CHRISTCHURCH.
To the JSditor of the New Zealaud Tablet. Sib, — Thinking that it would be interesting to some of the readers of jour valuable journal to hear how Catholicism is progressing in Canterbury, but especially in the capital (Christchurch), I have placed a few items on record which you may ihink worfch while to place before them. CntTHCHES. In Canterbury, there are in all nine churches or chapels — one in Christchurch, one in Lyttelton, one in Akaroa, one in Timaru, one in Temuka, one in Lincoln, one in Leeston, one in Leithfield, and one in Rangiora. That in Christchurch is the largest, its length being about seventy-five feet, with a breadth of forty feet, and has been built with some regard to architectural beauty. Its shape, when complete, will be that of ft cross. It iB entirely too small for the congregation which flocks there every Sunday, many being obliged to stand outside while the Holy Sacrifice is being offered. I understand j there is a good sum of money in the hands of the parish priest, to be ■ ■expended on church buildings ; but he is advised by some not to interfere with the present church, but build one on the other side of the city. I suppose things will remain as they are till the arrival of the Bishop from Europe. The present P.P. is Rev. F. Billard, formerly of Greymouth. lie is a younger man than his predecessor, Rev. P. Ecuyer, and seems likely to make himself beloved by his people. The churches in Lyttelton and Akaroa are attended to by the Rev. ■T /ther Francis del Monte, who resides at Lyttelton. A large bell has been temporarily erected at the latter church a few days ago. It cost ■about £70, ail of which has been subscribed by the Catholics of Lyttelton and neighborhood. A bazaar will take place about December, for the purpose of raising funds towards the erection of a convent. The Rev. Father Chervier, who lives at Shand's Track, has by far the largest district to attend to. He has four very neat churches in his pariah — not counting temporary ones here and there — which extends .from the Ashburton south to the Hurunui north. He has also a school, where many of his children receive a Catholic education. It is surprising how this good priest has worked for the good of his people. He is most indefatigable, and dearly loved by all his parishioners. Rev. Father Chataigner has charge of South Canterbury, and attends to tlao churches in Timaru and Temuka. Those I have never seen, but from what I know of the pastor, I believe they are what they should be. A more painstaking priest there is not in
SCHOOLS. Catholic Boys"Schooi/. — This is a very fine building, 70 ffc. x 30ft., and haß been erected entirely at the expense of the congregation. At one end there is a permanent stage, with a neat proscenium, used occasionally when entertainments are given for some good, •work. About 150 boys attend the school, many of whom are Protestants. Mr Restell, Government Inspector, has examined the schoolslately, at the request of the School Committee, who were anxious to show that, notwithstanding the Government grant formerly given hasbeen withdrawn, the same care and attention now a.s then are beingbestowed on the children. On the day of the Inspector's visit there wero present about 250 children in both schools. He expressed himself well pleased with what he saw, and said that the efficiency of the children compared very favorably with that of the leading District Schools. Our schools are managed by a committee, who, up to the present time, have worked with a will, especially the chairman, Mr I. B. Sheath. Should they continue to do so, lam satisfied the Governmenfc will have a greater difficulty than they imagine in shutting up the Cathedral schools, the only thing they are working for. They (Government) have now opened a new school, right opposite the Catholic Boys', for no purpose but to attract the children from the latter place ; but, as yet, no decrease has taken place — in fact, it is the other way. Of course, you are aware that the Catholics have to pay rates towards those Godless schools. Only a few pay without going to court, where they have to pay additional costs. The late P.P. (the Rev. Father Ecuyer) refused paying, but was visited by a bailiff, who threatened to sell the poor gentleman out if he didn't " dub-up." Rather than have this done, the bailiff received his unjust demand. Would that every Catholic might do this, and not pay even should a. portion of their furniture be sold. H.A.C.B. SOCIETY. The Christchurch branch (No. 82) of this society has just completed its first year. It opened on September Bth, 1873, with thirtyeight members, and numbers at the present time one hundred financial members. No society formed here as yet has done so much good as this. Most of its members are now monthly communicants, and it is the intention for the future to admit no one except he is known previously to be a practical Catholic. Fifty sashes have been ordered, and expected to arrive from Melbourne in a few days. The first anniversary has been commemorated by a concert, which realised £25. This sum was handed to the Catholic School Committee, it being very well known by the members that they were short of funds. I might say a good deal more about this traly good association, but I fear I have already trespassed too much on your patience ; but on another occasion, should you permit, I shall be happy to acquaint you with itsdoings.
Catholic.
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZT18741031.2.19
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 79, 31 October 1874, Page 9
Word count
Tapeke kupu
950CHRISTCHURCH. New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 79, 31 October 1874, Page 9
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
See our copyright guide for information on how you may use this title.