ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 12, 21 March 1901, Page 4

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

(From our own correspondent.)

Maroh 16.

The Hibernian Society is enjoying perfect weather for its St. Patrick's Day eel bration uports meeting which is being held on the B^'- 1 Reeve to A -iy. At a meeting ot the ladies on Thur~dny afternoon it was decided that the forthcoming lx.zj.ar bhould be Leld in November. The aUlla were all arranged for. Mr. P. McGrath, who, 12 months ago, left his studies for the priesthood at Meanee Seminary to join the teaching staff of St. Patrick's College, has, on the advice of his meiioal attendant, left that institution for his home at Waimate. Mr. McGrath has been far from well for some time, and it is hoped that the cessation of work and a change of climate will speedily restore him to health and enable him to resume studying for high calling. A social function took place in the Thorndon schoolroom on Wednesday evening, when Miss Blake, a member of the Children of Mary, was presented with two volumes of valuable books from her confrere* on the ocoasion of her leaving the Association to join the Sisters of Mercy. The presentation was made by Rev. Father Holley. During the evening songs were given by some of the members, and with various other forms of amusement a most enjoyable time was spent. Light refreshments were handed round, After which the gathering dispersed with many a good wish for Miv Blake's happiness in her new sphere of life. Miss Conn ell was accorded an enthusiastic reception at her concert on Thursday evening. A splendid house greeted the young soprano, who was well supported by such artists as Miss Tanaley, Messrs. Prouse, Hill, and Herr Max Hoppe. Miss Connell's first item, Bishop's ' Tell me my heart,' was sung with taste and delicacy, while her encore number ' Robin Adair ' was excellently given. In the operatic piece, ' Les Jours de Mon Enfance,' a most diffioult number, the flexibility of her voice and careful training were in evidence throughout. Securing a well-merited enoore Bhe gave a Bweet little ' Lullaby.' In Solvejg's song she fairly excelled herself, and this number was undoubtedly her best effort. In response she gave ' Home, sweet home ' in her usual finished manner. The other members of the company were well received, each securing an encore. MißPes Prouse and Winnie Connell acted as accompanists. There was only a fair attendance at her Friday night's concert, which, from a musical point of view, was as successful as the first. The question of improvements in the city tramway service is likely to play an important part in the municipal elections shortly to be held. The Council a few weeks ago abolished the wards 80 that the councillors will be elected by the burgesses as a whole. The Tramways Committen of the Council brought down its report on electric tramway traction at last night's meeting. Among the proposals contained therein were the following : — To relay and equip the existing line between Thorndon and Newtown, the whole to be laid as a double track. To construct extensions to Island Bay, Oriental Bay, Upper Willis street, and along Webb street to Taranaki street, north end of Thorndon quay, and along Molesworth street and Tinakori road to the Botanic Gardens. The estimated cost of these works with 10 per cent, for contingencies, is £224,345. The proposals are to be discussed by the citizens at a public meeting to be held at onoe and the poll of ratepayers will be taken as soon as possible after that meeting.