Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 27 October 1921, Page 21

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (From our own correspondent.) «. October 21. On Thursday evening last the first of a series of monthly reunions of members of the Catholic Ladies' Club was held at the clubrooms, Willis Street, and proved most successful. An interesting lecturette on "Microbes" was given by Dr. Roche Kelly, who was cordially thanked by the president at the conclusion of his address. An en-. , joyable programme was contributed to by the Misses K. Jansen, Doherty, Corby, Redican, and Flan. It is intended to continue these re-unions oil the second Thursday of each month. On last Sunday the members of the local branch of the Hibernian Society attended in large numbers at their quarterly Communion at'the 7.30 o'clock Mass, celebrated by Rev. Father MacDermott at St. Joseph's Church', Buckle Street. After Mass the Communion breakfast was held at the Marble Bar, Manners Street, the members headed by their Pipe band marching thereto. Bro. J. F. Taylor presided, and apologies for unavoidable absence were received from his Grace Archbishop Shea and the Rev-. Father Mahony, S.M. The usual loyal toasts were duly honored. Advantage was taken of the occasion to mark the forty-seventh anniversary of St. Patrick's branch, by making a presentation of a secretary's collar and framed emblem certificate to Bro. P. D. Hoskins, who has occupied the position of secretary for the past thirteen years. The presentation was made by Bro. Taylor, who eugolised Bro. Hoskins' services in the cause of Hibernianism. , Bro. J. J. L. Bourke also spoke in complimentary terms regarding the services rendered by the secretary, and expressed the hope that Bro. Hoskins would long be spared to continue to occupy the office which he had so ably filled during the . past thirteen years. Bro. Hoskins suitably replied. His only regret (he said) was that he was not able to bestow more time on the work of the Society. He detailed the work of the members in promoting St. Patrick's Day and Boxing Day celebrations for the benefit of Catholic Primary Education, and as a result of their efforts the Education Fund- now stood with the handsome sum of over £IO,OOO. During his period of secretaryship the branch had paid out in sick benefits £3840, in medical benefits £3466, and £IO9O in death benefits, which showed that the branch is doing good work in the city. Cheers were given for Bro. Hoskins and the proceedings terminated with the singing of "Faith of Our Fathers." Misses Theo and Lesley Halpin, daughters of Major Halpin, were successful at the recent musical examinations conducted by the Trinity College of Music with the result that they have attained both the A.T.C.L. and L.T.C.L. degrees. They were also successful in the singing and violin examinations. Both are pupils of the Sacred Heart Convent, Lower Hutt, conducted by the Sisters of the Mission*. A very promising young lady and an exemplary Catholic, in the person of Miss Elsie Strickland, passed away last week at her mother's residence, Newtown, after along illness patiently borne. The deceased was a member of the Sodality of Children of Mary, and a member of the University Registrar's clerical staff. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to Mrs. Strickland and her family in their sad bereavement. —R.I.P. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Dibley and family, Island Bay, in the loss they have sustained through the death of Mrs. Dib'ley.— R.I.P. Another very successful function to provide funds for Rev. Mother Aubert's charitable activities took place at His Majesty's Theatre last Wednesday afternoon. '" The large theatre was crowded, and as a result a handsome , sum was .raised. Miss M. Gleeson was secretary, and Miss. > N Mary Butler organised the entertainment,, whilst the Fuller Proprietary . : provided the theatre free of charge. ' Rev. Father Gondringer, S.M., of St. Patrick's College, will leave New Zealand early in December on a visit to his relatives in Europe. Father Gondringer has been 19 ' years in New Zealand, of which three were' spent as a

student in Meeanee and 16 as a teacher in St. Patrick's ' College. Leaving Sydney on December the 17th;, he will break his journey at Port Said in order to visit the Holy Land. After staying six months in Luxembourg, he will visit Ireland and then return to New Zealand, via the United States. Father Gondringer's home in Luxembourg is about three t hours by rail from the battlefields of the Western Front, to which he hopes to pay more than one visit, as he has received many requests from the relatives of fallen New Zealanders to visit the graves of their dear ones, and bring back some slight token or souvenir. As far as is humanly possible he undertakes to render a similar service to others who may care to take advantage •f the offer. The S.S. Omar, by which Father Gondringer will travel from Sydney, left England on October 16, carrying, among other passengers, the Very Rev. Dean Holley, S.M. (provincial), and the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., of St. Mary's,' Christchurch. At the Trinity College Music examination held by v Mr. Myerscough on Wednesday and Thursday, 35 pupils of the Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt, presented themselves' for examination in the several branches, and a pass was obtained in each instance, honors being secured in no less than 17. The examiner stated that he was delighted with the work of the candidates and complimented the College on the excellence of its music teachers. The record is looked upon as being a fine one, and the results of the examinations are most gratifying to the college authorities and the candidates. The many friends throughout New Zealand of the Rev. Father Smyth, S.M., of the Sacred Heart Basilica, Thorndon, will regret to hear of the death of his father, Mr. John Smyth, of Co. Limerick, Ireland, news of which he received by cable last Saturday. Father Smyth is the only member of 'the family in New Zealand. Solemn Requiem Mass was offered at the Sacred Heart Basilica last Wednesday morning for the repose of the soul of deceased, in the presence of a large congregation. Rev. Father Moloney, S.M., was celebrant; Rev. Father Fay, S.M., deacon; Rev. Father. McDonnell, S.M., sub-deacon: and Rev. Father Smyth, S.M., master of ceremonies. The clergy were represented by the following: Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, S.M., Rev. Fathers Mahony, S.M., Hannigan, O.SS.R., Connolly, Cullen, Qnealy, Gondringer, S.M., Quinn, S.M., Riordan, Sweeney, Griffin, and Buckley. The various religious Orders and schools were also well represented. St. Patrick's College Choir under the condustorship of Rev. Father Ryan, with Rev. Father. Schaeffer at the organ, rendered the incidental music, after which the "Dead March" from "Saul" was played on the organ by Father Schaeffer.—