Otaki

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2, 12 January 1905, Page 3

Otaki

(From an occasional correspondent.) The Jubilee of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated with befitting solemnity at the Pukekar'aka Catholic church. The interest taken in the celebration by, the Maoris may be judged from the fact that they were present irom all parts of the district, and also from the Wairarapa, Kangitikei, and Hawke's Bay. In order to accommodate the large influx of visitors a number o£ tents were erected near the church. Annong the clergy, present were tihe Yen. Arohdeacon Devoy, Very Rev. Father Keogh, Rev. Fathers Ainsjworth, Oognet, Tymons, Lacroix, Schaefler, Vibaud, Delach, and Melu., Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Vein. Archdeacon Devoy, Rev. Father Schaeffer being deacon, aflA Rev. Father Vibaud snbdeacon, and Mr. D. Hurley, ol Meanee Seminary, master of ceremionies. In the after-, noon there was a procession to the top of the Pukekaraka hill, where stood the first Catholic church sixty years ago. Father Ainswiorth addressed the large assemblage of Europeans and Natives., Father Cogaet interpreting his remarks for the benefit of the latter. In the evening the derotioms took place in the open air in front of tihe Grotto of Gourdes, after whlcn a display of fireworks, etc., was given from the summit ol tine hill. The

display was very effective, and was witnessed by a large concourse of people. On Friday the Catholic Maoris discussed matters regarding the progress of the Church among the Natives.