DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1, 4 January 1906, Page 20

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

January 1. By the generosity of members of the family of the late Mr. A. J. White the Cathedral has been enriched by several costly gifts. Magnificent dalmatics, embroidered in gold, and used for the first time on Christmas Day, were presented by Miss Alice White together with a splendfid Brussels carpet for the sanctuary. The latter was procured specially for the occasion. Some handsome candelabra were also added to numerous previous benefactions of these young ladies. The Catholic picnic at the Riccarton racecourse on December 26 was nearly marred at the very outset by a double fatality. A tittle boy, aged (three, by some means fell into an artificial lake containing from eight to twelve feet of water ; an elder sister went to his assistance, and locked in each other's arms they sank. An alarm was raised and a brave boy named Philip Dwyer, hardly in his teens, without a moment's hesitation divested himself of coat only and dived in to the rescue, brought both children to the surface and to the bank. The younger child was apparently dead, but young Dwyer's father, Sub-Inspector Dwyer, who was speedily on the spot and skilled in 'first and,' after ten minutes' persevering effort succeeded in restoring animation. This incident proves the advantages of a knowledge of swimming— a knowledge possessed by few if any of the boys attending our schools, owing to the absence of a swimming bath of their own, a privilege enjoyed by almost every other school in the city, and a disability, it is to be hoped which will soon be removed Young Dwyer learnt the art while at Wanganui, and the practical use he made of it on the occasion under notice should most certainly be recognised by the Royal Humane Society. In this connection it is worthy of note that Sub-Inspector Dwyer has received awards on two occasions for saving life from drowning, one of whom was a brother of Lord Kitchener.

The second anniversary of the Ashburton branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was celebrated by a social gathering on Monday evening, December 18. The president, Bro. O'Carroll, occupied the chair ; the Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell was present, and a large attendance of members. The Druids and Foresters were represented, also St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, Christchurch, by P.P. Bros. F. J. Doolan and Jas. McCormick. It being quarterly night a considerable amotint of general business was transacted, including nomination of officers, for which in every instance a ballot will be necessary. The membership roll now stands at 125, and four additional members were nominated. A lengthy toast list, interspersed with musical items, was gone through. The toast of the. Christchurch branch was accorded musical honors. The representatives in

reply congratulated the Ashburton branch on the position attained in so short a time— numerically the sixth in the Colony. Reference was made to matters of local and colonial interest to the society, especially! in regard to the scale of clearance values i which 'is to come before the N.Z. District Meeting at an early date. The chaplain, the Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell, was greeted at various stages of the meeting with expressions of appreciation and gratitude for the sustained interest manifested by him in the affairs of the branch. His keen perception and business ability were acknowledged as being invaluable.

The hard-working and energetic committee which took in hand the promotion of the excursion, picnic, and children's treat deserve to be complimented on having achieved one of the notable successes of the year. The day's proceedings commenced with a procession of school children from the Cathedral to the railway station, after which at short intervals four trains left for the scene of the day's festivities. Rain threatened during the early hours of the morning, but when the last train arrived at the race course the sun shone out brightly, and the day proved an ideal one for an outing. It is estimated that fully three thousand persons were present, including many from surrounding districts. His Lordship the Bishop and a number of the clergy were on the ground throughout the day The beautiful park of the C.J.C. looked at its best, and all portions, including the buildings, were generously placed at the disposal of the committee. On the lawn Derry's Band played inspiriting music during the day. The little ones were amply provided with luxuries and toys, and a special committee, aided by the Marist Brothers, arranged and carried out a sports programme for them, presenting prizes at the end of each event. In this department his Lordship the Bishop was keenly interested, spending a great part of the time in the company oi the children, and evidently enjoying the proceedings,