WESTPORT CHRISTMAS GLEANINGS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 16, 16 January 1891, Page 23

WESTPORT CHRISTMAS GLEANINGS.

Wss have been favoured this Christmas with real West Gout weatherrain, nothing but rain, the sui peeping out occasionally from behind dark, murky curtains, to remind us that he still retains his place in the firmament, so that one might well say of Westport, as the poet Laureat of Ireland said of Lisdoonvarna, " There's not a pain, To vex the brain Except the rain " in Westport Bat rain or sunshine, everyone seems bent on enjoy* ment, and to recount the sever.il ways for doing so would be both tiresome and useless. " Chucwn, a sotigotit" But the principal piece de resistance -o my mind, was the Bazaar held iv Hughes' Hall, in aid of Sd. Camce'a Üburch, where one had an opportunity of blending innocent enjoyment and real Christian charity. This affair was orgaaised by the ladies of the town, who have worked quietly but with energy for some time, with the result tbat the four stalls at the Bazaar were literally heaped with all that: goes to beautify the person or tbe home— the work of their own nimble fingers, or the gifts of generous friends. The hall was ornamentally decorated, the walls draped with beautiful flags, and pretty bannerettes pendant from the ceiling. On entering, the whole scene presented a brilliant appearance. Toe bazaar was formally opened by his Worship the Mayor, Mr. Marshall, who, on being introduced by the Tery Bey. Father Walsh, rose, and in a short neat speech, after referring to the usefulness of bazaars, praised the Catholics for having erected a church which was an ornameat to the town, complimented the lady stall-holders on the magnificent display of goods, and advised the gentlemen present to yield up the contents of their pockets with as good a grace as possible. He then declared the bazaar open, and hoped that the result of their labours would be the wiping away of the debt on their beautiful church. I have great pleasure in saying that the gentlemen present (and conspicuously among them were many of other denominations) did take the Mayor's advice, considering " discretion the better part of valour," they quietly yield d to tbe persistent pressure of the stallholders and their young aosistans. Many of the latter were dressed in fancy costume. The Misses Pain, Tempest, Boche, end Briad contributed the musical part of the programme. The hall was crowded during four nights, and at the finish not one single article remained unraffl d. Too much praise cannot be given to the ladies who organised the affair, and made it n brilliant a success. I feel that any words of mine would be inadequate, but the imanner and spidt in which they entered into their work and carried it out to the end, all working harmoniously together, can only be accounted for in this way, that it was to them, indeed, a labour of love. Over £300 was realised, thus clearing away the debt on the church and leaving a handsome balance to form tbe nucleus of a fund to still further adjro it, and beautify its approaches. The four stalls wer« called the •' Rose," " Shamrock," " Thistle," and the " Young New Zeaianders," eacb stall having a device embls* matic of its nationality. Mesdames Lemptrt, Lebatt, and Power presided at the " Thistle," and their receipts were at the bead of the list. Next in the running c^me the 4l 6 .amrock," ably presided over by Mesdames Pain and Daly. " The " Kose " was next, and to the splendid management of MesdamfS Munsm and Ltmplough it owes ita precedence. The '• Young New Zealander," was ably piloted by the Misses Carr and Cooney. Mesdames O'U alley and Collins presided at the refreshment stall, and were liberally pttronised. Tbe following gentlemen, Messrs. H. McConnell, T. MacLaughlin, T. James. B. and W. Oarr, J. Bcanlon, and M. O'Malley gave eflE ctive help to tbe management. Altogether we have been rather fortunate with regard to Oourch matters this time. That gifted preacher and proved philanthropist, Father Ginaty being with us, permitted our esteemed paator, Father Walsh, and his zealous curate, Father Morrissy to perform religious services at remote places in this extensive parish. Father Ginaty has been visiting every centre in the district io aid of his splendid Institution at Mount Magdila, Cbrischurcb, but Westport ha 9 been specially the scene of his labours. Forming new religious societies, putting fr sh vigour into those already es ablisoed ; at morning and evening services preaching continually, never tired, ever fresh, forcible and eloquent. Tbe singing and music of the Church choir was very effective, a new feature in the playinpr of tbe celebrated violinist, Herr Von Zimmerman, was a source of joy and admiration to all. 1 he Oil Year was ushered out and the New one welcomed in by a brilliant displ .y of fire-works in Palmerston street. The Naval 'a band paraded i he town, inun-me crowds walking in procession. A Highland piper made the Welkin ring with airs from the " land o' cakes and Bums." Wishing the Tablet a prosperous New Year — " Ait revoir."