WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4740, 17 March 1884, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Yesterday. Laying the Foundation Stone of

St. Patrick's College.

The ceremoDy of laying the foundation stone of St. Patrick's College took place Ibis afternoon before fully 4000 persons. Id honor of the occasion solemn high mass was celebrated at the Cathedral by the Eer. Father O'Gara, of Auckland, assisted by Revs. Coffey, of Ashburton, Muihahi 1, of Hawera, and Kirk, of Wanganui. The mass was celebrated in the presence of the Bight Rev. Bishops Redwood (Wellington), Moran (Dunedin), and Luck (Auckland). The sermou was preached by Bishop Moran. In the afternoon all the clergy assembled at the new college grounds, when a procession was formed headed by the altar boys carrying the cross, lighted candles, and holy water. The procession passed through a double line of about forty " Children of Mary," all dressed in white gowns with blue caps and white head-dresses adorned with silver floral wreaths. Bishop Redwood laid the foundation stone, and addressed the assemblage at sortie lnngth. He. said that the college which was about being built would enable their Catholic children to receive a sufficiently high education to fit them for their various walks in life. It It was a fact, he said, that up to the present time their children were not receiving that education which their religion desired. Another object of the college would be to enable those of their children who wished to join the priesthood to study for that calling; at present many who were desirous were debarred from it because the cost was too much to go home and study. In speaking as to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic belief he asserted that the University of Oxford owed its existence to the Roman Catholic Church, and that science owed its present strides to the same cause. In conclusion, be stated: that the reason why the present building was to be called St. Patrick's was that the greater part of his congregation were Irish. He hoped the people of Wellington—not only hi« own followers, but those of other denominations—would come for* ward and liberally contribute to the building. Bishop Moran and Bishop Luck »l?o addrfc»sed the assemt>Ug»j

There were about thirty clergy present, and the weather was beautifully fine.

Lateb.-—This day. The offertory at the laying of the foundation stone of St. Patrick's College yesterday slightly exceeded £1200. Bishop Redwood pare £150, and it is understood each of the other Bishops gave nn equal amount. Pontificial vespers and the benediction of the holy sacrament were celebrated in the Cathedral, before an immense congregration. The procession had to be abandoned, as the church was so crowded. Bishop Luck preached. At High Mass in the morning, there was also a very large congregation, and Bishop Moran preached. At both services there was magnificant music, the choir being greatly strengthened, and a full band aided by the organ. At the laying of the foundation stone, Bishop Bed wood read a letter from the Roman Catholic prelates of Australia, expressing their best wishes for the institution.

Parihaka Meeting. The usual monthly assemblage of Pari* haka natives is taking place to-day; altogether about 200 visitors are present; making the total at Parihaka about 900. The proceedihgs are of the most orderly character.