DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 18, 1 May 1902, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

From our own correspondent.") April 28. A scries of entertainments*, organised by the Rev. Father Price of Hawarden, have recently been given with much success in various centres of his extensive district in aid of the parish funds. A party of Christchurch musical friends and others possessing dramatic talent rendered very valuable assistance, At Vespers in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday evening the Very Rev. Vicar-General preached an eloquent panegyric of Blessed Peter Louis Marie Chanel. Special devotions in honor of the ProtoMartyr of Oceanica are to take place on the feast day (Tuesday). The erection of the new Cathedral is progressing with remarkable rapidity, and every week reveals some fresh feature of its beautiful design and proportions. Visitors to the city make a point of viewing the operations under the guidance of the genial clerk of works (Mr. J. A. Hickmott), who is always anxious and willing to explain the plans and furnish full particulars concerning the magnificent structure to all who may care to interest themselves, a chance which should not be lost. jf The arrangements for the Coronation Carnival, to be opened in m-j Coloeeum on May 15 in aid of St. Mary's Presbytery Building Fund, are rapidly assuming definite shape. The ladies in charge of

the stallp, of which there are to be eight, have made a splendid collection of goods, and are now busily engaged designing the costumes for their army of assistants. 'A) my,' curiously enough, will be the correct designation, as those engaged at the stalls in connection with the spectacular displays are to be costumed after the style of some of the 'crack' regiments of the Empire. The ' first line of defence ' will be represented by a gallant naval brigade, The 200 and more children, under Miss Lowe's tuitioD, with characteristic aptitude, are making satisfactory progress in a number of pretty dances, and these, together with the assistants, will number in a grand march 35U all told. As a prelude a minature coronation scene will each evening be enacted.