TIMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 1, 4 January 1900, Page 4

T I M A R U.

(From our own correspondent.)

The Rev. Father Kimbell, who is here on a visit, is acting for the Rev. Father McDonnell, who has gone on a holiday.

The festival of Christmas was celebrated here in a befitting manner. A large number of people received Holy Communion at the early Mass. The decorations of the church were effective and in good taste, especially the sanctuary and the altars. A grotto was erected near Our Lady's altar, this being the work of Mr. Gt. Yenning. The decorations were carried out by Miss B. McGuinnees, assisted by several lady members of the congregation. The music at High Mass was Gounod's, which was very creditably rendered by the choir under the direction of Mr. Mayne. Miss McGuinnesa presided at the organ. After High Mass on Christmas Day the choir of the Church of the Sacred Heart took the opportunity of presenting Mr. Mayne (the conductor), who is about to take a holiday, with a travelling bag and dressing case, as a mark of their appreciation and in recognition of his many services. The Rev. Father Tubman made the presentation, and in the course of his remarks said that not only had Mr. Mayne worked hard to bring the choir to a state of efficiency, but he had also been most energetic in assisting in everything that was for the benefit of £he parish. Mr. Mayne, in replying, said he did not deserve any reward for the little he had done in connection with the choir and church matters generally. He thanked Father Tubman for his kind remarks, and the choir for their generous gift. .