DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 15, 10 April 1902, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.)

April 7. The Rev. Father McDonnell, accompanied by Mr Frank Geohegan, left on last Monday on a cycling tour to the West Coast.

On Thursday another of those enjoyable gatherings known as 'a pink tea' is to be given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Addington, in aid of the local Catholic school fund,

I regret to learn that owing to the unsatisfactory state of his health the Rev. Father Cooney, the popular parish priest of Lyttelton, has found it necessary to relinquish duty for a few weeks. He leaves to-night (Monday) for the North Island, and the Very Rev. Dean Foley will do duty at the Port until Father Cooney's return.

The Pro-Cathedral was crowded to excess on Sunday evening. Mdlle Dolores (Trebelli) sang Mascagni's ' Aye Maria,' being accompanied on the organ by Mr Clarance Newell. The Very Rev. Vicar-General preached a beautiful sermon on ' Peace,' and there was the usual monthly procession of the Blessed Sacrament.

The choir and sanctuary boys of St. Mary's, Manchester street, went by excursion train to Little River on Easter Monday, and held a most enjoyable picnic. Sports and games were indulged in and the points of interest about the picturesque locality visited. Included in the party were the Rev. Fathers Marnane and Gallais, and the weather being everything to be desired, all returned thoroughly well satisfied with the day's outing.

On Saturday afternoon the inmates of Mount Magdala had a musical treat owipg to the kindness of Mdlle. Dolores, who paid a visit to the institution. Mdlle. sang four songa in the recreation hall, to the great delight of the inmates who were present with the Sisters. One of the girls presented Mdlle. Dolores with a handsome bouquet. His Lordship Bishop Grimes, who with Dean Foley was also present, expressed the grateful thanks ot the inmates for the treat afforded them by Mdlle.

Joint committees of the Catholic churches at Lceston and Southbridge conducted a successful and well-organised garden party on Easter Monday evening in Mr. Spring's recreation grounds, Leeston, there being an attendance of about 1000 persons. The grounds were illuminated by electricity, a complete installation having been provided by Mr. A. E. Brown, Christchurch. A well arranged programme of events was provided and carried out in a pleasing manner by the committee. Among the attractions during the evening was a maypole dance, music being rendered by the Woolston Brass Band. The profits of the gathering are very satisfactory, and are to be devoted to the improvement of the church grounds and necessary work in connection with the other buildings.

For some time a movement has been under consideration for the establishment of a federation of the numerous Catholic Social Clubs and Literary Societies throughout the Colony. As an outcome of preliminary arrangements, a conference of delegates representing various centres assembled in Christchurch during the Easter holidays. Those present were Messrs. B. Guise and J. Stratford (Wellington), H. McKeowen (acting for Napier), J. G-. Yenning, G. J. Fitzgerald and M. Mahony (Timaru), D. Moriarty and D. McDonnell (Ashburton), G. Dobbs, J. R. Hay ward and F. Doolan (Christchurch). Mr. J. J. Wilson (Christchurch) was chairman, and Mr. H. McKeowen, secretary of the conference. Three meetings were held in the Christohurch Club rooms, when the project was thoroughly discussed, and rules were drafted for the guidance of the federation. An executive, consisting of the Rev. Father O'Shea (President;, Mr. J. J. Devine (Vice-President), Mr. Fitzgibbon (Treasurer), and Mr. H. McKeowen (General Secretary) was appointed. The members are residents of Wellington, and hold office for one year, pursuant to a rule that the executive for the time being shall belong to the centre where the next conference is to be held. At one of the meetings his Lordship Bishop Grimes paid a visit, welcomed the delegates, expressed sympathy with the movement in which they were engaged and satisfaction with the nature of the deliberations, and at the close of the sitting accompanied the members on a tour of inspection of the excellent museum attached to the Episcopal residence. Besides granting to visitors the free use of the library and Club rooms during their stay, the local club members organised several enjoyable gatherings, including a tennis party and afternoon tea at the courts of Mr. Hayward, sen., a drag with four-in-hand drive around the suburbs, and a farewell smoke concert.