DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 34, 13 August 1924, Page 28

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND

(From our own correspondent.)

August 7. The ex-pupils of St. Mary's assembled at the convent last Saturday afternoon at an "at Imme" on the invitation of the Reverend Mother. A large number of ex-pupils were present at the function, for which a splendid musical and vocal programme was arranged. Madame Irene Ainsley, who has returned to her native city after studying abroad, contributed several delighful vocal solos, assisted by Mr. Harold Baxter, who rendered several violin selections. A number of other items were also contributed, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent by those who were present. Last Sunday evening week the Epsom Social Club came together in the schoolroom for the purpose of receiving the balance sheet of the first ball, held recently in Auckland. The secretary (Mr. L. Paget) gave full particulars, showing that a net profit of £26 Is 5d had been realised. The chairman (Rev. Father O'Byrne) congratulated the committee on the sum realised, which was considered very satisfactory, taking into consideration the inclemency of the night. He said it was a very hard thing to particularise where there was a body of ladies and gents all working well together and giving of their best. Still he felt sure he would be voicing the sentiments of all present if he specially mentioned* the secretary (Mr. L. Paget) who worked so hard and diligently and unfailingly for the success of the hall. He also tendered a measure of thanks and gratitude to Miss M. Murphy, the energetic and capable head of the refreshment committee, and to all who so ably and loyally co-operated with her, in particular Miss Vera Rogers, who -did a great- deal of hard work collecting, as also Miss Murray and Miss Blake, and Mesdames Green, Bowater, Keenan, and Ilpfold, who gave of their best in the interests of the hall. Mr. Marcus Upfolrl deserves to he specially mentioned for placing his valuable time, servic* and taxi at the disposal of the committee. It need hardly be mentioned that he was kept on the road all day and far into the next morning. DEATH OF MR. MICHAEL BROWNE. One of Auckland's oldest colonists, Mr. Michael Browne, recently passed away at his residence, Mountain Road, Epsom, at the advanced age of 87 years. Mr. Brown« was born in Co. Roscommon, Ireland, and at an early age migrated to the Victorian Goldfields. Afterwards he came to Auckland, and entered into business in Hobson Street as a grain merchant. When gold was discovered at the Thames, he was attracted there and started business on the Beach Road. Later on he entered into partnership with the late Mr. E. McDonnell, eventually starting a flourishing business in Albert Street, Thames. He was also interested in many mining ventures on the famous goldfields. On retiring from business, Mr. Browne, returned to Auckland about 37 years ago, and assisted in the formation of some of the permanent business institiv tions in the city. Up to the time of his death he was a director of the Parker Lamb Coy., besides being interested in timber companies, and also the firm of Mr. G. J. Browne, Ltd., Hardware Merchants, Auckland. Mr. Browne, though of a quiet and reserved disposition, was well known and highly esteemed by all those with whom he came in contact. He leaves a wife, one daugher (Miss Ella Browne), and three sons (Messrs. George J., Dillon, and Neville Browne) all of whom reside in Auckland. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Benedict's at nine o'clock, and was attended by a large number of friends of the deceased. The remains were interred at Waikaraka Cemetery.—tt.l.P.