Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 13 February 1919, Page 19

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) February 8. Owing to the influenza epidemic, Mr. W. F. Johnson, secretary of the Wellington Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation was not able to spend his annual vacation in Australia, as originally intended. In my report last week of the Catholic Women's Hostel meeting I inadvertently inserted the name of Mr. L. M. A. Reardon as a member of the hostel committee. The name should read Mr. M. J. Reardon. The St. Patrick's Day Celebration Committee met on last Thursday evening. Mr. J. P. McGowan presided, and there was a large attendance. Father S. Mahony, S.M., and Rev. Brother Fidelis were among those present. factory reports were received from .the various sub-committees, and a successful function may be anticipated.

Owing to early demolition of St. Patrick’s Hall, after doing service for over forty years, first as a presbytery, and later as the Central Catholic Hall in Wellington, to make room for the new church, the various bodies using the hall (including the Dominion Executive of the Catholic Federation), have had to make fresh arrangements for accommodation. The Catholic Federation has secured a fine suite of rooms in Fletcher’s Buildings on the corner of Willis Street and Lambton Quay, right in the centre of the city, and will shortly occupy its' new quarters. The new Federation rooms will be' the meeting place, also, of the Hibernian Society. The Dominion Executive of the Catholic Federation met last Saturday. Those present were Father Hurley, S.M., 'Adm., Major Halpin (Wellington), and Messrs. Dromgook (Auckland), F. J. Doolan (Christchurch), P. D. Hoskins (treasurer), and Miss GirlingButcher (secretary). A sub-committee to issue the Bulletin, was appointed, and arrangements were made for the meeting of the Dominion Council at Dunedin. It was decided that diocesan councils be paid one halfpenny per member, whether adult or minor, for the establishment of scholarships. The question of providing suitable office accommodation was left in the hands of Mr. Hoskins to arrange. The next meeting was fixed for May 3. a * SSJ?

As the result of injuries sustained in attempting to control grass fires about a week ago, Mr. Joseph Eccleton, father of Rev. J. A. Eccleton (formerly of St. Patrick’s College), died at Waipawa on Thursday last. Deceased, who was 73 years of age, was well known and highly esteemed in New Zealand. Born at Trim, County Westmeath, Ireland, he joined the Irish police at the age of 19, and was a member of that body when it was constituted the Royal Irish Constabulary, in 1866. After seven years’ service, Mr. Eccleton came to New Zealand, and joined the New Zealand Police Force, being stationed at Westport, Greymouth, Grey town, and Waipawa. After 37 years in the force, Mr. Eccleton retired on superannuation some three years ago. His wife died about 13 years ago. His family are Father J. A. Eccleton (Reefton), Messrs. P. J. Eccleton (Leeston), J. T. Eccleton (Reefton), W. C. Eccleton (Pahiatua), and Mesdames T. P. Keane (Napier) and E. J. O’Brien. (Napier).— R.I.P. -

Although the weather on last Saturday night was wet and wintry to a degree, quite a large number of people attended the pretty coronation ceremony at the Town Hall, and - were rewarded by a good evening’s entertainment. The queen, Miss E. O’Brien, nominated by the Altar Society, as a. candidate for the honor at the recent .bazaar in aid of St. Mary’s rebuilding fund, was beautifully robed in a regal gown of rich white satin, with court train of red velvet bordered wkn ermine, and had a cape of ermine.

The Grand March, arranged by Mrs. Hempton, mistress of the robes, was a most effective affair. When all had reached the stage; the effect of the grouping was extremely attractive, and evoked much applause. A court concert was given with many enjoyable items, including a grand aria, .“Star of Eve” (Tannhauser), and a song; “Ernarii,” by Signor L. Cesaroni; recitation by Mr. Kevin Dillon; songs by Mr. C. Melvin, Miss M. Hanlon, and Winston McCarthy ; and a flute solo by Mr. A. McDonald. Several dances were given by the children. Miss Pauline Anketell accompanied Signor Cesaroni’s songs, and Mr. W. McLoughlin played; the remainder of the accompaniments. The performance was successfully repeated on Wednesday evening. The business arrangements were efficiently carried out by the bazaar committee, headed by Mr. T. O’Brien.