DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 3 October 1918, Page 22

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) September 27. Dean Van Dyk, Superior of the Maori Missions, and Father Langcrwerf, are at present on a visit to Auckland. Rev. .Brother Denis, Provincial of the Marisfc Brothers, has arrived back in Auckland from his visit to the Islands. Brother Denis visited Fiji and Samoa, and found the communities in both groups of islands well. Father Kelly has arrived from Gisborne and entered upon his new duties in the Remucra parish. The members of St. Patrick’s Young Men’s Club arc now in occupation of new club rooms, over the premises of Hugh Wright, Limited, 85 Queen Street. On Sunday afternoon last, at St. Mary’s Church, Northcote, in the presence of a large congregation, the ceremony took place of blessing and dedicating two statues erected in the church and donated by the ladies of the parish to the memory of Corporal Leslie Arthur O’Leary, of Northcote (Ninth Reinforcements), who died of wounds received in action at the Sommfi in September, 1916, and Private Ernest J. Donahoe, of Birkenhead (Fourteenth Reinforcements), who fell at Messines in June, 1917. The parish priest (Father O’Malley) officiated, and an impressive address was delivered by Father Doyle, of Remuera, who was formerly chaplain to the forces at the Front in France. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament was given, after which Mrs. McMillan (organist of the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby) played the “Dead March” from “Saul,” the congregation standing meanwhile. A sacred solo was sung by Mr, Arthur Lennon.

Last evening’s issue of the Auckland Star reports that an interesting feature of General Pan’s sojourn in Sydney was his visit to the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, where he spent some time in prayer. The General, to his great joy, found and conversed with two fellow-countrymen who had borne their part in the war of 1870 to save La Belle France from the ruthless German invasion. To these old warriors General Pau’s visit was consoling, especially when from his lips they learned that all was going well for Franc© and the Allies. Several fellow countrywomen of the Home were delighted at the deference shown to them by the one-armed General, who had given his whole life for their beloved country. The distinguished General is expected to arrive in Auckland shortly. Mrs. Catherine Mary Ralph, wife of Mr. W. J. Ralph, of Princes Street, director of the Taupiri Mines, Limited, died yesterday in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, after a Jong illness. As a child of four, Mrs. Ralph, whose maiden name was Flood, arrived in Auckland from Ireland 50 years ago, with her guardian, the late Mr. T. E. Fitzgerald, and was placed in St. Mary’s Convent, Ponsonby, where she was educated and lived until the time of her marriage. She was exceptionally gifted in regard to music, being a proficient player of the violin, harp, violoncello, piano, and organ. On many occasions she acted as organist at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, and she was also orchestral leader in connection with amateur opera performances in Auckland, including “The Pirates of Penzance’’ and “Dorothy.’’ About two years ago Mrs. Ralph visited Ireland, where two of her daughters are married —one to Mr. J. T. Donovan, M.P., and the other to Captain Esmond Napier, M.C. While there she became seriously ill, and enduring much suffering returned to Auckland in April last. Her complaint developing seriously, an operation was found necessary, and was performed nine weeks ago; but although it effected considerable temporary relief it failed to stave off the fatal effects of her ailment. Mrs. Ralph leaves a family of eighttwo sons (Mr. Anthony Ralph, of Auckland, and Mr. Gerald Ralph, of Sydney) and six daughters, these being Mrs. Donovan, Mrs. Napier. Mrs. P. Higgins (of Napier), Mrs. C. P. Gavegan (whose husband is on the staff of the cable steamer Iris), and Misses Ruby and Rena Ralph. RIP.