NEW ZEALAND: GENERAL

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 27, 2 July 1903, Page 20

NEW ZEALAND: GENERAL

The first session of the fifteenth Parliament wa». formally opened on Monday afternoon, when Mr. A R Guinness was elected Speaker. The ceremonial opening ?° k P lace en Tuesday afternoon, when his Excellency the Governor delivered the customary speech. Miss Ettie Maginnity, of Wellington (writes a Xrfjndon correspondent), arrived in London recently, and commenced her studies at the Royal Academy of Music, it being, 1 understand, her ambition to become a leading light among the contmltos of the concert platform. v The , Kee fton Literary, Debating, and Athletic Club has had several very successful meetings this session, the programmes, for the past couple of months being, interesting and diversified. At a recent meeting Mr. C. Whelan delivered a most instructive address on ' The origin and history of electricity," and on July 4 it was intendedrto give a musical and dramatic entertainment in the Theatre Royal, in aid of the J|unds of the Club. It is expected that before the conclusion of the season the Club will be in possession of an up-to-date gymnasium. The Catholic social held last night in the Theatre Royal (says the ' Inangahua Times/ June 25) passed off most successfully, and was apparently enjoyed to the utmost by the large gathering assembled. Refreshments were dispensed, and the committee vied with one another in promoting the comfort of those present. Excellent music was supplied by Miss E. McGHlicuddy. Betore the company dispersed Rev. Father Hickson returned thanks in his usually felicitous style to all who had kindly assisted in the arrangements, making particular mention of the members of the ladies committee.

The Inaagahua Times ' hears with regret) that! the very Rev. Dean Rolland's condition is not improving as quickly as could be desired. He is still extremely Weak, and suffers intense pain at intervals. Anxious inquiries are constantly being made, however, and earnest prayers are being offered up for his speedy recovery. Needless to say, Dean Rolland is receiving the most assiduous attention, both from the doctor and Father Hickson and everything that can alleviate his suffering is being done. A special nursing Sister has been procured from Wellington, and it is sincerely hoped that with such unremitting care he will soon experience relief and gradually regain strength.

About 150 persons were present at the Ashburton Catholic Literary Society's ' At Home ' held in the boys' schoolroom on Thursday of last week. The hall was tastefully decorated with flags, Chinese lanterns, etc., and the new stage which has recently been added to the room, giave it a cosy appearance. A programme of vocal items was rendered by Mesdames Wilson and Scrint, and Messrs. Healy (2), and the president, Mr. F. K. Cooper, gave one of his Inimitable recitations and a violin solo ' Itear me, Norma.'by Mr. Dunne, a visitor to Ashburton, was much appreciated. Mr. Phil Wilson danced an Irish jig in costume. Miss Bournique acted as accompanist. After an interval for supper, which was provided and dispensed by a committee of ladies, Mr. I). Crowe's phonograph rendered a number of items, which were much appreciated. At the conclusion of the programme, the president thanked the ladies and the performers who had worked so energetically to make tho 'At Home ' the success it was. The programme ended with the singing of ' God save the King.' 81 ». „.- .-