DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 46, 15 November 1900, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From onr own correspondent).

November 12.

The many friends throughout the Colony of the Very Rev. Dean Chervier will regret to learn that he is still lying dangerously ill at Leeston.

The Rev. Father Melu, S.M , arrived in Christcharch during the week and ia now o i a periodi al visit to the Catholics of the varioo* Maori settlements in Canterbury. The weither during Carnivai week was all that could be desired for tho enjoyment of visitors. The number of people moving about has been enormous, and at the Agricultural and Pastoral Show on Friday 27,000 passed through the g ( tes. On that day, it is stated, tully 70 000 persons \isited one or other of the holiday resorts and places of amusements, the Exhibition attracting 12 000. This may be an outsid- estimate, but certainly a record has been established in the matter of crowds which probably will not be surpassed for B<>mey t ars. With this large influx, many undesirable characters ha '<i fonnd their way here, and have been busily engaged plying their nefarious practices, pocket-picking being especially rife. The police and detective force have been largely reinforced and kept well occupied. Many arrests have been made and sentences inflicted which will rid society of these pests for some months, thus oovering the time of the Jubilee celebrations.

The Jubilee Imperial Carnival has been well patronised and good bu*ines* done since the opening night. On Friday the buildiny*and marquee were crowded to excess. Very favorable press notices have been given Signor Borz mi's grand spectacular displiv, which deserves all th it can be said of it, for a better entertaimnent of the kind has certainly not been previously produced in the Colony The tent, too, wnere the performances are carried out, is a distinct novelty in itself. All ooncerned are doing their utmost to ensure fin extraordinary success wnioh up to the present seems possible of attainment Mrs Pratt, the lady filling the onerous position of ' acting queen ' during the first few performances, is well worthy of our best thanks, the lady stallholders and their and assi-tants arc t> be con^r itulated on their efforts. Their duties are numerous and difficult, and ou the as*istanta especially, providing as they do the talent requisite for the entertainments, the task has fallen heivily but results have proved their capabilities. The various c mmittee men, upon whom a large amount of detail work devolves an the energetic secretary, Mr. E. O'Connor, labor nn-cea-ingly in their several departments. His Lordship the Bishop is ir. qu' j ntly upon the scene ano, together with his clergy, takes an active inteiest in the proceedings. Everyone is animated with the singl'- (t'solve of making the Car ival a financial success.

< >n Thursday last a Solemn Rrqniem Mass was celebrated in the Pro-Cdthedr,tl for the repose of the souls of the deceased priests of the diocese. The Very Rev. Father Le Menant dee Cheunais, V.G., was celebrant, Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell CAshburton) deacon, Rev.' Father Tubman ( Timarn) f-üb-deacon, Very Rev. Dean Foley assistant priest, and Rev. Father Bowers (Geraldine) master of ceremonies. His Lord*hip the Bishop presided, the deacons at the throne being the Very Rev. Father Fauvel (Temuka) and Rev. Father Marnane (St. Mary's). The cantors were Rev. Father Richards (Lincoln) and Rev. Ftther O'Connell (Waimate). There were also present the Very Rev. Father Ginaty, Rev. Fathers Ohastagnon, Price. Hyland, Higgins, Dunham, Goggan, Gallais, and McDonnell. His Lord*hip the Binhop briefly addressed the congregition and asked their prayers for the sonls of those of the olergy who have passed away, especially mentioning the late Very Rev. Father < 'uminings, who was instrumental in introducing the custom of having a lliquinn Mass celebrated periodically for deceased priests in the diocese. The sanctuary was draped in mourning, and at the end of the Mass the Bshop gave the absolution at the catafalque. During the day a quarterly conference of the olergy was held.