CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB

New Zealand Tablet, 4 March 1920, Page 28

CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC CLUB

(From our own correspondent.) ' The new rooms secured by the Christchurch Catholic Club, in Victoria Chambers, Victoria Square, were formally opened on Wednesday evening, February 25. The club’s energetic president (Mr. J. R. Hayward) conducted the evening’s proceedings, and there were present his Lordship Dr. Brodie, Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., Rev. Brother Phelan, and about 50 members, amongst them such staunch supporters of the club as Messrs. J. Dickson, E. L. McKeon, G. Dobbs, E. Cordery, W. Hayward, and the club secretary (Mr. D. Dugay). The clubrooms, though not spacious, are very neat and well furnished, and with the good piano and billiard table should appeal to members as a place for evening resort. The president read an apology from Sir George Clifford, who . was unable to attend, but forwarded a donation of £5. The balance sheet for the year ended August 31, 1919, was submitted, discussed, and adopted. This showed receipts to have been (including balance forward), £lO7 10s 6d; expenditure, £94 ISs lOd; credit balance, £l2 11s 8d; excess of assets over liabilities, £lOl 14s lid. His Lordship the Bishop, who was received with applause, said that to be present that evening and witness renewed interest in the Catholic Club was to him a source of very great pleasure. He wished to impress on members the need for all of them to be enthusiastic in the club's welfare, so that the greatbenefits to be derived should be fully enjoyed. Referring to the honors gained by the club in debating and literary work, the Bishop said he wanted to see these successes repeated in the near future. In order to show his own practical interest, he would make his year’s donation £lO and guarantee another £2O if needed. Speaking of tennis Bishop Brodie said that a new court was about to bo laid in the Cathedral grounds, so that the club could count on having two courts at its disposal, and therefore cater for a greater number of players than’ heretofore. His Lordship concluded by wishing the session just opened every success and the club every prosperity. Mr. E. L. McKeon, on behalf of the executive and members, expressed hearty appreciation of the presence of his Lordship Dr. Brodie that evening. Since his advent to the diocese his Lordship had shown a lively interest in the club’s welfare. He trusted that members would so rally round the club that there would be no necessity for availing of Bishop Brodie’s guarantee offer. Mr. McKeon then spoke of the departure of Mr. J. R. Hayward to the Old Country. Mr. Hayward's work as president of the club could never be excelled, and the executive felt it incumbent to give him some small token of its appreciation. He trusted that Mr. Hayward’s trip would be enjoyable and profitable, and in asking him to accept a fine set of gold studs wished him a safe return. Mr. Hayward, who was taken by surprise, said he felt it difficult to express his feelings. He had been given credit for his interest in the club. If he had been active in this respect it had been firstly because he was a Catholic proud of his religion—and secondly because he realised the necessity for young -men as Catholics to meet and hold intercourse in a place with a Catholic atmosphere. His ideals regarding the proper constitution and far-reaching claims of the club were not yet realised, but he trusted that some day they would be. Mr. Hayward thanked the executive for their handsome gift, which he valued especially for the spirit of good feeling that accompanied it. Concluding, Mr. Hayward announced to members that Mr. Dickson had generously placed at the disposal of the club for social functions the top floor of Carlton Cafe. The offer was enthusiastically received. Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy moved a hearty vote of thanks to the retiring officers Messrs. J. R. Hayward and AV. Harrington. Mr. E. L. AlcKeou donated £5 towards the expenses of the coming session. .The following are the officers for the ensuing year; Patrons, His Lordship the Bishop and Sir George Clifford; president, Mr. P. J. Amodeo; bon. vice-presidents. Drs. Morkane, O’Brien, Ardagh, Messrs. C. Ward, B. F. Darby, P. Burke, E. L. McKeon. Dr. Hight, ,T. S. Barrett, C. S. Harper, H. H. Lomdinan, A. J. Alalley, M. O’Reilly; active vice-presidents, E. L. McKeon, W. Dobbs, P. McNamara; committee, Messrs. P.. Nelson. C. Barnett, J. Flannolly, B. Riordan, and F. Healy. Cheers for his Lordship the Bishop and the retiring president' concluded the proceedings.