The Bishop of Brentwood was the guest of honour, on November 25, at the annual dinner of the Catenian Association's nineteenth (Southend-on Sea)circle. The dinner was honoured also by the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress, Alderman and Mrs. H. A. Dowsett. A company of upwards of 150 attended the function, held at the Palace Hotel; they included Canon McKenna and the other clergy of the district.
The health of the Bishop was proposed by the Circle's president, Mr. H. H. J. Ward, M.C., who assured his lordship of the determination of the Catenians to support their pastor in any action which he might think fit to take in defence of the rights of Catholic schools. In responding Mgr. Doubleday paid tribute to the fairness of the Southend Education Committee, of which body the Mayor is Chairman. He emphasised the loyalty of Catholics to the civic authority and assured the Mayor that his Worship could always count upon the co-operation of the Catholics of Southend.
The Mayor's own speech, acknowledging a toast proposed by Bro. Vice-President D. J. Linehan, was one expressive of his pleasure at attending so representative a Catholic gathering and of his admiration for the work of Catholic schools. Speeches were made also by the Rev. W. Toft, Alderman J. J. Sullivan, and Councillor Major Keenan. The dinner was followed by a dance.