Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 30 August 1917, Page 19

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) August 25. The Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, S.M., the popular rector of St. Anne's, Newtown, who celebrated the fortieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood last Friday, was the recipient of many congratulatory messages from all parts of the Dominion. The High Commissioner has cabled to the Prime Minister the following particulars of the circumstances under which Lieutenant Eric Reeves, formerly of the Public Trust Office, Wellington, and an old boy of the Marist Brothers’ School and St. Patrick’s College, earned the Military Cross: — “Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Led platoon to objective, taking command of another which had lost officers. Captured objective, wounded, remaining in command until relieved. Splendid example.” c ' At a meeting of the Holy Family Confraternity held on Tuesday evening, August 21, at St. Gerard’s Church, it was unanimously decided to erect a permanent memorial to the late Mr. Fred. W. Crombie, who died of wounds recently in France, and who was for nearly eight years secretary to the confraternity. The men of the confraternity intend to set about the work immediately, and to this end a committee was appointed. As several of the late Mr. Crombie’s friends will be anxious to assist in the erectibn of the memorial, the committee will be pleased to receive help towards this worthy object. The form that the memorial will take will depend on the efforts of the committee. It was thought that about £l5O would bo required to defray the necessary cost. The Very Rev. Father Roche, C.SS.R., presided. . The girls of the Catholic Knitting Guild held a social in the Alexandra Hall on Saturday evening last to augment the funds for their day at the Red Cross Shop. There was a large attendance, and khaki, as usual, predominated. The hall was tastefully deco-

rated, Mr. Cook having arranged flags in artistic style. Cards, as well as other novelties, were provided. The chaperons were Mrs. O’Sullivan,- Mrs. Bolton, Mrs. Gamble, and Mrs. Mackin; Misses Breen and .MfeKeowen were joint secretaries, and their preparations were highly commended. Excellent music was Supplied by Mr. Williams’ orchestra; supper, in charge of Mrs. Oscar Johnstone, was served. 'An enjoyable time was spent by all, and the committee had reason to be gratified with the results achieved, and wish to thank all whb contributed cash donations. ’’ ~ The Alexandra Hall proving too small for the anticipated demonstration to mark the centenary of the religious Order of Marist Brothers on September 10,it was unanimously decided to engage the Town Hall for the occasion. The last meeting of the inaugural committee was attended by the Rev. Father S. Mabony, S.M. (St. Mary’s), Rev. Father Hurley, S.M. (St. Joseph’s), Rev. Father Mark Devoy, S.M. (representing the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, St, Anne’s), and the Rev. Father Dignan, S.M. (representing the Sacred Heart parish), who all expressed a keen desire to see the centenary of the illustrious Marist Order worthily observed by a huge Catholic demonstration, thus showing appreciation of the great work that has been done, is now being done, and will be done in the future by the members of that Order. v A splendid programme of music, interspersed with speeches by prominent Catholics (the majority old boys) has been arranged. A nominal charge will be made for admission. In connection with the Sunday celebration it was decided to provide a Communion breakfast for the students who will be taking part. i At a meeting of the Executive and Legislative Committee of the Municipal Association of New Zealand at which the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G.) presided, a remit dealing with objectionable posters—a matter in which the Catholic Federation has been endeavoring to get the Government and local bodies to take action,was dealt with. The joint remit as follows was from Oamaru—“That uniform by-laws be passed by borough councils in respect of objectionable posters.” In reply to the chairman, the Municipal Association solicitor (Mr. T. F. Martin) said he could draft a by-law for submission to municipalities. Mr. Baldwin (Mayor, Lower Hutt) considered that it would be impossible to draft a by-law which would satisfy all .local bodies. The matter was one for the Government to take up, not leaving the decision to each municipality. The remit was lost, and on the motion of Mr. Townsend (Mayor, Miramar) it was resolved— “ That the Government be asked to enact amending legislation to deal more effectively with objectionable costers.”