WANGANUI.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 31, 31 July 1902, Page 4

WANGANUI.

(From our own correspondent.)

July 25. The oountry districts, comprising Tnrakina, MartoD, Bulls, and Hunterville, which have been served for many years from Wanganui, have now been formed into a separate parish, under the charge of Rev. Father Costelloe, who has made Marton his headquarters. In the old days, when the Very Ray. Dean Kirk was without an assistant priest, he himself, often under great difficulties, ministered to the spiritual wants of the people of these districts As the parish of Wanganui increased in importance, a second priest was stationed here in the person of Rev. Father Tymons, who relieved Dean Kirk of these arduous duties. On the departure of Father Tymons for Palmerston North, nearly three years ago, Rev. Father O'Sullivan took up the work, paying regular visits to'these plnces, and epet.ding only one Sunday in the month in Wanganni. By his untiring zeal and devotion to duty he has endeared himself to all those under his care, and genuine regret was expressed when it became known that the term of his ministrations was about to come to an end. The formation of these districts into a parish, however, was unavoidable, as the present requirements of the Wanganui parish urgently demand the presence of two resident priests, and the incr use in th< j numb, r of Catholics in the country districts makes the change still more necessary. Ah ntated, Rnv. Father Costolloe has m*de Marton his headquarters, and already arrangements have been made for the erection of a suitable churoh there, the building of which will be itarted shortly. Of late the health of the Very Rev. Dean Kirk has not been of the best, ro that the additional help that will be given him by the Rev. Father O'Sullivan will tend to make lesa trying the multitudinous duties inseparable from his position. A conference of the clergy on this coast will be held in Wanganui early next month. .