St. Mary's, Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, 2 September 1909, Page 22

St. Mary's, Christchurch

(From Our Own Correspondent.) An illustrated lecture on ' Niagara ' was given in St. Mary's schoolroom, Manchester street, on Friday evening by the Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., in aid of the funds of the Altar Society. Despite the very unseasonable weather, there was a very large attendance, and, judging by, the frequent applause, the subject and the treatment were highly appreciated by the audience. The , Falls were shown ly various view's in their stupendous 'grandeur and overpowering magnificence, and their surroundings were depicted in their summer splendor and in, the grip of the rigors of winter. The rev. lecturer gave a vivid' word-painting of the unconquerable wildn%ss of the rapids below the Falls, and dwelt at length on their history. Their gradual erosion by the water on the different faces was exhaustively dealt -with. The harnessing of Niagara was another interest- " ing feature of the lecture. A picture of the immense -tunnel, which conveys the water of the river to the wheel pit that supplies the great power for' which the Falls ara renowned, was shown and described. The lecture was preceded by a musical programme. At the conclusion of the lecture Mr. W. Hayward, jun., on behalf of the members of the Altar Society, thanked the performers, and made special reference to the lecture, which, he said, was most interesting and instructive.