DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 17 July 1919, Page 22

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) - July 10. . The parents of Captain .T. B. Riordan* (Mr. and Mrs. T. Riordan, of this city) have been notified by him, by cable, that he is returning to New Zealand by the Ulimaroa. Prior to enlisting with the Dental Corps, Captain Riordan conducted a successful dental business in Christchurch. He was a member of i the Hibernian Society, and also of the Christchurch Symphony and Orchestral Societies. - bdryov ..- sV ; •

'..;,- There was , a large attendance at the meeting, on last Tuesday■■• evening, of the Christchurch . Celtic Club, on the occasion of an 'interesting lecturette, delivered by Father Fogarty on ''Charles Kickham.'.' At a later date,,Father Fogarty intends to make an extended reference to the same subject, when ."'he will treat of the works of Kickham. On the motion of the president of the club (Mr. J. Curry), a vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer. . A 'short musical programme was rendered during the evening.

:;.;>., An enjoyable .entertainment, organised by the Christchurch Celtic Club, was given in the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday evening, July 2, in the interests of the Hibernian Stall in connection with the Victory Fair. There was a good attendance, and an excellent programme of varied items was presented, the following contributing:Misses M. and K. Crowe and Mr. A. Gillies (songs), Miss B. Whelan (recitation),. Mr. J. Reeves (clog dance), Messrs, Marsden, Lammess, and Skinner (musical trio, banjo and mandolin), and Mr. F. Healey (humorous song). A ventriloquial act by Mr. C. Parsons proved very entertaining. Miss K. O'Connor efficiently filled the duties of accompanist, and also contributed a piano solo. The Irish comedy, "Nabochlish," was staged in the second part, the characters being excellently filled by Miss Cronin, .- Messrs. J. Curry, T. P. O'Bourke, P. Greenlees, D. McCormick, E. Fitzgerald, and J. Flannelly.

The members of St. Mary's Sodality of Children of Mary met in the schoolroom after the evening devotions on the Feast of SS. Peter and Paul to offer felicitations to the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., it being also his feast day. An address appreciative of the interest the Dean has taken in the sodality, was read by the president (Miss K. Cosgrove). On behalf of the members, Miss K. Molloy asked the Dean's acceptance of a small gift as an earnest of their sincere regard, and accompanied by every good wish for many happy returns of his feast day. The Very Rev. Dean replied in appropriate terms.

On a recent afternoon the ladies of St. Mary's Altar Society held a very enjoyable "At Home" in Ozanam Lodge for the purpose of welcoming back two of their members, Mrs. P. A. Ardagh, who has been on duty at the Front for the past two years, and Mrs. Walter Clifford, recently returned from England, where she assisted in many war charities. The lodge was tastefully furnished in reception room style. The Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., and Father Roche, S.M,, were present. An artistic musical recital was given by Mrs. Reginald Hill, assisted by Miss Mina Ward, at the conclusion of which Dean Regnault delivered a happy welcome-home address. Afternoon tea was served, after which three hearty cheers were given for the guests of honor.

Bro. J. M. Coffey, 8.P., presided at the quarterly meeting of St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, held on Monday evening, June 30. Fathers Long and Fogarty were present, as were all the officers and a good percentage of members. Sick allowances totalling £3 14s 2d, and accounts amounting to £lO7 6s 6d, were passed for payment. The principal items included in the latter were: Medical attendants' fees £4B* 10s 9d, maternity allowances £B, dispensary dues £22 3s, funeral allowance (late Bro. Sellars) £2O, hospital bed scheme £6 8s 6d. The president referred to the loss sustained by the society in New Zealand by the death of Bro. G. J. Sellars, who was so intimately and formerly so energetically connected with Hibernianism in Christchurch. He was (said Bro. Coffey) perhaps the best authority in New Zealand on matters connected with Friendly Societies generally. The regalia was draped out of respect to the memory of Bro. Sellars, who was exceedingly popular with members, and whose genial personality and gentlemanly attitude in the conduct ' of • meetings is remembered with pleasure. A motion of condolence with the bereaved family was carried. ' ; Three new members -were initiated, and two nominations received. Bro. Coffey, on behalf of. the members, extended a cordial welcome to Jtiro, Ford King-

don, recently returned from active service, eulogising his > activity in.j the branch prior to his departure from New Zealand. Bro. 'Kingdon * thanked the brothers for. the •> warmth of : ; the welcome extended, and : 'expressed his- pleasure at being amongst his kith and kin once more in the Hibernian Hall. .; : *'; " \ '; : :' ' '

,; ;; The half-yearly meeting of St. Matthew's (ladies) branch of the Hibernian Society was held in the ; Hibernian Hall on Monday evening, July 7, Sister E. Jacques presiding over 'a full roll of officers and a good attendance of members. Sick "allowance £2 was passed for payment, and two nominations ' for membership : were received. The names of three candidates nominated for the position of District Deputy, rendered vacant through the resignation of Bro. B. P. O'Shaughnessy, were submitted, and a r ballot was taken, which will be dealt with at a future meeting of St. Patrick's branch, when all the branches concerned will have forwarded their sealed papers. The following officers were elected for the ensiling half-year: —President, Sister E. Jacques vice-president, Sister S. Greenlees; secretary, Sister B. M. Sloan; treasurer, Sister M. Smyth; warden, Sister M. Kirwan; guardian, Sister C. Tasker; sick visitors, Sisters Blackaby, Duggan, and Gleeson; assistant secretary, ; Sister K. Bridgman; auditors, Bros. Wall and Gar-ty; U.F.S. Dispensary delegate, Sister E. Rodgers; Catholic Federation delegates, Sisters Morgan and Ryan. Bro. J. Jacques was elected to the office of trustee in place of the late Bro. Jas. Power. Sister E. Brophy, P.P., officiated at the installation ceremony, assisted by Father Long and Bro. M. Grimes. Father Long addressed the sisters on the duties of their respective offices, and congratulated the branch on the fine spirit existing amongst members, and also on the great progress made. His remarks were endorsed and supplemented by Bro. Grimes. Supper was afterwards served.