Nelson

New Zealand Tablet, 19 November 1908, Page 14

Nelson

(From an Occasional Correspondent.)

The practical examinations in music by the representative of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music were held at the convent on November 2. The following is the list of successful candidates : — Advanced Grade (piano) — Misses Frank and Moule. -Higher division (piano) — Misses McDonnell and Shields. Lower division (piano) — Misses Adams, Johnston, and Scott. Elementary division (piano) — Misses Hayes and C. Scott. Primary division (piano) — Misses Hood, McGrath, Blick, and Bird. Rudiments, Local Centre — Miss Moule.

On Saturday last the remains of the late Mr. James Armstrong, sen., were laid to rest in the new cemetery, Nelson. Born in penal times (1820) in Ireland, he emigrated, while still very young, to Yorkshire, and there married. In 1852 he landed in Nelson with his wife and young family. He was for many years engaged in survey work in New Zealand. In religion he maintained his holy faith against all-comers. He was an assiduous reader of controversial works, and a constant and ardent admirer of the Tablet. Woe betide the luckless tyro who dared attack his faith ! Armed with, chapter and verse of Scripture, day and date for all his opinions, he was more than a match for any opponent. At length, crowned with years, at the advanced age of 88, fortified by the rites of Holy Church, his last moments vocal with prayers and ejaculations, he slept his last sleep in the presence of all the members of his family. The Rev. Father Clancy made feeling reference at all the services on Sunday to the loss of such a staunch and exemplary member of the Church —R.I. P.