ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 19, 8 May 1902, Page 5

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

(From our own correspondent.) May 3. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was held at St. Joseph's Church on Sunday last. In the evening after Vespers the usual procession was held. The Very Rev. Father Lewis, Adm., V.G., Rev. Father Keogh, and Very Rev. Father Lane left to-day to assist at the services in connection with the reopening of the new portion of St. Patrick's Church, Masterton. Rev. Father Servajean was in town this week. The opening of his new convent at Blenheim is arranged to take place at the end of the month. The building has cost over £1000. From the proceeds of the late concert held in Maryborough a splendid-toned American organ has been obtained for the church there. After Mass on Sunday last Rev. Father Cahill complimented the choir on its acquisition. At the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman the stallholders and assistants of the New Zealand stall attended an ' At Home,' which was held at their residence, Lower Hut t, on Saturday last. The party was conveyed from town in drags. Various games weic indulged in in the admirably laid-out grounds. Music and a pingpong tournament made up the indoor attractions. Cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Chapman before the party left for home. The annual meeting of St. Joseph's Choir was held at" the presbytery, Boulcott street, on Monday evening. Rev. Father O'Shea presided. The report and balance sheet presented were considered satisfactory. In the former regret was expressed at Mr. Rowe's resignation of the conductorship, and Mr. McLauchlin, who was temporarily filling the position, was thanked for his services. The election of officers resulted as follows . President, Rev. Father

O'Shea ; treasurer, Mr. Reichel (re-elected) ; secretary, Mr Fraser (re-elected); committee, Mrs. Turner, Miss.s Rigg, MDonald, and Henderson ; organist, Mr. M. J. Ennis. The Education Board Inspector in his annual report states •— In the eight Roman Catholic schools 1112 children were presented inl!)ooand KM) in l!>01, showing a small d.crease of 33 The number pr. rented in standards m I'M) was GSO, of whom 558 passed ; and m the past year. 'H)ol. the number of standard children was (>ll. of whom ,->Gi; pas«ed. These results tend to show that the tihciency of the schools is maintained. Improvement is in evident nlso in the extent and qualilyof both standard and class work. In several of these schools elementary scierce, drill, and kindergarten occupation* receive more attention than formerly, and the teaching of arithmetic is much more satisfactory than it was m former years. Good reading composition, and needlework are features of these schools, and very commendable order and control are meb with.' At the City Council Chambers on Wednesday afternoon a representative gathering of both citizens and Justices of the Peace assembled to bid adieu to Inspector Fender on his retirement from the police force. The Mayor (Mr Aitken) presided. Apologies for their absence were received from Sir Joseph Ward, Mr A. Greenfield (Palmerston Jyorth), the Hon. J. Rigg, Judge Batham, and Mr C. M. Luke (formerly Mayor of Wellington). The Mayor pointed out to the large assemblage present the great services Inspector Pender had rendered to the Colony during his long career in its service. His uprightness of character and devotion to duty were so well known to the citizens that it was unnecessary for him to do more than merely refer to them. As Chief Magistrate of the city he wished Inspector Pender a long and happy retirement. A beautifully illuminated addrens from % Justicts and a purse of sovereigns were then presented. Inspector Pender, on rising to reply, was greeted with a liberal round of applause. He impressed on those present at the commencement that it would be well nigh impossible for him to give expression to his feelings on the occasion. He hod come to Wellington with the determination to perform his duties impartially with discretion and without bitterness of feeling, and he was glad to know from hi* Worship the Mayor's speech that he had succeeded somewh.it in the performance of his duties. Mr Pender felt great pride on the occasion, and thanked most heartily all that were concerned in getting up the testimonial. The citizens' purse contained £I4G, and the cheque of the Justices of the Peace was for -C l l ß Is. The barristers and solicitors also presented a parse containing about £50, and the Salvation Army sent a guinea and specially thanked Inspector Pender for the valuable assistance he had given them in their rescue work.