THE NEW CONVENT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1925, Page 1

THE NEW CONVENT

V ESTER DA Y’S CEB KDON Y. GR EYMOUTH, Feb. IG. The ceremony of the blessing and formal laying of the foundation stone of the new Convent building in Greymouth, performed by the, Bight Rev. Dr. Brodie, Bishop of Christchurch, was favoured yesterday afternoon with ideal weather, ami was witnessed by a very large assemblage, among whom in addition to local citizens of all de-

nominations, were Humorous visitors from u distance. The now structure being already :it u stage indicative of its semi-Ciothit* stylo of architecture, lout itself admirably for the ceremony, llm whole of the front presenting a picturesque spectacle from Tainui street, with festoons of the flags of all nations interspersed with ferns and other green foliage, and some staging at. the crest of the hill on which the building stands . constituted an excellent, platform. At o’clock a very spectacular procession, headed by the (Jreymoulh Municipal Band, and comprising the Children of It 1 ary Sodality (wearing their pretty blue and white costumes), the Hbernian Society (in regalia), and other organisations as well as the public, marched from St. Mary’s Church along Chapel and lainui Streets to the new Convent, preceding His Lordship the Bishop, who in his canonical robes and attended by the Bov. Fathers Roche, S.M. (Christchurch), and Fin nor ty (Canterbury), also canonically attired, added a brilliant colour effect to the procession as he brought up the rear, accompanied by the Rev, Dr. Kennedy (Hokitika), Rev. Fathers Long (Adin. St, Patrick’s), Fogarty (Almira), Her!illy (Canterbury), O'Regan. Madden and McAfonaglo (Grey-, mouth). The Hibernians formed a guard of honour as the Bishop ascended the lawn, when His Lordship, at once, performed tSie solemn rite of blessing and formally laying the foundation stone, located in the front of the building, and beautifully engraved in gold lettering. The Band which had rendered several selections with excellent effect in front of the church now gave another item, while the following took their seats on the platform : —His Lord-Lip Bishop Brodie. the A favor and Mayoress. Mr das. O’Brien, M.P., Mr .1. Hart (the contractor), Air H. FDoogan. Afr AI. Aloloney (Clerk of Works). Rev. Dr. Kennedy and Rev. Rather Long. Seated at the rear of the platform were members of the Convent community, together with Mother Alary Clare and other sisters from Hokitika. Addresses were given by Rev. Father

Long," the. Mayor (Mr AY. 11. Parfitt). Mr Jas O’Brien, M.l’., Rev. Dr. Kennedy, His Lordship Bishop Brodie, and Mr H. F. Doogan. Tho publics inspected tho building after the function, and subsequently the Bishop officiated n( Benediction at St. Patrick’s Churcrt. The collection taken up yesterday totalled £3GI.