’clock, and special references were made at all the Masses to the late Bishop Grimes, who had placed the diocese under the protection of this great saint. The occasional sermon —a panegyric of St. John the Baptistwas preached after Vespers by Rev. Father T. Hanrahan. The high altar and sanctuary were beautifully adorned by the Altar Society for the occasion. On Monday evening, June 18, after the business in connection with the quarterly meeting of St. Patrick’s branch, No. 82, H.A.C.B. Society, had been disposed of, the members entertained Past Chaplain Rev. Father O’Hare to a concert and social. Bro. J. Flannelly, 8.P., presided. The gathering of members was so large that the ordinary meeting room was inadequate to accommodate them, and the larger hall had to be requisitioned. Among those present were Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., Rev. Fathers Cooney, Long, and Hanrahan, and other guests. Recitations were given by Messrs. P. Smyth, F. S. Williams, and C. Fottrell, and a vocal solo by Mr. W. Brittenden. The president, on behalf of the branch, asked Rev. Father O’Hare to accept a handsome case of pipes as a memento of esteem on the occasion of his silver jubilee. He also notified Father O’Hare that he had been duly elected a life honorary member of St. Patrick’s branch. Rev. Fathers Long and Cooney, and Rev. Dr. Kennedy each in turn referred to the great work accomplished by their guest, and congratulated the society upon the happy thought of paying a tribute ox gratitude to their past chaplain for his devotedness. Bros. R. P. O’Shaughnessy (District Deputy), W. Rodgers, P.P. ; M. Grimes, P.P. (secretary) ; F. J. Doolan, P.P. ; Jas. McCormick, P.P. ; J. Curry, P.P., and Mr. W. Nidd (Addington) also made eulogistic references to the Rev. Father O’Hare. After the toast of “The Pope and the King’’ had been honored, Bro, L. Haughey, P.P., proposed that of “The Clergy,’’ which was ably responded to by Rev. Father Cooney. Rev. Father O’Hare, in thanking the members of the Hibernian Society for their kindness to him, referred at length to the aims, objects, and achievements of this institution. His love for the old land, whilst loyal to the new, was well expressed in the fervent, fluent, and inspiring address which he gave. The sun (he said) appeared as though it were about to shine on Ireland, and he hoped in the near future to see “ Ireland, a Nation ” not in song only, but as a grand reality. Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., then unveiled the Roll of Honor board, presented to the branch by Bros. Coffey and Kingdon, and the proceedings terminated with the singing of “God Save Ireland.”

The social organised by the school committee of the Cathedral parish was quite the most successful held here for some years, the accommodation of the Alexandra Hall and adjoining rooms being fully taxed. The excellent arrangements made by the committee ensured the enjoyment of all. Mr. P. O’Connell (secretary) deserves great credit for the time and energy he devoted to the duties in connection with this excellent evening’s entertainment. The prizes for the euchre tournament were the gifts of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at Mt. Magdala, and Mrs, F. Green and the following were the successful competitors: Mrs. Fahey (Little River) Ist, Miss Ryan 2nd; consolation prize, Mrs. McCullough Ist. The clergy df the Cathedral, and St. Mary’s parishes were in attendance, and Rev. Dr, Kennedy, Adm., availed himself of an interval after supper to thank all who had assisted in any way to make the social the unqualified success it was. Mr. C. Wells* band supplied the incidental music.

A meeting of the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ As-

sociation executive, was held on Sunday morning last; Bro. Palladius presided and Messrs. McCormick (captain), W. Rodgers, M. Kennedy, G. Dobbs, P. Gregory, and P. Greenlees (secretary) were present; Correspondence from Canterbury Rugby Union was dealt with, and at the request of the Catholic Federation, it was decided that the club’s delegates, Messrs; W. Rodgers and M. Kennedy, attend the annual meeting to be held on July Bin the Hibernian Hall. Three new members were elected, and the statement of accounts showed a balance of ,£5 Bs. Preparations for the annual Communion on Sunday, July 1, at the 9.30 a.m. Mass and breakfast were advanced, and special reference was made to the killed and wounded members in the present war.

The football match on last —Marists versus Linwood—may well be described as a terrific struggle that ended in a draw. During the play there were eight “knockouts,” three of which had to be accepted by our gallant half, Fitzgerald. The forwards monopolised the play—the fast and heavy Linwood pack preventing on a slippery ground any attempt at handling the ball by the Green backs. All our van ■worked hard, but some could do worse than take a point or two from Moran Mahony in the art of getting the ball down to the toe and dribbling. S. Frame played a great game and showed fine judgment in kicking. Fahey, G. Mahony, Ellis, and in fact all the forwards played a solid game, but much benefit would result if the players attended more generally to training, especially for scrum work. McCormick, Fitzgerald, and Khouri had a busy time, all three getting a "quietus,” but they nevertheless acquitted themselves well against the furious onslaughts of Linwood. O Loughlin at full back nlayed his reliable game and faced his heavy opponents manfully. In the schools Rugby contest Marist seniors beat Woolston and Addington by default. In the lightweight grade Marist defeated Opawa by 62 points to nil. The scorers were—McAuley (4 tries), Cairns (2) Madden (2), L. Amos (2), J. Amos (2), P. O’Connor (4), Payne (1 try and 3 goals), Kennedy (1 try and 1 goal). Payne, McArley, and O’Connor were the best of a good team. In the third grade competitions, after a very fast and evenly contested game, Marist defeated Christ College B by 3 to nil, Batchelor scoring a try for the winners. J