Opening of a New Convent at Paeroa.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 17 July 1902, Page 20

Opening of a New Convent at Paeroa.

Sunday, July 6, wrb a red-letter-day for the Catholics of Paeroa (says a looal paper), the oocaeion being the opening of the handsome convent whioh has just been completed. Fortnnately, the weather was fine, and a large number were present to witness the opening oeremony after the 11 o'clock Mass. The Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan was present, and performed the oeremony, assisted by the Very Rev. Dean Hackett. * * At the gate at the entrance to the ohurch grounds was displayed a eign with the word ' Welcome ' on it, and a large red ensign waved about the sign. In front of the convent was another sign bearing the inscription ' God Bless Onr Bishop.' Visitors were present in large numbers from Waibi, Karangahake, and other up-country places, special conveyances running for the occasion. His Lordship, in the course of his address, oongratulated the Cathohcß of Paeroa on having erected such a splendid, commodiouc, and up-to-date convent, which was a credit to the place and to those who had worked towards its completion. He referred to the fact that the ohurch grounds had been secured many yean ago by the forethought and generosity of Mgr. O'Reilly, who at one time paid periodical visits to Pacroa. He also made reference to the good work that had been done by the Very Rev. Dean Hackett, who had so materially assisted in having the oonvent erected. The Bishop also stated that the contractor for the con ye at, Mr Douglas, had carried out his work in'a hiirbly satisfactory manner, and one that was a credit to Paeroa. Mr Mahoney, the architeot, was particularly pleased with the way in which Mr Douglas had carried out hit instructions. The Very Rev. Dean Hackett read out a list of donations received towardß the cost of the oonvent, the total being £240. There were several substantial Bums on the list — one of £20, several of £10, and a large number of £5. The amount collected by the Sisters was £52, including their own donation of £10. The convent is a two-storey building and has a fine imposing appearance with a verandah and balcony in the front. It was originally intended to have a balcony on either side but owing to the extra cost this was omitted. No doubt, however, with additions that will have to be made in later years, this will be done. All those who took advantage of looking through the building were unanimous in their praiße of the excellent manner in which the work was finished off. The ground floor ocoupies a space of about 2300 square feet. A flight of steps leads on to the verandah which ia Bft above the le\el of the ground. On entering is the hall which is 28ft x Bft with walls 12ft high. To the right of the hall is the reception room 18ft x 14ft. Opposite to this is the community room which is 16ft by 14ft. Proceeding down the ball we come to the music room which is 14ft x 10ft. On the ground floor are also a refeotory 14ft x 14ft, store room 9ft x 7ft, pupils' dining room 22ft x 14ft, kitchen 14ft eqnare, pantry and scullery. From the balcony of the second storey a very fine view of the district can be obtained. The apartments here are an oratory 18ft x loft, nuns' dormitory 1 6ft x 18ft, children's dormitory 22ft x 14ft, infirmary, bathrooms, etc. The building is supplied with water from the county service, and is to be lighted with gas. There are in addition outbuildings such as wash-house, etc. The work was begun in February last, the contract price being £1139, and it is one of the largest buildingt of its kind erected in the district.

The Catholics of Paeroa and district have now accomplished a work which does them great credit, and they have every reason to be proud of the new convent.