WAIMATE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 16, 16 April 1903, Page 5

WAIMATE.

(From our own correspondent.)

April 13. The Rev. P. Rouillac, S.M., the intrepid island missionary, is at present on a visit to his fellow-townsman, the Rev. Father Regnault, S.M., of this parish. The ceremonies of Holy Week were commenced on Thursday morning. After Mass— which was celebrated by the Rev. Father Aubry— there was the customary procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose. At the close of TeneWrae, in the evening, the Rev. Father Aubry preached an eloquent sermon on the Blessed Eucharist. On Good Friday the Rev. Father Rouillac officiated, being assisted by Father Aubry. Adoration of the Croys was followed by the Mass of the Presanctifieth Jn the evening the devotion of the Stations of the Cross took place. All the ceremonies were well attended .

At the nine o'clock Mass on Easter Sunday, very large numbers approached the Holy Table. A Missa Cantata was celebrated by the Rev. Father Regnault at 11 o'clock. Ho also preached a sermon on the festival of the day. The choir, under the baton of Mr. C. J. Goldstone, rendered in a very finished manner Farmer's Mass in B flat, the soloists being Miss Kent, Miss J. T. Quinn, and Messrs. Goldstone and Evans. After Mass the Rev. Father Regnault congratulated the choir fqr the way in which they had rendered the music, and re^ marked that it could compare favorably with any of the larger cities. There were crowded congregations at both Masses. The church was handsomely decorated for the occasion.

On Thursday last the Right Hon. the Premier, accompanied 1 by the Hon. W. Hall-Jones (Ministen of Public Works), the Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Minister of Lands), and Mr. C. J. Moran, M.L.A. (Western Australia), visited fit Patrick's school, Waimate, and were met by the Rev. Father Aubry, and the Rev. P. Rouillac, S.M. The Premier briefly addressed the children, who then sang a song of welcome, and Master Kane, in a distinct and loud voice, read the following address to Mr. Seddon : — Sir, — In the name of the teachers and pupils of St. Patrick's school, I have the honor of tendering you a most hearty welcome, and of thanking you for your kind visit. You have often been spoken of in our homes for the last 10 years. Not only have you opened large estates to small farmers and townspeople, thus enabling them to gain a more independent livelihood, but you have given timely help to the aged poor by the granting of a pension, and to the people in general by large reductions in railway fares and postage duty. The dignity and integrity, of the British Empire have been maintained in South Africa through the bravery of our soldiers, who responded so readily to your patriotic appeal. We followed with pride your steps in the country of your birth, when, as the worthy representative of New Zealand at the coronation of King Edward VIT., you received all but princely honors. As the interests of education are advanced by our Liberal Government we hope that the work of denominational schools will be recognised and assisted as it is in the United Kingdom. That you will be spared for many years to lead New Zealand in the march of progress is the sincere wish and prayer of the pupils of St. Patrick's school, Waimate.' The Premier thanked the school children for their address of welcome. Speaking oT the work of the institution, he said that in the broader teaching of Christianity there was room for bringing under the notice of the rising generation that which was of importance to them. This life was temporary, but there was a life hereafter, and people were

not well equipped for life unless that fact was taught to them. Under these circumstances he would be sorry to see a Colony inhabited by those of the free-thought belief — by those who ignored the teaching of the great Master. It would be serious mistake for any country to be in that position. Where there were separate schools and where great sacrifices were made by the parents, and where there were pood souls like the Rev. Fathers and the good Sisters, who devoted their time to the work of the school, it would ill become him as Prime Minister of the country were he not to say that he respected those sacrifices, feeling assured that they were conscientiously made and in the best interests of the children.

Seven boys in sailor costume sang a rollicking song, and the children sang ' All hail, Zealandia,' after, which cheers were given for the Premier, Sir William J. Steward, and the teaching staff.