DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 24, 11 June 1903, Page 4

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

June 8

The Antartic relieving vessel ' Morning ' is, it is stated, to remain at Lyttelton until December, when she will bo again despatched with supplies for the ' Disco\erv.' there being now no reasonable possibility of the latter having been extricated from the pack-ice where, when the ' Morning ' left those regions, the • Discovery ' was firmly embedded.

St. Mary's Cricket Club celebrated the close of the past season by a smoke concert on last Thursday evening in the school hall, Manchester street, with an attendance of 50 members and friends. The president of the club, the Rev. Father Marnane, presided, and was supported on his right by the club captain, Mr. J. It. Hunt, and on his left by Mr. J. C. Chase, vice-president. During the course of a lengthy programme vocal items were contributed by Messrs. J. Fama, Wilson (2), K. McNamaia, and Willoughby, a violin solo by Mr. E. O'Dormell, and a recitation by Mr. M. Finlay. Mr. J. Woodham acted capably as accompanist. The members expressed appreciation of the efforts made by visitors towards the evening's enjoyment. The president promised to donate a bat as a prize to the member who obtains the best bowling average in the competition matches during the coming season, and the vice-president also oilers a bat as a prize for the best batting average.

in the course of an interesting descriptive article in last Saturday's ' Tress,' headed ' Our Island possessions,' contributed by Mr .James Allen, M H II , containing a detailed account ot the recent parliamentary excursion, the lollowing appeals : — ' An unfortunate blunder was committed at Naililih mission station, Fiji, which considerably maiivd the pleasure of tho visitors. When it became known in Suva that the Parliamentary parly weie going up the Hew a the Colonial Secretary sent word to Father Rougier, the head ot tho Catholic mission at Naililih, informing him that arrangements had been made lor landing theie on tho way up the river, probably about Id a m Father Kougier had travellid a long distance in order to be there to welcome the party, and he and his coniieies had boon busily at work liom ."> a m that morning making preparations to entertain oui party hospitably No trouble had been spaied to give us a hearty welcome, flags were gaily flying Irom the mission buildings, and a native brass band weie in waiting to discouise svvcot music on landing. Instead of landing, as pieviouslv arranged, steam was shut oft as the launch came near the landing, and Mr Duncan shouted to Father Kougier and his two conlreres, who stO'id waiting to receive the party, that they wore not going to stop, but would call on the wav down instead. Mtinv ol our pnrtv at once realised that a pamlul blunder had been committed, likewise a distinct breach of faith. Conse<|,uc nt lv they were not at all surprised when we did land to nnd the band absent, no one to welcome us no gay Cags (lv ing, nothing, in fact, save a few sullen Frjians who hid come liom a distant village to sell a few ciiiios All the N'aililili village) s stood by the priests and puiposelv absented themselves.'