OAMARU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 6, 8 February 1900, Page 6

OA MA R U.

(From our own correspondent.) February ,">. A meeting has been held here for the purpose of co-operating with the other parishes of the diocese in preparing for the suitable reception of his Lordship the Bishop, and to give practical testimony of appreciation of the manner in which the affairs of the diocese have been administered since his Lordship's appointment to the See of Dunedin. Very Rev. Dean Mackay, who presided, made special reference to the establishment of the Orphanage at South Dunedin and to the purchase of the property at Mo^giel for the establish tuent of a Provincial Seminary. These as diocesan works have special claims for support upon the whole diocese, and, be&Hes, there are the additional expenses incidental to his Lordship's journeying to Rome and of providing a number of priests ; bo that the liberal support of the people is of more than usual necessity on this occasion. An influential committee has been appointed and the parish apportioned to the various canvassers and lists distributed. The 2oth March is the time decided upon for the return of the lists, so that ample time is given for the thorough canvass of the parish, and no doubt the response will be liberal and unanimous.

Very great regret — in fact it might be described consternation — was felt throughout this parish at the announcement in last week's is«ue of the Tablet that the Rev. Father Howard had been transferred to the Naseby district. It will not be an easy task to fill the place of Father Howard here. His activity and his knowledge of outlying districts make him specially suitable for the work of the curate in this parish. There is a very wide area to be attended to and Catholic families are scattered far apart and in most isolated places, so that an intimate knowledge of the districts and impervioußneßs to fatigue are necessary qualifications, and these Father Howard possesses. The hope is general that Father Howard's absence may be only temporary.

The want of a suitable convent building in Oamaru has been much felt by the Dominican nuns. The extensive property owned by the community here, its excellence and commanding situation, and the unequalled climate of North Otago make the convent here specially suitable for a boarding school. In fact, I believe that the Sifters have from time to time received many applications from intending boarders, but owing to the want of accommodation they had to be refused. I understand that steps will be taken this year to supply this want, and that the erection of a convent suitable to the requirements of the Sisters will soon be commenced. It ought not to be necessary in Otago to state the claims of the Dominican Order to the most generous support of the people. Their pioneer labours in this diocese are known and appreciated, and when the time comes for giving practical expression to this appreciation I am sure the proverbial generous pity of the people will not be wanting.