Invercargill

New Zealand Tablet, 5 July 1917, Page 22

Invercargill

(From our own correspondent.)

July 2. The quarterly Communion of members of the Hibernian Society took place at the 8 o'clock Mass on Sunday, when they approached the Holy Table in large numbers. On Saturday morning last, on behalf of die Hibernian Society the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F., celebrated a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Major Win. Redmond. I am authoritatively informed that I was in error in my note last week in saying that the projected bazaar was in aid of the organ fund. The object in view is the raising of funds for schools' building. The Rev. Father Murphy, of Riverton, celebrated the two Masses on Sunday, and preached at the last Mass. At both Masses he urged the support of the congregation to the penny collection scheme. Next Sunday, July 8, there will be instituted in Invercargill the penny collection at the church doors in aid of the schools. It is proposed to eliminate the school fees at the Marist Brothers' School, and it is anticipated that the donations will be sufficient to pay the Brothers the required stipend. Every member of the congregation—child and adult—is expected to contribute regularly at least one penny. This scheme has already proved highly successful in some of the northern centres, so Invercargill should do equally well. It is hardly necessary to say that the collection is not limited to one penny, but if everyone contributed even that small sum, success would attend the project. After the last quarterly meeting of the local branch of the Hibernian Society the members held a social function, the occasion being the unveiling of a Merit Board containing the names of the past presidents of the branch. Past President Bro. Pound presided. It was the largest meeting of Hibernians ever held here. Amongst those present were Bros, the Rev. Fathers O'Neill and Woods, and the local Marist Brothers. The unveiling of the Merit Boardwhich, by the way, is a handsome piece of workmanship— ; performed by Bro. the Rev. Father O'Neill, who made a particularly effective speech. "God Save Ireland " and "The Wearing of the Green " were enthusiastically sung by the audience at the conclusion of Father O'Neill's remarks. The usual toasts were honored, and the in-

cidental ‘ speeches were of a very high order. Bro. Jas. Collins, in proposing “Ireland a Nation,” dealt with the subject in an able manner. He has probably never been (heard to greater advantage. .It ; was; an effort that was truly appreciated by everyone present. Bro. J. J. Furlong proposed “The H.A. Society " in an able and eloquent speech. It is not often. t that the toast of The Press" receives outstanding treatment, but on this occasion . the accustomed order was pleasingly varied. In a remarkably fine speech, interspersed with irresistible wit and humor, Bro. Rev. Father O’Neill dealt with the subject in a telling manner. Dealing first with the secular press, he concluded with a tribute to our own Tablet and its accomplished Editor. It was a speech that must have made a solid impression on everyone present. Altogether the function was voted to be the most enthusiastic and enjoyable ever held by the society in Invercargill. The proceedings terminated with the singing of “God Save Ireland."