Diocese of Auckland

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 50, 17 December 1924, Page 31

Diocese of Auckland

(From our own Correspondent.) December 11. The garden party at the Epsom Convent grounds on Saturday was a big success. A large number of friends and parishioners assembled to help the function. The grounds presented a festive appearance, being tastefully decorated. Mr. Len Rao kindly provided a string band for the occasion which greatly enhanced the afternoon's enjoyment by rendering attractive selections. In addition to the band Miss Daphne Knight's pupils contributed several excellent dance items which were much enjoyed. Substantial business was done by the various stall-holders. Mesdames O'Neill and Harris were in charge of the plain and fancy stall; Mesdaiines Green and McGarry managed the sweets; the Misses Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Tveenan had control of the refreshment stall. Air. Lee very successfully managed the side shows, and Miss Kearin kept natrons interested throughout the whole of the afternoon. The result of the afternoon proved more than gratifying, and the Sisters expressed their warm thanks to all those who helped to make the garden party such a success. Rev. Father O'Byrne is away on a holiday at present, and is being relieved by the Rev. Father O'Brien. Mr. McHardy, a prominent Auckland Catholic, who went to the Homeland on a visit to the Wembley Exhibition, has returned, and is looking well after his sojourn in England. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church last Monday for the repose of the soul of the late Mr. Lowry, who was an active member of the choir. A very successful concert was held last night at Onehunga in aid of the convent schools. Mrs. D. Le Roche organised the entertainment, the programme of which was principally contributed by her pupils, assisted by Madame Irene Ainsley, who graciously gave her services to the cause. A liberal patronage was extended to tho function, and the result should be very satisfactory. A further concert will be held next week in the Picture Theatre, and the proceeds will be devoted to the Onehunga convent schools. A number of entertainments have bceen held recently for Catholic institutions, and one of the most successful was that given in 'St. Benedict's Hall for the Pah Orphanage, which was well attended. A handsome bal-

ance is expected, as the Orphans' appeal is never made in vain. The Avondalc church committee recently held a sale of work and Christmas tree for the church fund, and the Rev. Father Colgan received the warm support of the people of the district in his venture. The financial result should reach double figures. The Parnell parish is energetically pre-, oaring for its school concert which is fixed for next week, and judging by the number of tickets that are being sold, the function should result in a big success. It has now been decided that the annual prize-giving and "break-up" of the Sacred Heart College will be held in the Town Hall on December 15. The Right Rev. Dr. Clcary is expected to have something interesting to say on the question of Catholic education, a report of which will be forwarded in due course. <*>