DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 29, 16 July 1903, Page 4

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) July 13. The Rev. Father Huault, S.M., of Meanee, came to Christchurch during the week to assist the Rev. Father Gallais, who is in charge of St. Mary's, Manchester street, during the absence of the Rev. Father Marnane. Special reference was made in all the churches on Sunday to the serious illness of the Sovereign Pontiff. At St. Joseph's, Lyttelton, Father Cooney gave a brief resume of the Pope's life and deeds, and in the event of news being received of his death how the faithful should observe the occurrence pending succeeding events. Father Cooney also placed in a clear light the exact position when a papal vacancy takes pTace as against the wild and erroneous statements cabled out from day to day. Miss Katie Young was recently the recipient of a cheque for a substantial amount, subscribed by the parishioners and choir of St. Mary's, Manchester street, on the occasion of her resignation as organist, to take up a similar position at the Pro-Cathedral. The presentation was made as a recognition of Miss Young's musical talents, in appreciation of the many acts of unobtrusive kindness performed by her whilst connected with the parish, and consistent devotion to duty, enhancing thereby to a great extent the excellence of the music provided at the church services and general proficiency of the choir. ' * The Very Rev. Vicar-General presided at an executive committee meeting of the ' Polyorama ' on Thursday evening last, when the work of the entertainment subcommittee came under review and other detail matters were discussed. The principal prizes of the Polyorama or international art union were on exhibition, and formed quite a striking display Comprised in the list of over 30 articles it is perfect lv safe to assume that in solid value a similar collection has rarely if ever before been acquired for such a purpose. What is described as a ' Fine mineral specimen,' a nugget of gold valued at 20 guineas, heads the array. It is followed on the tickets by a beautiful oil painting, the gift of the artist, Mr. J. M. Madden ; a famous oil painting ' Sunset, Akaroa Heads,' by Mr John Cibb presented by Messrs J. and W. Jameson (contractors for the Cathedral), an exquisite ivoiy crucifix, mounted on a silver-plated cross inlaid with rich mosaics of the principal monuments of Home, presented by the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Akaroa ; a valuable water color painting, a landscape gift by the Cuimtess of Ranfurly , a magnificent hand-painted mirror, gut of the T?ishop : a splendid oil painting, gift of the artist, Mr. W. Green. Timam ; a rich cope in cloth of silver, elahorateiv embroidered, the work and gift of the Sisteis of the Good Shepherd, Mount Magdala ; a delicalelv painted panel, the work and gift of the Sisters of Mcrcv, Chi-T-tchinch ; a pair of artistic alabaster vases (Italian workmanship), presented by Mr. J. A. liiekmot't , a beautiful han.d-painted mirror, presented brv Rev Father Regnault. Waimate , a handsomely-worked drawing-room screen, the work and gift of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Mount Magdala ; a very fine oil painting, gift of the artist, Mr C. J. Goldstone, Waim>ate ; a ruhlv-carved occasional table, the work and gift of the Sisters of Our Lady of Missions, Christchurch : a rare ( framed) photograph of our IToly Father the Pope taken whilst walkintr in. the Vatican' gardens, gift of the Saronv Art Studio ; three large volumes of ' Australasia,' superbly illustrated with o\er 200 engravings : a splendid Japanese vase (a choice centrepiecp) gift of the liishon : a valuable work of art, gift of the workers the Sisiers of St Joseph, Temuka ; a rare steel engrav mir. ' The Ascension,' by Custave Biot ; a fine three-panel folding screen ; a splendid steel engraving, 'An idyl,' by a Roman artist ; a richly-worked preaching stole ; a tiohllv worked musical cabinet : a collection of rare aitist.ic worl-s. erift of the Vicar-Gene-ral : a Roman lewel box. richly inlaid with mosaics ; nnotber nugigot, nre^pnted by Hon. J M Twomey, MLP , Temuka. and mnnv other triumphs of art The art union is under the charce of the Rev Father O'Connell. who is doing his utmost to make it one of the features of the proiected carnival