DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 15 September 1921, Page 23

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) September 11. A very suitable property adjoining the Church of Our Lady "Star of 'the Sea," Sumner, has been acquired, and will be immediately fitted up as a presbytery. Very Rev. Dean Bowers (diocesan secretary) will take up his residence there, the seaside borough still remaining attached to the Cathedral parish.

At the Cathedral on Sunday, the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, special devotions were held in honor of the Blessed Virgin. At all the Masses special discourses on the feast were given, and in the evening Rev. Dr. McEvoy, of Lismore, N.S. Wales, preached to a crowded congregation. After the" sermon the statue of Our Lady was borne in procession round the Cathedral by the Children of Mary in regalia.

, St. Mary's Choir held a social in the Art Gallery on Wednesday last, at which there was a numerous attendance. Euchre and other pastimes were enjoyed, and an excellent band suppplied music, which enhanced the pleasure of the occasion. Messrs. F. Bown, B. Riordan, and J. Ford were M's.C. Miss Enright and the ladies' committee deserve to be congratulated on the success of thenefforts.

There was a large attendance at the ordinary meeting of the Christchurch Celtic Club, held in the Hibernian Hall on Tuesday evening last, Mr. H. Nevin presiding. A motion of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Geo. O'Sullivan, who as vice-president of the club had always shown himself active in its interests, was carried. A musical programme, arranged by Mrs. Baxter, provided an enjoyable evening.

The fortnightly meeting of St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held on last Monday evening at the Hibernian Hall, Bro. H. Upjohn, 8.P., presiding. There was a good attendance of members and a full roll of officebearers. A motion of condolence with the relatives of the late Bro. G. O'Sullivan was carried, the regalia of the members being draped out of respect to his memory. Sick allowance (£ll 10s) and accounts (£3O 0s 6d) were passed for payment. It was decided to accept the invitation of the New Headford branch to play a return card matchjpn Thursday, September 29. Bro. Grimes submitted the quarterly report of the U.F.S. Dispensary, wnich showed a marked increase in its operations.

The ordinary meeting of St. Mary's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held at Ozanam Lodge on August 29, Bro. Anderson, 8.P., presiding. Bro. Grimes (District Deputy) on behalf of the District presented a framed photograph of the delegates to the triennial movable meeting, for which he was heartily thanked by the president. A motion of condolence with the widow' and relatives of the late Mr. Cuthbert Harper— a life honorary member of the branch—was passed. Sick allowance (£6) was passed for payment. The secretary read a letter received, from Dean Regnault, S.M., giving an entertaining and descriptive account of-his recent travels.

The annual meeting of the Shamrock "forty-five" and euchre club was recently held in the Hibernian Hall. Mr. J. Flannelly, presiding. The committee reported excellent progress together with a successful year. After some alterations to the rules had been adopted the following officebearers for the ensuing year were elected : —Chairman, Mr. J. Anderson; secretary, Mr. J. Flannelly; treasurer, Mr. J. Falconer; committee, Messrs. S. Christopher, P. Pearce, H. McDonnell, and J. Duggan. Mr. Anderson has promised a gold medal for the most points scored at ''fortyfives" during the coming year. . ."