Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 20, 24 May 1923, Page 27

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) May 19, The meeting of the sympathisers' with Mother Aubert's Home of Compassion at Island Bay, which was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening, was very largely attended notwithstanding the inclement weather. Arrnagements Were made for the holding of a street day and a collection in aid of the fund on the Ist proximo, and the stalls allotted. In addition to the street day it was decided to hold a paper, plain, and fancy dress charity ball in the Town Hall on June 25, and the price of admission, including supper, was fixed at ss. The public are to be admitted as onlookers on payment of Is. Mother Aubert, who was unable to be present, sent a message stating that in view of. the flood disaster at Blenheim, where the people had been .so good to her, she would try and carry on for the present, and let any funds raised be sent to relieve distress there. The chairman (Mr. J. J. McGrath) said there was no cause more in need or more deserving of the gratitude and charity of the Wellington public than the Home of Compassion. Among the inmates, who were chiefly the sick and incurable poor, there was no, distinction of race, color, or creed, and the only qualifications for admission were poverty and illness. He was sure the Government would do the right thing by the people 'of the devastated districts, who would neither expect, nor. accept, assistance that was sorely needed here for the poor and incurable, sick. The meeting thanked Mother Aubert for the noble spirit that prompted her offer, and decided unanimously to retain the funds for the Home of'Compassion. Mrs. Gleeson was appointed secretary, and any donations may be sent to her or to the treasurer, Mr. J. J. McGrath, c/o P.O. Box 757, Wellington.

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) May 21. A highly successful and enjoyable "afternoon" was held at the Sacred Heart Girls' College, on Sunday, May 13. when the members of the Cathedral Sodality of the Children of Mary invited their, friends to afternoon tea. and incidentally contribute gifts of books and cash to furnish a library for the sodality. During the afternoon a pleasing programme of musical and elocutionary items was contributed to by Misses Ray Brown and Ella Pierce (pianoforte solos); Miss Ellis Muschamp (violin . solo); Misses Evelyn Carney, Mary O'Connor, R. Rings, M. Collins, Rev. Fathers Hanraban, Lordan, and Joyce (songs); Misses B. McAloon and R. Hodgkinson (vocal duet); Mrs. R. McAleer and Miss K. O'Connor (recitations). Father Hanrahan thanked all present for so generously supporting such a worthy, object as the formation of a library. The need for such has been felt for a long time, and he would suggest that it be made a parish library, to be under the control of the Children of Mary. Father Lordan (spiritual director) thanked all present for making the function so successful. The members of the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Association are ,to % approach the Holy Table at the Cathedral on Sunday next at the 8.15 o'clock Mass,- for their annual Communion. A Retreat for the members of the women's section of the Archconfraternity of the Blessed Sacrament at St-r Mary Christchurch North, is to commence on Sunday next. A Retreat for the members of the men's division of the same archconfraternity will be given during the following week. A concert party organised by Mr. Arthur Macdonald, visited Mt. Magdala on last Sunday afternoon and gave a much-appreciated entertainment. Those who contributed to the programme included nine instrumentalists, under the direction of Mr. Middleton, representing the Queen's Picture* Palace orchestra,- also;Mr. Skinner's banjo band. v

Miss Gladys Vincent and Mr. Clark gave violin solos; Miss Doris Middleton a ’cello solo; and Mr. Hutton (flute) and Mr. F. Haughey (cornet) selections. Among ’the’ vocalists were Miss Watts (Miss Middleton supplying a ’cello obbligato), Messrs. R. Moloiley, F. A. Wood, A. Macdonald, and little Bobby Macdonald. Mr. J. P. Noonan in story and character sketch caused a lot .of merriment. Mesdames Middleton and Macdonald were efficient accompanists. Mr, Geo. Hayward, on behalf of the Rev. Mother Superior, expressed in appropriate terms the gratitude of the Sisters and inmates for the great 'treat afforded them. In responding, Mr. Macdonald said he was deeply indebted to the artists who ‘ had so generously acceded to his request on the present occasion, and to those who had so un- . grudgingly lent their ; motor cars, for the conveyance of the party. He especially thanked Mrs. Middleton and the members of her orchestra, and'said he hoped in the nearfuture 'to organise a similar j entertainment. ■ Mr. Macdonald certainly deserves to be warmly commended for the kindly interest he takes in-Mt., Magdala and similar deserv- ' ing objects, of charitable endeavor. His efforts in this regard have extended over a number of years, and he seems never to weary of giving plasure to those who so highly value it at his hands. * Timaru (From our own correspondent.) May 21. The news of .the death at Wellington last week, of Mr. Jeremiah Hurley (father of our esteemed pastor), was received with much regret by the parishioners of Timaru, The devotions for the month of May each evening at the Church of .the Sacred Heart, in honor, of the Blessed Virgin, are being well attended by the parishioner*. A very successful Retreat for ladies was conducted recently by Rev. Father Barra, S.M., at the Sacred Heart Convent. Ahaura (From our own correspondent.) May 19. It is a genuine pleasure to see the carpenter at work renovating and repairing ■ the church and presbytery at Ahaura. The work is well in hand and the painter will soon (weather permitting) administer his chocolate and cream. ‘‘Sweet Vale of Ahaura.” Mr. Allen McDonnell, sen., Totara Flat, was one of those who read in Ireland long ago the first copy of the X./j. Tablet, “I was only a boy (says Mr. McDonnell), yet I was deeply interested and impressed by. the N.Z. Tablet. 1 have read the paper every week from that day to this and will continue to do so while I live.” Mr. McDonnell is still active, hale, and hearty. The opening of a hew and more or less unique saw mill at “Sleepy Hollow,'” Nelson Creek, is a work that reflects great credit on the ability and wonderful perseverance of the Donnellan boys. The mill is worked by powerful water turbines. Visitors to the Creek always receive a eaed mile faille, and a warm shake hand awaits them at the mill. Dennie Sullivan is home from the South. He is looking well after his well-deserved holiday. * Father MacLean—“the China priest”—is expected in Ahaura next week. The people are anxious jto see him, hear him, and help him. Rev. Father Fogarty has announced that the Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Brodie, will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary’s Church, Ahaura, on Monday, 21st inst. His many friends and admirers will be pleased to know that Dick Darcy is much improved in Health. Old Dick’sface is ever cheerful and full of hope, and please God will linger a little longer in his little happy “Grey home in the West.” His one great ambition is o see a peaceful and prosperous Ireland.

.. . Only male choirs are to be allowed in the churches in the Diocese of Cleveland,, according to orders issued by Right Rev. Joseph 7 Schrembs, Bishop of Cleveland.