NOTES FROM THE NORTH

New Zealand Tablet, 27 December 1906, Page 12

NOTES FROM THE NORTH

(By a Yisitoe)

(Continued.)

The Sacred Heart College, Auckland, an institute of learning which does infinite credit to the Marist Brothers, commands" a magnificent view of wide stretching suburbs, especially from the balconies, which extend over" two frontages. Constructed .of the most durable materials on a sue which apparently could not easily be ex~ celled, with ample grounds for recreative and .general purposes, the college is a valuable asset of the pro-gressive-Northern diocese. From sanitary and .healthful considerations nothing has been, overlooked, and the results are shown in. . the healthy appearance of the pupils at their studies or games. The internal- ar.rangements and appointments of ,the college are all that could be possibly -desired. Working under such udrriirable conditions, one need not wonder at the record already established, and the repeated successes of the de.voted Brothers" and their charges. In the company of the genial director, 13ro. Justin, and his confreres, ona of the pleasaute&t, most entertaining, and, I might add, most instructive of hours, it is possible to pass is spent by the visitor who may be assured beforehand of a cordial reception. From personal experience I

would strongly recommend , any visitor to the Northern capital not to omit calling at the Sacred Heart College, as I am . satisfied enlightenment on matters educational will result, and sincere satisfaction be felt at Catholic advancement and prospects, as affecting the rising generation more particularly, and the community as a whole. Meanee. Having the good fortune, "whilst /passing through the beautiful town of Napier,' to meet the kindly pastor of Meanee, the Rev. Father McDonnell, at his invita- ■ tion I spent a few very pleasant and' "profitable hours at this missionary centfre. Under his guidance the scenes in and about the locality, so vivi-dly impressed upon the memory ' of the many theological students now arduously engaged in the work- of the priesthood in various "parishes of the Archdiocese of Wellington and the diocese of - Christchurch,' were pointed out Especially interesting was a view of the fine ecclesiastical seminary, with its prettily kept garden and -picturesque surrounding landscape. Here, too, was seen the valuable meteorological instruments of the rector, the Very Rev. Dr." Kennedy, one of New Zealand's foremost experts 'in this branch o"f useful science. . Close by also is the new site for the magnificent telescope he possesses, the largest in " the Colony. On the lawn opposite the main entrance of the seminary there is situated a unique sun-dial, designed by. the talented rector, which affords quite an interesting study in itself. Near to the seminary is the parish church, St. Mary's, which wj,s founded at the end of 1850 as the centre of the mission in Hawke's Bay. .The ohurch has been raised and considerably improved since Father " McDonnell assumed charge, and so far as material appearance is concerned will probably last for many years to come. The sanctuary of St. Mary's has hallowed associations, having been the scene "of many memorable events in connection with the adjoining seminary— the starting- point in the career of the Colony's .contingent to re-inforce the world-wide^ Order of Marist missionaries. SXtuated in close proximity to the church are the convent and the paris-h schools in charge of the Sisters, of St. Joseph of the Sacred. Heart. The farming, gardening, and poultry raising operations of the Brothers, and the famous vineyards next claim attention, all of which reflect great credit on the industrious staff. Meanee is a charming retreat reached through pretty lanes and country byroads, and situated in the centre of beautiful rural scenery. It is perhaps the one place in New Zealand distinguished from another as being familiar to our Catholic people, since almost colonisation fii?st began, and appears destined to continue for very many years in the van of apostolic learning, life, an-d labors."