Hokitika

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3, 18 January 1906, Page 19

Hokitika

(From our own correspondent.) January 9. A very successful bazaar was brought to a conclusion on the sth inst. The object aimed at— namely, the liquidation of our parish debt— was accomplished to the satisfaction of all concerned. Great praise is due to the stall-holders and workers and the Sisters of Mercy for the manner in which they worked to make the function such a success, and the thanks of the congregation are due to all, who, by their presence and liberality in giving, have achieved the object aimed at. On Friday evening, sth inst., Mr. E. J. Fitzgibbon, of Wellington, who is spending a short holiday on the West Coast, delivered a lecture in the Town Hall to a large and sympathetic audience. The lecturer, who won the Plunket Medal for Oratory at the Victoria College, Wellington, last year, took tor his subject 4 The Life of Daniel O'Connell, Ireland's Great Reformer.' An unusual amount of interest centred round the lecturer on account of the fact that he is a native of the district and received his early education here ; nor was the large audience disappointed in their expectations, as he showed himself thoroughly conversant with his subject, and treated it in a masterly manner. The Mayor (Mr. J. Mandl), who presided, introduced the lecturer in a few felicitous words, and at the close of the lecture he voiced the sentiments of all present when he said/that they had received a very pleasant surprise and a' rare treat that evening, and that the frequent . applause, which punctuated the fecture was proof positive oi ' 'the feelings of those present.. At the conclusion of the lecture a hearty vote of thanks was accorded by Reclamation to Mr. Fitzgibbon for his able lecture, and his courtesy in coming forward at such a short notice to help a deserving object— the repayment of the debt on St. Mary's Church, and, incidentally, the beautifying of the House of God.