ROTORUA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 2818, 5 August 1890, Page 2

ROTORUA.

Thk Xi:w Roman Catholic Ciiukcii. — Tne opening of the new lloinan Catholic Church on Sunday las';, marks the progress of that religious body in this part of the countiv. The decision was one of considerable interest to the entire community, especially so to the natives. .Father Jiecker the respected pastor, who lias been working amongst; the Maoiis in this place riming the past three years, is to be congratulated, together with his congregatiiii', in now possessing a substantial and neat little edilice, a credit alike to the hr.iaier and the district, aud which from its prominent position, is an ornament to the town. Mis L udship, Bishop Duck, anived here on Saturday, for the purpo-e of dedicating the new Church, which was duly performed on Sunday in the pivs.-nce of a crowded congregation, many being un ible to gam admittance. The Bishop was assisted by Fathers Decker, llolherhook and Smears. Tne cereninny was gone through in au impressive manner, and was eagerly watched by the Maoris, who manifested considerable interest in the proceedings. At the evening service the Church was again crammed, when several people were continued by the Jiishop. The eoll-ctiou at the luoining service amunnted to i.'l-i. The natives prepared a feat in the large meeting house, Tain atekapou, to celebrate the event of the day. Everybody was welcome, aud needless to say tlio place was unable to accommodate the company. The repast was a. most sumptuous one, and the tables were attractively arranged, and every attention I'r'id to those present, liishop Luck and "Fathers Becker, 1 iollierhook and Smears were amongst the company. The Jii-hop made a few approiate remarks on the hospitality of the .Maoris. It is with genuine feelings of regret that it is known that Father Becker is about to be removed to flokianga to (ill the place of the late Father McDonald. During the time Father Becker has been here he has gained the respect of the Maoris and Europeans in the district, who trust that he may yet be restored to this place, where he hue been instrumental in doing m>.ch good.

Tows I.m I'Kovkmknts. —The recuut alterations made oil the piiueiple thorotigbfaro have enabled property-owners to effect several improvements. Tim steps and platform now in fiont of .Mr I'*. Thorn's store are, I might say, without wishing to bo facetious, a step in tbo right direction. At Lake View House Mr Seddon is bringing his fence in line with the footpath, and is erecting a porch with fancy glass side lights, in front of the main entrance, which will enhance the appearance of ail already neat establishment. Mr Key's shops can now be approached in terra iinna instead of by an uncanny like platform. The width of the road in front of Crosby'a Hotel is mateiially improved. Vugii.is th'. —It is always pleasing to note the progress of civilisation, and as a matter of course the formation of societies for the advancement of science, and the propogation of the various arts'. The latest development in this district is a socicty to practice and sluily the "noble ait of self defence," the warlike spirit so characteristic in the noble savage is all that can be desired to ensure regular attendance. Who can tell but llotuiwa may yet boast of the champion boxer. Jlo.NKiirsT Without Ckushjno.—The honour of making a discovery of another useful purpose to which the hot springs can be utilise J beloi.gs to .Mr Joseph LJadley, gardener, who has hit upon an easy method of m iking bonedust without the aid of a mill. Mr lladlcy places a quantity of bones over one of the many steam holes, where they soon bectnie soft, enough to crumble to pieces, and are then fit for manuring purpose. Mr Hartley is successful in growing some line cabbiges, which are much appreciated throughout the township.