DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4, 25 January 1900, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) January 22. By the sp. Lincolnshire, on Saturday, cix trained nurses and one dresser left for Capetown to give the benefit of their experience to wounded soldierp at the seat of war. This little contingent is the outcome of a fund raised by the ladies of Canterbury for the purpose. In the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday next a collection is to be made for the Patriotic Fund, and on Tuesday, the 30th inst., a Solemn Itiqu'wm M<iss for thp t.iithful who have fallen in the South African war will be celebrated. As the clergy retreat will have just terminated, the whole ot the priests of the diocese are expected to be present. From the Prrm I li>arn that there were large congregations at the Darfield Catholic Church on th-; KUh, when Mass was celebrated by the Very Rev. Father Chastagnon. Sister Mary Agnes, who was on a visit from Wellington, and who is a highly gifted aud accomplished vocalist, led the musical portion of the services and sang several solo*. The fine Convent of the Sacred Heart, Timaru, is being further improved by the addition of a suite of rooms at the western end to serve as a hospital for the inmates. The ground floor is 42ft by 2 ( .)ft, and the exterior will be completed in keeping with the rest of the building, except that the windows will be square instead of Gothic headed. There are three ward rooms on each floor, together with other apartments. A Press correspondent writes : The grounds surrounding the Darfield Catholic school, which was opened by Bishop Grimes in the presence of a very large assembly, comprising members of all denominations, are now being enclosed with a galvanised iron fence. The Very Rev. Father Chasta/non recently invited me to have a look through the building, and I am pleased to say it is, without exception, one of the best built, most cheery looking, and best appointed country schools in Canterbury. At the time of my visit there were fifty pupils, who were being thoroughly taught by the Sisters of Mercy. The building cost over £400. Mr. W. Clinton generously gave three acres of land and a six-roomed cottage, which is occupied by the Sisters. He also gave a considerable sum of money towards building the school, and erected a large stable for the horses of these children who drive from a distance. An adjourned meeting of those interested in the Barbadoea street cemetery was held at St. Mary's on Sunday afternoon last, the Rev. Father Marnane presiding. Since the last meeting several <>f those having burial plots sent in subscriptions to enable much needed rep vi 8 dnd improvementsv ements to be effected. A permanent committee was iorined tj attend to the last resting place of those who in t'rn- life were the mainstay to a great extent of the Church in this city, ai.d by whose help our holy religion was firmly established in Canterbury. Those now living at a distance, with friends interred in this cemetery, may a d very materially in keeping the graves presumable by forwarding subscriptions to either the Rev. Father Murnane (Chairman of the Committee) or Mr. E. O'Connor, who will gratefully acknowledge the same, and place it to the greatest advantage. Labourers are now engaged in the work of renovation, and a resident caretaker will be appointed.