Material relating to Fr Michael Moloney SJ which includes correspondence describing his work in Australia and Zambia and includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

Letters to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ from various academics (including Valéria Flint) mostly relating to aspects of the life of Honorius Augustodunensis. Includes offprint ‘The Career of Honorius Augustodunensis’ by V.I.J. Flint, University of Auckland, New Zealand from Revue Bénédictine (Vol. 82, Nos. 1 – 2, 1972, p.63 – 86).

A file of letters from Fr Thomas Cahill SJ (Superior of the Mission 1872-79) to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his life and work in Australia. Includes a letter written from Macao, China concerning the expulsion of the Society from the colony due '...to the hostility of a newly appointed Administrator of the diocese. He's the chief author of a new code of rules for his seminary one of which excludes foreigners.' Continues '...I am to go to Australia.' (20 July 1871, 4pp) Includes a letter referring to the laying of the foundation stone of St Francis Xavier, Melbourne on 8 December 1872. Refers to the passing of the Education Bill. Remarks 'The Bill establishes compulsory free and secular education Catholics cannot therefor accept it...' (2 January 1873, 6pp). Includes a letter confirming his appointment as acting superior of St Patrick's College (21 May 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning the provision of education for the poor and the possibility of the Christian Brothers and the Sacred Heart Sisters establishing such schools in the Richmond Mission (10 September 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the erection of a wooden house at Kew to establish a school for the sixty Catholic children in Kew (10 August 1874, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to the building of Kew College. Remarks that work has been stopped because the tenders were far higher than expected. Refers to the opening of St John's College in Sydney. Remarks '(The)...college was opened with great eclat by Dr. Vaughan last week. This college under him will be a formidable rival.' (19 April 1875, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr Dalton and a story concerning him and his endeavours on the part of two children whom he promised (to their dying Mother) to see reared as Catholics. Remarks that the incident has attracted a lot of publicity and that a question will be asked in Parliament on the subject. (12 July 1875, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Dr Moran, Bishop of Dunedin, New Zealand and his invitation to the Society to set up a college at Dunedin (14 November 1876, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to a meeting with the recently appointed Archbishop of Sydney who offered an invitation to the Society to establish a Mission in Sydney (10 March 1877, 7pp).

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to his sister Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest in Australia and elsewhere. The vast majority of the letters (over 50) are written from Australia describing in detail his work and life in this mission. Includes letters discussing his health, his sister's health, family matters, retreats and missions he gave in Australia and masses and prayers offered for the convent and community at Firhouse. Includes a letter from Fr Duffy, Ursuline Convent, St Joseph's, Sligo to Sr Mary Gabriel. Remarks 'Now that you and I are alone left of all we must, from this on, take on more than ever special interest in each other.' (6 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter informing his sister of his departure for Australia. Remarks 'Say God's will be done for it is the will of God. Don't fret about me, for before very long you and I will meet in a happy eternity.' (15 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his sister's health and the loss of sight in one of her eyes. Encourages her not to read if she finds it a strain. Refers to the noviceship in her convent. Remarks 'Put away those gloomy thoughts about the noviceship. There is nothing wrong in your convent. Just let us keep on praying and trusting and leave the future to God.' (22 August 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his move from North Shore to Hawthorn. Remarks that he has more work to do in Hawthorn and that it is 'more pressing'. Remarks 'As I write the weather is harsh and we have much sickness - the influenza - and many deaths.' (7 October 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr General (Fr Anderledy SJ) at Fiesole. Remarks 'He and I were fellow students in the Roman College of the Society, some 44 years ago! He was about my age. A warning to look out!' Refers to his change of address and remarks that he will be working at Kew, Melbourne. (letter dated 4 December 1891, 4pp, section dated 20 January 1892). Includes a letter written from New Zealand where he was conducting retreats. Remarks 'I am in my element.' Continues 'I like New Zealand very much a fine country and climate - greatly superior to Australia. Every one is kind to me and I get on well. Wellington is a nice clean city with a fine harbour and a brisk trade.' Describes a journey to Reefton to give a retreat to the Mercy nuns. Remarks that he made the journey on top of a stage coach 'Pretty smart going! Through the bush and over the mountains! Five horses to the coach and galloping all the time for nearly 4 days! What say you to that? But young men like me don't mind these things.' (this section dated 8 January 1893) (29 December 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to his duties at St. Francis Xavier's College in Kew. Remarks that he is in charge of the Sodality of the B V Mary 'Tis from the sodalities in our colleges that the noviceship is recruited.' (7 February 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to one of the Melbourne hospitals to see an old friend, Edward Grennan, '…Irish and Catholic a native of Mountrath, Queen's county. He had been in the army - a cavalry regiment - Lord Cardigan's Light Brigade - had ridden in the famous charge - 25 October 1854. He is now the remnant of a well looking man - was then a youth of 20. Well we fraternized of course - he and I old Crimean-and fellow-soldiers. We chatted of the war, and of the Charge of the Light Brigade, his brigade in particular. Step by step we got along until I stood with him and his companions 600 strong - in thought and imagination - at the end of the valley - at the other end of which was the Russian Battery of some 10 or 12 pairs of canon.' Describes how the order was given to seize the guns. Continues 'Without a moments hesitation, the 600 are in their saddles and away they go…Oh! My poor fellows, my poor brave fellows! Over 600 they commence their ride to return later on all that was left of them about 200 men! Half an hour did the whole business.' (21 November 1896, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ, Superior, St Aloysius College, Waikari, Dunedin, New Zealand to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission). Includes a letter informing him that the Bishop has offered Invercargill Parish as a Mission to the Jesuit Fathers (16 February 1881, 3pp). Includes a letter discussing the college and the various difficulties that have arisen between him and Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ. Concludes 'Now my dear Fr Dalton, I think that a competent man should be sent here as Superior. You will laugh to hear how I "rule" I ask the boys and I ask the servants and I ask the nuns; and I do whatever I am told...Oh I do wish it were the year 1982 or that there were no boys!' (25 February 1882, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr McEnroe's ill health and his own. Asks Fr Dalton for help. On the back of this letter is another letter from Fr Dalton to Irish Fr Provincial (James Tuite) asking for advice (13 March 1882, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his voyage to Australia and the Mission. Includes a letter referring to Fr Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission). Remarks 'Fr Dalton has no firmness of character. Even when he sees most clearly what is to be done, the slightest opposition makes him abandon it.' (16 July 1870, 1p). Includes a letter concerning the Bishop's offer of the parish of Invercargill, New Zealand (8 June 1881, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to a manuscript he wrote entitled 'Complete Theory of Music' which he sent to Fr Sturzo in the hope of having it published (19 September 1881, 3 items).

A file of letters from Fr John Meagher SJ (Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province 25 August 1939-1 October 1947) to Irish Fr Provincial (John R. MacMahon SJ and Thomas Byrne). Includes a letter referring to an offer by the Apostolic Delegate to take a minor seminary in New Zealand in 1947. Asks if four or five young priests could be sent out. Remarks 'We have offers of work from practically every Bishop in Australia and must refuse for want of men. Our recruiting is bad and I really don't know what to do to remedy the trouble.' (10 November 1945, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a request by Fr Dan O'Connell SJ for Fr Richard Ingram SJ to help with his work in the Riverview Observatory. (18 March 1946, 1p). Includes a number of letters concerning Fr Cooney and his ill health. Includes a letter remarking 'He (Fr Cooney) wants to return to Hong Kong in September but I think you realise his return there would probably settle his chances of ever doing any more work...I think that Fr Cooney will never be really fit to return to Hong Kong (15 May 1946, 1p). Includes a letter referring to proposals to open colleges in Adelaide and Brisbane. Remarks due to the shortage of Jesuit Fathers that this is impossible. (27 June 1946, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Edward Nolan SJ to Irish Fr Provincials concerning the Australian Mission. Includes a letter describing the voyage to Australia (16 April 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to St Patrick's College and the poor reputation it has. Remarks '...I am sorry to say that the college was fast losing ground in the estimation of the public for want of management and even yet the evil is not completely checked...we have been informed lately by the priests that we had not succeeded as was anticipated...the college has been looked upon as a failure.' Refers to Fr Dalton and his position as Superior of the Mission. Remarks '...he seems to me to want firmness of purpose and resolution to face the difficulty...My conviction is that if he goes on we cannot succeed.' (26 April 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter describing a trip to Ballarat to preach a sermon and a visit he paid to one of the gold mines called "the Band of Hope". Remarks 'The yield on the day I was there was 437 oz; a few days before it had been 1637 oz for one day, the largest yield ever obtained in a gold mine in Australia and worth over £6,500.' Remarks that he was presented with a nugget which he sold '...for the benefit of Richmond Church.' Continues 'Four hundred miners are employed at this one mine...the close bad air of the mines tells very quickly on them and they die off rapidly. Three batches of them relieve one another every eight hours...the work goes on night and day - Sunday and holiday - otherwise the water would go in upon them and flood the mine.' (22 August 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to a plot of ground made available for the construction of a church at Hawthorn (24 October 1867, 4pp). Includes a letter describing the church at Hawthorn. Remarks '...the...church is greatly admired by all - Catholic and Protestant. It will be...one of the prettiest in the colony (11 October [1868], 12pp). Includes a letter, describing, in detail, a trip to New Zealand, the people he met there and the landscape. Remarks 'There is a complete dearth of good respectable Catholic boys-schools throughout the whole of New Zealand.' Remarks that there is a lack of clergy and as a result many people have lost their faith. (12 August 1870, 12pp). Includes a letter referring to the opening of a boarding school. Asks Fr Provincial for more fathers who can teach in the school (28 March 1872, 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Edward Nolan SJ to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ. Includes letters concerning matters in the college at Kew (9 November 1881 - 29 April 1882, 3 items). Includes a letter describing his visit to New Zealand and the journey from Hokitika to Greymouth. Remarks: 'Those who have seen the European Alps say that the Southern Alps of N. Zealand are quite equal to them for grandeur. The scenery too is most varied...The roads over the mountains are cut out of the rock and the precipices hundreds of feet deep along which they run make many a stout heart quail.' (1May [ ], 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his visit to Greymouth, New Zealand. Remarks '...(it) is the most stirring town on the west coast and I believe the most so in N.Z. for its size. A new rush broke out about two months ago...There are 'tis said a thousand Irish there.' (6 May [ ], 4pp).

A file of letters from Fr Daniel Clancy SJ to Fr Provincial concerning the Australian Mission. Includes a letter concerning the outlay on the primary school at Lavender Bay and remarks that the school could have been built for a lot less 'I think most of us here, if not all, feel that it was a gross mistake to put Fr Kennedy at the head of any mission as Superior...he is absolutely unfit - that he lacks not only judgement but knowledge and temper.' (28 February 1881, 12pp). Includes a letter referring to a site in Sydney he feels would be suitable for the Jesuit fathers to establish a school. Remarks that the house was lived in by the present Agent General Sir S. Samuel. Refers to the extravagance of the school at Lavender Bay. Remarks 'It is said...that the blunder at Lavender Bay is so foolish that the reputation of the Society here cannot be restored unless the Jesuits undertake some work in the city that will prove they are not incapable.' (16 July 1881, 10pp). Includes a letter referring again to Lavender Bay. Remarks 'A lawyer who knows all our affairs very accurately has told me this very month that we shall never be able to meet the liabilities on Lavender Bay and that the best and only thing to do is to part with that mission for this can be done.' Concludes in a postscript 'You will observe that the tenants lease for Auburn House (Saul Samuel's) expires the same time as our lease for St Kilda House. But the time to secure that is now most urgently - or never.' (5 August 1881, 8pp). Includes a letter asking for more Fathers to be sent out. Refers to rumours of a new mission being started in Invercargill, New Zealand. Remarks 'The fact is help is very urgently wanted without undertaking fresh work and unless help comes quickly and of the right kind it is better we should be all recalled in good time.' (25 September 1881, 6pp). Includes a letter containing a sketched plan of St Aloysius College. Describes the property (19 April 1885, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Austin Kelly SJ (Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province 1 October 1947-1 November 1950) to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Byrne SJ. Includes a letter asking Fr Provincial to send out experienced Missioners., remarks 'We need subjects so much and we are not known in spite of the years we have been in the Commonwealth (6 February 1948, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a promise made to the Archbishop of Adelaide to staff the new University College in 1950. Remarks 'I see that Fr Fergal McGrath SJ is in USA on loan. Could Your Reverence possibly lend us Father McGrath for a few years to give the Adelaide University College a start - and a good one too?' (7 February 1949, 1p). Includes a letter thanking Fr Provincial for his congratulations following Australia's elevation to the status of Province. Remarks 'Please God all our fond hopes may be realised so that we shall have the vocations and support to keep going all our commitments.' (7 November 1950, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior: 2 September 1883 - 5 April 1890) to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the Mission in Australia. Includes a letter asking permission to open a novitiate if he felt it was needed (12 November 1883 , 6pp). Includes a letter expressing his frustration over the delay in receiving answers to his letters. Remarks 'I feel very much embarrassed when there is anything to be done that requires the signing of a contract. I think that Fr General should give me as much power as he can communicate...' Refers to the lack of men and remarks that Fr Bietal SJ, an Austrian Jesuit is likely to be recalled to his own Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission. Remarks 'I hope you will not send to Australia anyone who is in any way weak concerning drink and the other fault that comes after drinking to excess. In this country...our dealings are more before the public and any fault in those two matters would ruin our character entirely.' (14 October 1886, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr Joseph O'Malley's return from New Zealand. Remarks that Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ remains in New Zealand but that he is not certain whether the Mission has been closed or not. Includes a letter referring to the election of Fr Clancy as Rector of St John's College. Remarks that his election has been declared invalid. Describes how this has occurred. (10 January 1889, 4pp). Includes a further letter concerning Fr Clancy and the Rectorship of St. John's College. Remarks that they have consulted a lawyer who felt the election was invalid '...we saw that this was the best opportunity for us to retire with honours and without offending our friends from the truly dangerous battlefield...' (7 February 1884, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the need for more Fathers to be sent out particularly a German or French Father that could be employed as a prefect in one of the colleges (17 September 1884, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning a decision to publish the Messenger of the Sacred Heart in Melbourne. Refers to the sale of land at St Patrick's Melbourne for the construction of a portion of the railway. Remarks that Fr Christopher Nulty SJ (Rector) has paid off all debts and wishes to spend the remainder on finishing the college (9 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to the closure of Tullabeg and the possibility of Fathers being sent out to Australia. Remarks 'I hope that even independently from the closing of Tullabeg you will send me some good prefects and masters who are wanted here very badly...' (20 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning an offer by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Society of a house for the purposes of opening a seminary for the Bishop's diocese and that it could also be used as a sanatorium for Jesuit Fathers '...I wrote to him that...it would not be prudent...for us to accept an offer...which we could not accomplish through want of men and money (1 October 1886, 10pp).

Letter from Thomas Walsh, Catholic Clergyman, Westport, New Zealand to Fr James Dalton SJ, Superior of the Mission, Melbourne expressing a wish to join the Society of Jesus. Seeks Fr Dalton's advice.

Letter from Robin Gwynn, New Zealand (Fr Gwynn’s first cousin once removed, on his father’s side) to Fr Aubrey Gwynn SJ, concerning the future custodian of the Gwynn family papers (i.e. who should it be and where should the papers be kept). At the time Mercy Simms was the custodian.

Letter from Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, English and American Publishers, Colonial and Continental Booksellers, Crown Buildings, 188 Fleet Street, London to Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ, St Aloysius College, Waikari, Dunedin, New Zealand concerning his manuscript entitled 'The Complete Theory of Music' and the details of its publication.

Letter from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, St Mary's, Invercargill, New Zealand to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the finances of the New Zealand Mission and expressing his opinion on working in New Zealand.

Letter from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, St Mary's, Invercargill, New Zealand to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ concerning the drawing up of his will. Refers to the Mission in New Zealand. Remarks 'The decision you will come to regarding the acceptance or non-acceptance of this mission will be no doubt for the best.'

Letter from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, St Mary's, Invercargill, New Zealand to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning his health and expressing himself willing to take on any task to which he is appointed.

[Copy of a letter] from Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ, Invercargill, New Zealand to Fr [ ] giving an account of Invercargill and its inhabitants.

Letter from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission), St Ignatius College, Riverview, Hunter's Hill, Sydney to Fr Joseph O'Malley SJ (Superior), New Zealand remarking that he cannot send anybody else out to help in New Zealand. Details health of Jesuit scholastics and Jesuits.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to the latter's letter on 12 March, and addresses some of the points in it. Refers to Fr Tuite's proposals in relation to Montgret, and passes on the Father General's authorisation to send Fr Brennan to Australia. Also discusses the Terna for Australia, and an offer to the Society of 10 acres of the Catholic Reserve. With regard to the question of the New Zealand mission raised by Fr Dalton in his letter, asks Fr Tuite's opinion on the proposed removal of the missioners from there to Australia. Asks for a copy of the Irish Catholic Directory for 1882.

Letter from Fr Francis O'Brien SJ (Rector), St Aloysius College, Milson's Point, Sydney to Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ concerning Mr William Hughes, a member of the St Aloysius College Community, the question of whether Australia should become a Vice-Province, a retreat he gave in Brisbane during which the Archbishop (Dr Duhig) referred to the Society's refusal of his invitation to open a college in Brisbane. Refers finally to the possibility of a college in New Zealand.

Letter from Fr Boursaud, Secretary to the Fr General, to Fr Tuite. Asks the latter to convey the sympathies of the Fr General to Fr Bannon in his illness. Also conveys permission to Fr Tuite to recall Fr Delany and to send him back to Tullabeg. Refers to the Archbishop of Sydney, and to New Zealand.

Copy of a letter from Bishop Patrick Moran, Dunedin, New Zealand to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ and the withdrawal of all Jesuit Fathers from New Zealand. Remarks that abandoning the Mission would be a 'calamity'. Continues 'I cannot expect you to permit Fr McEnroe to remain here alone and I there fore propose you should send some one of your Fathers to work with him in Invercargill...'

Copy letter from Patrick Moran, Bishop of Dunedin, New Zealand and Fr Joseph Dalton SJ (Superior of the Mission) to Irish Fr Provincial asking the Society to take over a building and turn it into a school. Outlines the conditions proposed and accepted.

Baptismal certificate of Louis G. Loughnan (baptised on 17 April 1889, diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand).