DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 12 July 1917, Page 20

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

July 9. A meeting of the executive of the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association was held on Sunday morning last. Brother Palladius presided, and there were present Messrs. Rodgers, Dobbs, Kennedy, McCormick, Gregory, and Greenlees (secretary). It was decided to hold a euchre party and social on August 9 in aid of the club funds, and also to forward a letter of thanks to St. Matthew’s (Ladies’) branch H.A.C.B. Society for valued assistance at the annual breakfast..

The members of the Christchurch Catholic Club tendered a farewell social on last Thursday evening, in the clubrooms to Mr. J. Cronin, who is leaving with one of the Reinforcements. There was a large attendance. , An attractive musical and elocutionary programme was contributed to by the following:- P. C. Augarde (piano solo) ; Rev. Brother Emelian, Messrs. B. Rennell, W. Brittenden, C. Fotterill, W. Dudderidge (songs); C. Barnett and J. P. Noonan (recitations) ; F. Rowe, and D. Dugay (humorous songs and recitations). The accompaniments were played by Messrs. P. C. Augarde and Cook. Master J. Darragh danced an Irish jig and sailor’s hornpipe, accompanied by Master Roy Sumner. In presenting Mr. Cronin with a wristlet watch, Mr. J. R. Hayward (president of the club) referred to the sterling qualities of the recipient, who had been a member of the club since its inauguration in 1900. Always taking a keen interest in the affairs of the club, Mr. Cronin had been a member of the executive during practicallv the whole period of his membership and the club had no more painstaking and methodical secretary than Mr. Cronin, who occupied that office for a number of years. His genial character and kindly temperament had commended the respect of all who knew him; and now that he was about to leave to take part in the great struggle in which the Empire was engaged, he carried with him the good wishes of all. They would not say good-bye to him but only an re voir, and wish him a speedy and safe return. Mr. Cronin briefly replied. Refreshments were served, and the gathering terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

On Friday, June 29, St., Mary’s Choir held a social evening in Ozanam Lodge. Visiting friends included the ladies who so kindly gave their assistance, and provided the refreshments at the choir social held on June 4. During the evening a small presentation was made to Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., who celebrated the anniversary of his feast on that day. After a short musical programme refreshments were served and the social extended to a late hour.

The annual meeting of St. Mary’s Choir was held on Wednesday, June 27. with an attendance of thirty members. The Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., who was present at the first part of the meeting, gave a short address in which he congratulated the choir on the excellent work done during the year. He spoke in very high terms of the enthusiasm with which the conductor (Mr. Simon) had entered into his duties, and very truthfully remarked that it was due to the untiring energy of the conductor that the choir had made such rapid progress towards perfection. The Dean thanked Mr. Simon for the excellent work he had done, and the choir for the interest taken in its work. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Secretary and treasurer,

Mr., W. E. Cronin; librarian, Miss Goggin; committee Mrs. Bown, Miss Burcell, Miss Bradford, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. McManaway. General business was discussed, and as, a close to the meeting the conductor spoke a few words of thanks to the choir for the response made to his efforts. •,

In the Rugby football senior contest on last Saturday week Marists were again successful, defeating Old Boys by 9 points to 3. Playing with the wind in the first spell, Greens apparently did not make full use of their advantages; instead of kicking high and following up fast, they were consistently finding the line. With the fast hacks they possess, the Greens would find it beneficial to throw the ball about more. The second half was marked by some fine loose work by the Marist forwards. Time after time the Greens would sweep down the field with the ball at their toes. Of the backs

Fitzgerald, O ’ Loughlin, Khouri, and McCormick played well, while of the forwards Fahey, Mahoney, and McGuiness were always to the front. The Marist backs when taking the ball from a high kick should leave, it to one man, not two or three of the players endeavoring to defeat one another in attempting to take the ball.

Playing, at Sydenham Park on -. Saturday last, Marists, the unbeaten team, suffered defeat for the first time at the hands of Albion, by 8 points to 3. During the first half the game was confined chiefly to the forwards, both teams showing plenty of dash. On the other hand, the Green backs during the first spell were right off color, and it was owing to this fact that Albion obtained their 8 points before the whistle sounded for half time. The second spell opened with : some fine work on the part of the Green backs, who were now showing great pace and determination; but owing to hanging on to the ball instead of passing, many an opportunity was lost. The game at this stage became very exciting, and the Greens were playing a' great game, the combined work being indeed very pretty to' witness. Eventually, after many efforts, Frame scored from a forward scramble. For the backs, Fitzgerald, Peripi and Lilly played well, while of a splendid pack of forwards Ellis, Frame, and Mahon always showed up to advantage. Good advice to the Marist team would be that when a ball is kicked high up in the centre of the field they should- follow up every time. In the Association net-ball contests last week the Sacred Heart Girls’ College teams were engaged as follows: team playing against Normal B, won by 14 goals to 1. A team defeated Normal A by 7 goals to 6.

Rev. Father Gondringer, S.M., who has been the guest of Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., at St. Mary’s, returns to Wellington on Wednesday.

Rev. Father O’Sullivan, C.SS.R., is conducting the half-yearly retreat of the Sisters of the Mission. At its conclusion he is to conduct a retreat at Mount Magdala.

Rev. Father O’Sullivan, C.SS.R., preached in the Cathedral at Vespers on last Sunday evening to a crowded congregation. His text was “I have compassion on the multitude,” from the gospel of the day, and he gave a masterly discourse.

The congregation attending the 9.30 Mass on Sundays at the Cathedral greatly appreciate the singing by the boys’ choir. Trained and conducted by Rev. Brother Emilian, who deserves credit for his efforts, the boys are attaining a high state of efficiency.