DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 28, 9 July 1903, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(Frojn our own correspondent ) July 6. The Rev. Father Ahem has been transferred from Ashburton to the charge of the parish of Darfield. The Rev. Father Marnane went North on Friday last en route to Sydney and Melbourne on a health and holiday trip. Mr. John Barrett is a travelling companion of the Rector of St. Mary's. Conducted by Mr. W. H. Corrigan, Derry's Private Band gave a very line performance on Sunday afternoon in the Rotunda, Victoria Square. Several thousand persons were present enjoying the musical trea/t. The exceptionally mild weather recently experienced, indicating an early spring, has had the effect of forcing into bud, and even leaf, the weeping willows in places along the banks of the Avon. A successful entertainment, arranged by the Catholic Club, and under the joint management of Messrs. G. J. Fama and "W. McKay, in aid of the parochial school funds, was given in the boys' school on last Thursday evening. The attendance was very satisfactory, and the various items of the extensive programme wore we]) 1 <>- ceived and capably rendered. The first part consisted of a minstrel performance in the orthodox style. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. A. Mead, Miss Kal le Young, and others. Two selections were lendered by Messrs. Geoheghan's orchestra. Banjo selections were contributed by Miss Quill, Messrs. J. Rhanley and W&1thew, an item on the zylophone by Mr. F. Woledge, sailor's hornpipe by the champion dancer, Mr. W. Manning, a chorus by the company, and songs by, Mrs. A. Mead, Misses F. Gardiner, Rubi Crane, \V. Shanley, A. Bryant, Messrs. J. Shanley. W. McKay, G. J. Fama, L. McQueen, J. Folev, 11. Hobbs, and E. Ballantyne. Several of the clergy were among those present. Once again after 43 yeais the site of the first Catholic church built in Christchurch is clear of buildings. Owing to the ruined state of what has latterly been known as the parochial library and club rooms, caused by the recent lire, it was not considered worth the trouble or expense of re-instating tho building. On Saturday afternoon the materials, which, during the process of pulling down had been carefully sorted, were auctioned off. and now nothing remains on the historic spot to indicate its long and \aried uses. The original building was opened on September, 1860, during the regime of the late rather Chastagnior, the little church co\erinur an area of 2 Ift by 18ft . its dimensions I eing in marked contrast to the' majestic pile now in course of erection. The contract price paid for its construction to a Mr. Coxheud being £7o After a tune wings were added to accommodate the priests as a presbytery, and among the many other u«c\s the buildings were put to fi om tune to time was a school, residence for the Marist Brothers, library societies' meeting place, and the scene of numerous gatherings m which subiects of moirentuous inteies.t to the parish h<>\e been discussed and settled. It is a somewhat notable incident in connection with the demolition of the old building that one (Mr P. Henley, of Lincoln) was a looker on. he also being one of the historic group present at the foundation-stone la\ ing. the said group as records -serif-*' comprising five persons, three of whom were the builders and the fifth the officiating priest Verily. church building in Christchurch could scarcely hn^ c any more modest beginnings It is not intended to again reoccupv tho site with any other buildings, as such would impedo the view of the Cathedral, the grounds will, therefore bo laid out to correspond with the surioundings With regard to the Cathedral the work is going- on apace, fa\ orable weather almost throughout the winter aiding tho workmen in continually occupying their time The walls of the entire structure are about tip to the roof line, whilst much massive interior work has been accomplished The main and flanking towers are now receiving attention.