DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 18, 7 May 1908, Page 13

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) -- May 4. • His Lordship the Bishop was at Darfleld on Sunday, and goes on. from 1 there to Otira. „ In response to an invitation, his Lordship the jßish-

op, will be present at the ceremony in leonnectfion with the Arthur's Pass Tunnel at Otira"|on Tuesday. During Ms visit to the district, the Bishop iwill dedicate a«ad open the new, church at Springfield Jon the Sunday following. The 'beajuitiful chapel of the' Blessed Peter Louis Chanel, Proto-Martyr of Oceanica, was inaugurated "on last Tuesday morning, when (at 7.30 a.m.) his Lordship the Bishop 'celebrated Mass. The chastely modelled and sculptured marble altar has been presented by the Marist Fathers of the Dominion to the Cathedral. - The admirable treatise on Catholic marriages, recently issued' from tho ' Tablet ' office, was on sale at the week end, and a good many copies disposed of. On Sunday the- clergy at the Cathedral and otfaer city churches spoke eloquently of the comprehensive work, urging- a wide circulation and studious reading. The Rev. Mother Superior x and fcAsters of Nazareth House desire to express gratetul thanks for various acts of kindness extended towards the inmates. On last Thursday Mr. Jacob Levien, with the assistance of some friends, entertained the orphan children at a picnic at, Wainoni Park. Professor Bicker ton very kindly gave the free use of the extensive and popular pleasure grounds, together with all the amusement facilities. The children spent a most enjoyable day. At Nazareth House the aged inmates were treated to a ' tea party,' _the men being also provided wUh a supply of tob'acco — an attention which all thoroughly appreciated. On - Saturday, at the invitation of Mr. Tom Pollard, the children were present at the matinee performance of * Bluebell 'in Fairyland ' by the juvenile opera company in the new Theatre Royal. Sincere gratitude is also expressed towards all who assisted in the St. Patrick's Day national concert, especially to the many non-CaJfeholie professional artists,, all of whom gave their valued assistance, as on all other occasions, gratuitously. The ISt. Patrick's Day celebration commiittee met at the presbytery, Barbadoes street, jj o n last Thursday evening to finally arrange matters in connection with the :ecent mational concert. His Lordshiu the Bishop presided, thfe Rev. Father Price, Adm., being also present. The report and jbalance sheet, presented by the secretary, (Mr. E. O'Sonnoi>, showed receipts from all sources to be' £136 19s. 6d ; expenditure, £22 Is. 7d», credit balance £114 7s. lid. On the motion of Mr. Or. R. Hart the audited statement of accounts was accepted. Mr. Hart in referring, to the successful efforts of the committee in the interests o i Nazareth House, characterised /the institution as the greatest work in the city. In seconding the motion, it was mentioned that the annual event, undertaken by the committee, was not only of substantial benefit to the Sisters {of Nazareth, but also afforded our people, a very (pleasant and suitable social celebration of a national festival, and whatever .trouble and expense were thereby entailed were certainly time and money well spent. His Lordship the Bishop said the result was very gratifying, and from the initiative "stages the committee's work was nobly and ably carried out. Their efforts directed sympathy towards the devoted Sisters, whose work in our midst as it became better kiiown, would be bettor helped and appreciated. In responding to a vole of thanks the secretary ,(Mr. E. O'Connor) said he received' much valued assistance from the various Conferences of St Vincent de Paul, and especially from the ladies associated therewith, great help being also fortnconwng as on all former occasions, from the Hibernian Society The chairman (Mr. W. Hob an) wrote resigning his position owing to pressure of duties at the time his services were most needed. He enclosed a chqqtue towards the fund, and asked to be still considered' a memlber 1 of the committee. The resignation was accepted with regret, and it was unanimously decided to send) a letter of thacniks a,nid appreciaition for past valued services. A cheque given by his ' Lordship the Bishop to the lady who sold the most tickets was awarded to Mrs. W. Dobjbs, who at once donated it to the fund.