Catholic Societies Past and Present

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 17, 3 May 1923, Page 30

Catholic Societies Past and Present

ST. JOSEPH’S MEN’S CLUB. .. During his period of duty in the city after his arrival in the diocese, Father (now Dean) Burke applied himself to the task of forming a Young Men’s Society, the object of which was to- cultivate the literary talents of the members by means of lectures, debates, etc., and incidentally to encourage them to meet in social intercourse in a Catholic atmosphere for the purpose of mutual self-improvement. The founder of the society soon had a real live organisation, and he did not spare himself in providing and contributing, to the syllabus, also adding further attractions as opportunity offered. After the departure of Dean Burke, the society lapsed into a moribund state until Father Lynch (who became president) renewed interest in it. In this,' as in everything else Father Lynch undertook, the society’s former success was amplified. From then onward its career was a lengthy and honorable one ; Father Lynch holding the office of president during the whole time he remained in Dunedin. Many who are now prominent in professional, and commercial circles passed through the ranks of . the society, and attribute at least some of their success to the training they received while associated therewith. The society’s ramifications increased as time went on, and amongst the members’ activities the cultivation of the dramatic art was a prominent feature. In this the members achieved, with the help of professional coaches, some notable successes. Among the society’s leaders on the literary side were some highly educated and enthusiastic gentlemen whose interest in the work in hand never flagged. After many years of successful endeavor the organisation again lapsed. An attempt was made a few years ago to re-estab-lish the society on its former basis, and, owing to the energy of Father Ardagh, this was fairly successful to a certain point. Subsequently, however, it was deemed expedient to merge the resuscitated organisation in the Christian Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association. ST. JOSEPH’S LADIES’ CLUB. This most useful association was formed a number of years ago with the main object of affording a means to social intercourse among the Catholic girls and young women resident in the city, and to assist those who are obliged to live a wav from their own homes to fill positions in business and follow other occupations in Dunedin. In this laudable endeavor St. Joseph’s Ladies’ Club has accomplished a great deal of good. The club’s first president was Miss A. Helev, who did excellent work in its inaugural stages. Miss Beley was succeeded as president by Miss M. Staunton. The early years of the club were remarkable for its fine dramatic programmes, and the efforts of the members in this direction, while ambitions, were invariably successful, Mrs. M. A. Jacksou, who held the position of president for a lengthy term, performed excellent work for the club; the farewells to the men leaving for the Great War and the reception of those who returned being distinctive features of the club’s activities during the latter years of her presidency. At the present time the destinies of the club are being guided by Miss E. Knott, who has most capably filled the position for four years. There is quite a substantial membership roll, and keen interest is shown in every phase of the work of the organisation. THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY. , More than thirty-five years have elapsed since the St. Vincent de Paul Society was established in Dunedin. Known first as the Catholic Ladies’ Association of Charity, with Mrs. A. J. _ Fergusson as president, it later adopted the title by which it has since been known. Associated with Mrs. Fergussou was (among other energetic workers) Mrs. J. B. Callan, sen., who also filled the position of vice-presi-dent. Immediately preceding Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. J. J. Connor filled the position of president for several years. The main conference is attached to St. Joseph’s Cathedral parish, and incorporated with it are conferences at Northeast Valley, Mornington, and Kaikorai. A conference is also in operation in connection with St. Patrick’s parish, South Dunedin. A long-felt want was recently supplied by. the society in tins city by the appointment of a Catholic district nurse. For a number of years a men’s branch, of the society existed in Dunedin, its activities being mainly devoted to the seafaring men. Owing to the depletion of its ranks by the outbreak of the Great War,. the branch fell into abeyance. Steps have already been taken, however, to re-establish the society on the basis provided by the general rules. At meetings held during the past few weeks at the North-east Valley, Mornington, Kaikorai, and in the city, numbers of men gave in their names for membership. and it is hoped that by July 19 (Feast of St. Vincent de Paul) all the preliminary details will be aranged, and the society definitely established. THE HIBERNIAN SOCIETY. • The society’s golden jubilee was celebrated in March last,. and, ■ as the event was very fully reported in our columns at the time, it is unnecessary to revert to it here. DUNEDIN CATHOLIC STUDENTS’ GUILD. The newest society to be established in Dunedin is the Catholic Students’ Guild. This guild—fortunate in its possession of Very Rev. C. Morkane, Rector of Holy , Cross College, as president judging by the results so far recorded, destined to accomplish inestimable service in the .interests'of-students attending the Otago University.