DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 12 June 1913, Page 24

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) June 9. Mr. P. A. Young, who, for a number of years, has filled the position of relieving postmaster in many country places, combining these duties, at intervals, with his ordinary avocation as telegraphist in the Christchurch office, has been appointed postmaster of the branch city office, High street—a preferment well deserved, and one sure of wide popular approval. The fact of a petition to Parliament, adverse to ■ the granting of the referendum on the Bible-in-Schools League's proposals, being in circulation, and the urgent need of such being unanimously signed by our adult Catholic population, were referred to in all our city and suburban churches on last Sunday. Energetic action in the direction indicated is already being shown. After Mass on last Sunday at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Sumner, the Very Rev. Father Price, D.C., Adm., presided at a meeting of ladies of the congregation for the purpose of forming an altar society. After listening to an explanation of the objects of such a society in connection with the beautiful church, and the duties appertaining thereto, the names of ten ladies were received as members. Mrs. W. Lee was elected president, and Mrs. R. Williams secretary and treasurer. Mr. Jas. Main, for the past twelve years chief engineer for the-Bowron Export Trading Company, is leaving Christchurch, having accepted the position of works’ manager for Messrs. Jas. J. Niven and Company’s Gisborne business. On behalf of his late fellowworkers Mr. Main was presented with a handsome case of pipes, accompanied by cordial good wishes for his future welfare, by Mr. J. B. Richardson, departmental manager. As a real sterling Catholic and ardent worker in all Church and school interests, Mr. Main will be greatly missed from among the Cathedral congregation. He is possessed of that geniality, and cheerful willingness to undertake a fair share of paro- ( chial duties and responsibilities, which have proved most helpful and stimulating on many occasions. The whole community will wish him and family success and prosperity in his new home and position. A special general meeting of the M. 8.0.8. Association, which was attended by over eighty members, . was held on last Monday evening. Owing to his early departure from Christchurch the treasurer and vicepresident of the association (Mr. J. Main) rendered a

statement of accounts, which proved how energetically and successfully he had grappled with what was rather a depressing position since accepting office a few months ago. Receipts and .disbursements during this brief period were shown to be £7O, and the existing liabilities the comparatively small amount of £35. Very, general regret is felt by the association at Mr. Main’s severance, this being given expression to by Messrs. W. Barnett (secretary), C. Baker (assistant secretary), A. Watkins (football club captain) and W. Rodgers. On the motion of Brother Calixtus (principal of the Marist Brothers’ School), Mr. Main was unanimously accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his sustained interest in, and excellent services to, the association. There was discussion on some suggested alterations of rules. The Rev. Father Murphy, B.A. (chaplain) advanced proposals for the formation of a debating and literary section, which resulted in a sub-committee being appointed to promote the same. Mr. J. Main and Mr. W. McConnell spoke on the subject of the association undertaking the management of side-shows in connection with the projected carnival in the Olympia Skating Rink. It was decided to give several entertainments during the intervening time to provide substantial money prizes for tug-of-war contests and other athletic events during the carnival season. -

The periodical Board of Education inspection of the schools of St. Mary’s parochial district, Christchurch North, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, was recently made. The following is a summary of the excellent reports just to hand: —On April 21, St. Mary’s Collegiate High School, Colombo street, was inspected by Mr. Mayne, inspector, who said in his report :The time-tables make due provision for all the subjects; the schemes of work have been carefully outlined, and provide satisfactory courses of study in all subjects; marking and keeping of registers, supervision in recess, and sufficiency of school accommodation, very satisfactory; regularity of attendance, good; order, discipline, and tone of the school, excellent; manners and general behaviour of pupils, excellent; satisfactory methods are applied and creditable progress" has been made. On April 21 the Convent school, St. Mary’s, Manchester street, was inspected by Mr. Mayne, who said in his report: The grouping of the classes is satisfactory and the distribution of the staff is in the best interests of the school. All registers are accurately and neatly kept. The attendance is satisfactory under the circumstances. The schemes of work are satisfactory. The teaching is earnest; the manners and general behaviour of the pupils are commendable, and the discipline is satisfactory. On April 22 the Convent school, Papanui, was inspected by Mr. Brock, who said in his report: The work is well arranged, and the labor equally divided ; the registers are satisfactory, and the timetables show a satisfactory allotment of time to the various subjects ; the schemes of work are well adapted to the type of school, and sufficiently comprehensive to afford a good working basis. The order, discipline, and tone of this school are good ; the attendance and supervision satisfactory.