Ashburton Catholic Literary Society

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 39, 4 October 1923, Page 26

Ashburton Catholic Literary Society

SILVER. JUBILEE CELEBRATION. (From Our Special Reporter.) Am event of exceptional interest is the attainment

by the Literary and Debating section of the Ashburton Catholic Club of its silver jubilee, or, in other words, 25 years of uninterrupted and successful effort. The pride with which the memberspast and present —view this fine record was amply demonstrated on last Wednesday evening, when they gathered in large numbers to fittingly mark so important a stage in the history of their society. The celebration took the form of a banquet, arranged in a style admittedly superior to any similar function held in that progressive town. The Masonic Hall, engaged for the occasion because of the ample accommodation it afforded, was tastefully decorated in the chib’s colors green and gold ; flowers and foliage, too, adding very materially to the effectiveness of the scene. The tables were laden with viands of the choicest, and were attended by a number of young lady friends of the members in a manner which elicited the cordial appreciation of all present.

The president (Mr. L. F. J. Ryan) presided, having on his right the Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell (patron) and Rev. Father O’Doherty; and on his left Air, F. K. Cooper (the first president). Mr. P. V. Alcßrearty (representing the Rangiora Celtic Club), and others. The loyal toast was proposed by the chairman. Other toasts honored were “The Catholic Literary and Debating Society,” proposed by Air. J. J. Wilson and responded to by Messrs. LAP. J. Ryan (president), who stated that the present membership was between 60 and 70, some very valuable recruits .joining during the. past few months; and Air. F. Lennon (secretary). In the course of his response Mr. Lennon gave an

interesting summary of the progress of the society since its inception, together with extracts from the minutes of the inaugural meeting a quarter of a century ago (Sunday, September 18, 1898). This meeting was presided over by the Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell, the devoted pastor, beloved of his people, who still administers the extensive parish

with undiminished zeal. There was an attendance of 30 prospective members. Of the original members it was recorded with regret that eight (J. Moriarty, P. Healy, John Moison, R. Johnson, D. Crowe, J. Rooney, H. Cullen, and R. J. Henry) have passed away. Dean O'Donnell presided at the second meeting, held on October 2, 1898, when Mr. T'. K. Cooper was elected president, and Mr. H. McSherry (now of Pahiatua) secretary. Other officebearers were —Vice-president, Mr. L. Hanrahan; treasurer, Mr. John Moison; librarian, Mr. J. Higgins; members of the executive. Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell (patron), Messrs. P. Hanrahan, D. McDonnell, William Seal, James Wilson, and R. J. Henry. The following have occupied

the presidential chair during the past 25 years Messrs. F. K. Cooper (1898-99) L. Hanrahan (1899-1900); H. McSherry (1900-1901); J. Kennedy (Sept. 1901-Jan. 1902); W. Soal (Jan. 1902-Sept: 1902); A. J. Muller (1902-1903); J. Turton (1903-1904); D. McDonnell (1904-1906); S. Madden (1906-1907) ; T. O’Carroll (1907-1908); T. M. Brophy (1908-

1909); F. J. Pritchard (1909-1910); Rev. Father O’Hare (1910-1911); Messrs. M. J. Burgess (1911-1912); W. -J. Cunningham (1912-1913); J, Lennon (1914-1915); E. Mc- : Sherry (Sept. J 915-June 191 G); R. Neal, (June 1916Sept. 1919) ;.H. Lennon (1919-1921); L. F. J. Ryan (19211923). Those who have occupied the position of secretary daring the same period include Messrs. H. McSherryj .) JV. Lennon, D. Mori arty, P. Hanrahan, E. Lennon, F. v J* Lennon, J. Moriarty, T. M. Brophy, T. Adams, F. Brophy* Leo Madden, J. Meeking, and F. Lennon, The secretary concluded by reading apologies for absence from several past office-bearers living at a distance, and others; also messages of congratulation from the Rangiora Celtic Club) the Christchurch Celtic Club, the Lyttelton Club, the St; Stephen’s (Anglican) Club, Ashburton, the Tiraaru and Temuka Celtic Clubs. ' • :

The toast of “The Hierarchy and Clergy” was very capably proposed by Mr. Val Cullen, who paid a warm tribute to the energy and whole-hearted devotion. DeaU O’Donnell exercised in the interests of his flock. The Dean’s and Father O’Doherty’s responses were received with great acclamation.

In proposing the toast of “The Past Presidents” Mr. F. Purcell referred in fitting terms to the splendid services rendered to the society by its leaders. In response Messrs. F. K. Cooper, L. Hanrahan, D. McDonnell, S. Madden, T. M. Brophy, M. J. Burgess, J. Lennon, R. Nealon, and H. Lennon gave exceptionally fine though brief addresses, and in a style that would grace any assembly. That the society has produced speakers of more than ordinary merit

was clearly evidenced. Every speaker during the evening eulogised the whole-hearted work of Mr. F. K. Cooper, “the father of the society,” who, . being, mainly instrumental in laying its foundations sure and sound, has never during its lengthy career relaxed his interest in the society. Mr. Cooper, in turn, spoke reminiscently of his‘very many years,’ connection, with literary societies in Canterbury. He paid a graceful tribute to the pioneers, Who met every . difficulty with renewed energy, and used every threatening set-back as a means to reach higher ideals, and as an incentive to more successful endeavor. , ' ‘

Mr. M. J. Rurgess proposed “Kindred Societies,” Mr, P. -V. Mcßrearty responding. Other toasts to which full justice was done by the various proposers were “ This Ladies” (Mr. W. Bryant), responded to on their behalf by Mr. G. .Hutchinson; “The Press”,(Mr. T. M. Brophy)," responded to by press representatives present; and “The Chairman,” Mr. F. K. Cooper. Songs were given at intervals by Mr. Val Cullen, Mr. M. J. Burgess, Mr. J. Crowe, Mr. G. Hutehinson, ; and Mr. G. E. O’Malley, and elocutionary items were , contributed by Messrs.- T. M. BrophyandL F. J. Ryan. Miss Madge O’Malley presided , at the piano yand played th« accompaniments most efficiently. The singing of “God Sava Ireland” and “Auld Lang Syne” terminated the function*