Rotorua

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 22, 4 June 1908, Page 15

Rotorua

(From our own correspondent.) May 22. On Sunday last the Very Rev. Dean Lightheart gave two addresses on the Papal Decree concerning Matrimony. Very Rev. Dean McKenna, of Masterton, who l.«s been in indifferent health of late, is spending a. fewweeks in Rotorua. The Rev. Father Holierhoek, who has been on an extended visit to the Old Country, is expected to arrive here in the course of a week or two. The ladies of the parish, who assisted at the recent bazaar and sale of work, are shortly to be entertained at a progressive euchre party by" the Very Rev. Dean Lightheart. A grave matter that is at present occupying the serious attention of both public and press alike in this province is the escape of three dangerous criminals from the Waiotupu prison camp, situated in this district. The Rev. Father Wientjes, who for some time has been assisting Dean Lightheart in the missionary work in this district, has been compelled, owing to illhealth, to proceed to Father Becker's district at Mongonui. Father Wientjes' departure is deeply regretted. The historic Wairoa Geyser at Whakarewarewa, which on several previous occasions had refused to respond to a saponaceous method, has at last renewed its lost vigor. On Tuesday of last week, in the presence of Lady Plunket and party, it gave a fairly good exhibition to its usual application of soap, sending up a stream of water to a height of 70 feet. The bazaar held recently in aid of the church funds was an unqualified success. Each evening the Assembly Hall was crowded. The various stalls were well stocked and presented a picturesque appearance. After 10 o'clock on the last night all articles remaining were auctioned, keen competition resulting in good prices being obtained. The Town Band rendered valuable services each evening. Popular items each evening were the poi dances performed by three different companies, representing as many tribes, and were a great attraction. The gross proceeds of the bazaar were £204, and the expenses in connection therewith £38. The balance in hand proved sufficient to liquidate the standing, debt recently incurred by the parish in renovating the church, enlarging the school, etc.