DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, 4 August 1921, Page 21

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.) July 29. Rev. Father Eccleton, S.M., has just concluded a Retreat at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Ponsonby. The social in aid of the funds of the Marist Brothers was held in St. Benedict’s Hall on Tuesday, July 26, and proved a great success. The function was organised by St. Benedict’s Club, assisted by many friends from the city and suburban parishes. The Brothers heartily thank all who contributed towards its success. The rebuilding scheme of the convent, Grey Lynn, has been deferred for some months until the cost of building eases somewhat. In addition to the collections which still continue, various schemes for raising funds are under consideration by the committee. The first is an art union in which valuable prizes are being offered, and tickets for same will be on the market very shortly. The second is the screening of the famous picture “Fabiola” in the Town Hall, Auckland, in the near future. The management of “Fabiola” has kindly granted same gratis for the convent funds. In connection with the exhibition of the picture a select choir will render the incidental music. Following shortly after “Fabiola,” a concert will be arranged by the children of the combined schools of the city and suburbs, assisted by leading artists. It is to be hoped that the public generally will accord their generous patronage to the art union and the functions, which will be held in the Town Hall, and thus considerably augment the convent funds. His Lordship Dr. Liston, Coadjutor-Bishop, visited Otahuhu and Papakura on Sunday, July 24, and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. A most enjoyable concert, arranged by the Misses Beresford, was given in the Concert Chamber of the Town

Hall on Wednesday, July 27, in aid of the Takapuna Orphanage. The entertainment was a clever blending of singing, elocutionary items, and dancing, suitable costumes enhancing the effect of the performers' efforts, and good music by Miss Beresford's orchestra was greatly appreciated. Various national dances were interpreted in artistic style by Miss Beresford's pupils, solo parts being taken by Vivian Watson, Irene Kelly, Connie Barrie, and Avonia Craig. In a Continental scena, wonderfully pretty dances were introduced, the principal performers being Fay Brooking, Mavis Morgan, and Isola St. Clair. An Indian scene, which concluded the programme,, was a striking performance, the soloists being Monte Newton', Nellie Dawson, and Mavis Morgan. Songs were rendered by Mrs. Hanson, Misses Connie Barry and Dora Jenkins, and Mr. McLean. Duos were given by Misses Mollie Burke and Ava Brooking, and Misses Irene Kelly and Vivian-Watson, and Misses Thelma Hunter and Rhoda Jenkins. Mr. Les. Wat-son-rendered monologues, and Mr. Walter Beresford. gave an eccentric dance. What became a "star" item occurred during a sung appeal for assistance for the orphanage. Two small girls, one dressed in male evening dress and another in sailor uniform, commenced to gather the coins, which were showered the stage. These were joined by several other children, one being a tiny tot dressed for a subsequent dance, in the old-fashioned lady's attire of the "wig and powder" age, and the manner in which she chased coins about the stage convulsed, the audience.

SELF-DETERMINATION FOR IRELAND LEAGUE. AUCKLAND. A magnificent demonstration in sympathy with Ireland’s just demand for the recognition of her rights and liberties, was held in the Town Hall on Wednesday night, July 13. The hall was crowded in every part, well over 3000 people being in attendance. A splendid reception was accorded the speaker, Mr. Hall-Skelton, who is an Anglican, a New Zealander of Irish parents, and a barrister, a fluent speaker, and the president of the Self-Determination League in the Auckland province. Rapturous applause greeted the speaker as he drove home every point in his soul-stirring and memorable address. The manifesto and other literature of the Self-Determination League were distributed freely to the vast audience. At the conclusion of the address cables were despatched to Air. Lloyd George and Mr. Eamon de Valera advocating Ireland’s right to self-determination. ■*-