Leeston

New Zealand Tablet, 12 July 1917, Page 22

Leeston

(From our own correspondent.) July 2. A successful function was held in the Catholic hall on Thursday last, when the attendance, as on former occasions, was very large. The Rev. Father Hoare, S.M.. was present; also Rev. Father Gondringer, S.M. M.A. (St. Patrick's College, Wellington), and Rev. Father Roche, S.M. (St. Mary's, Christchurch). The first part was a debate on the subject, "Which is the more beneficial to the welfare of this Dominion—agricultural or pastoral pursuits?" Mr. A. T. Robertson, who presided, bespoke for the debaters an attentive and patient hearing. As many of the speakers were making their debut in public, and might be rather nervous, he asked the audience to "be to their faults a little blind." Mr. F. J. Holley, as leader for the pastoralists' side, outlined many and weighty arguments. New Zealand (he said) was essentially a pastoral country, and from statistics he showed that this fair Dominion owed its prosperity to the produce of the pastoralist. He was ably supported by Messrs. J. P. McEvedy and I. N. O'Boyle, who, in excellent, speeches, maintained that wool, meat, and butterthe three greatest sources of wealth to New Zealand—the stock-in-trade of the pastoralist. Not only were we reaping a golden harvest from these three great products, but the future held even brighter prospects in store. Mr. B. Carroll, who was in excellent form, championed the side of the agriculturalist. This Dominion (he said), with its splendid roads and railways, owed all to the tillers of the soil. He had as his supporters Messrs. W. J. McEvedy and E. J. Winter, who showed that the growing of cereals was absolutely necessary for the sustenance of the population. Rev. Father Gondringer, who kindly judged the debate, said he was pleasantly surprised at the talent displayed by the speakers. These debates were highly instructive, and proved a source of education to our young men who might be asked on future occasions to take up public positions. As for agricultural and pastoral pursuits, he was not very conversant with either subject, but he would judge the debate on points. One side (he said) had given all their attention to the financial aspect of the question, whilst the side for agriculture had confined itself more strictly to the question at issue. He explained that money was not everything, and he would give his decision in favor of the agriculturalists, who had gained 211 points, as against the pastoralists' 205. The result, which proved a popular win, was greeted with prolonged applause. Rev. Father Hoare briefly thanked the visiting priests for their attendance, and more especially Rev. Father Gondringer, who had kindly consented to judge the debate. He availed himself of this occasion also (he said) to make a presentation to Private A. J. McEvedy, who was home on final leave. Private McEvedy- was a most popular member of the congregation, and a staunch Catholic, and although he had already received many presentations, he (the speaker) hoped the little presents he was giving would come in useful when Private McEvedy was in the danger zone. He had much pleasure in •handing to the departing soldier a crucifix and a soldier's prayer-book. Private McEvedy, who was warmly received, said that he was quite taken by sur-

prise. He thanked Father Hoare most heartily for his kind presents, and: added that although it was no wish of his to leave his old friends, he must obey the call of duty; he hoped when the war was over to return safely and renew old associations. Mr. T. Delaney, who was in splendid voice, then sang “By the- Banks of Shannon River.” Supper, provided by the ladies, was then served, and the social was extended till about midnight. - ...

On the first Sunday of the month the usual devotions were held. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed from the 11 o’clock Mass, and throughout the" day large numbers paid visits to our Divine Lord in adoration. In the evening after the Holy Rosary, Rev. Father Hoare preached an eloquent discourse on the priesthood. The usual procession, participated in by the Children of Mary and Altar Society, followed. The Hibernian Society formed a guard of honor to the Blessed Sacrament.

The half-yearly meeting of St. John’s branch 1T.A.C.8. Society, was held in the parish hall on Wednesday evening, July 4. Bro. B. Greenan, 8.P., presided and there was a good attendance of members. Rev. Father Hoare was among those present. Correspondence was received from various sources, also business paper for district meeting, Auckland. Balance sheets for March quarter, read by the secretary, showed the branch to be in a good financial position, and it is hoped, with the interest Rev. Father Hoare is taking in the branch since coming into the parish, that it will soon be able to report a larger membership. The election of officers for ensuing term resulted as follows : President, Bro. Jos. Carroll ; vice-president, Bro. J. McMahon secretary, Bro. P. Slattery (x-e-elected) treasurer, Bro. M. Slattery (re-elected) ; warden, Bro. P. Walsh; guardian, Bro. P. Dugan; sick visitors, Bros. B. Greenan and P. Dugan : auditors, Bros. T. Riordan, and J. Galvin ; delegate to district^meeting, Bro. John Patterson, J.P., Auckland. The retiring president (Bro. Greenan) then duly installed the newlyelected officers, each of whom returned thanks. Rev. Father Hoare imparted some sound advice to the officers, and expressed himself as very pleased with the members acceding to his request to more frequently attend Holy Communion in regalia. At the conclusion of business a pleasant hour was spent in socialities.