Diocesan News

New Zealand Tablet, 17 July 1919, Page 22

Diocesan News

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) July 12. There were record enrolments in the Catholic Federation in this city on Federation Sunday, and there is every indication that the membership this year will be considerably augmented. The work of rebuilding St. Mary of the Angels’ Church, which was making good progress, has been stopped owing to the curtailment of the railway services. The shingle used is procured from the Hutt River, and consequently is dependent upon railway transport, which cannot be obtained. Another of a series of euchre parties, held in aid of St. Mary’s Church Rebuilding Fund, took place at the Marble Bar, Willis Street, last week, when, in spite of the bad weather, a large number attended. The first prizes were won by Mrs. Frew and Mr. McHugh, whilst the consolation went to Mrs. Britland and Mr. Brew A A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, Buckle Street, on Tuesday morning for the repose of the souls of all soldiers killed in action. Archbishop O’Shea was celebrant, Father Mahony deacon, and Father Dignan subdeacon. Archbishop Redwood and all the city clergy were also present in the sanctuary. The music of the Mass was sung by the boys of St. Patrick’s College Choir. The Rev. B. Gondringer, S.M., M.A., of the professorial staff of the college, preached an eloquent sermon on the sacrifices of the heroes who gave their lives for the Empire, with special reference to the many ex-students of Catholic scholastic institutions in the Dominion. ' ' . Corporal R. M. Girlkig-Butcher, son of Mr. George Girling-Butcher, is with the troops who are returning by the Port Pirie, now at Auckland. Corporal GirlingButcher left Wellington. with the 25th Artillery Reinforcement in April, 1917. Mr. Girling-Butcher, who is well-known throughout the Dominion as inspector of explosives, spent some time on the Western Front before being recalled by the" War Office for, special duty in connection with the manufacture _ of high explosives. ; After the signing of the Armistice he undertook, on ■behalf of the New Zealand Government, an investigation into the explosives industry‘in Great Britain and America, returning via Sydney,, where he has been held up for some weeks by the shipping trouble.

Another old settler, Mr. John Power, died at his residence; Nairn 1 Street/; Wellington, last Friday. J The deceased, who was born f hi Co. Tipperary, Ireland, came to the Dominion 45 years ago, shortly; after his marriage, and settled in Timaru, where he was engaged in the boot trade for many years. In 1890 he removed to Wellington, commencing business in Thorndon Quay, where he carried on until his death. The late Mr. Power leaves a widow and grown-up family: of two -sons—Private J. W. Power, now serving with the N.Z. Expeditionary Force, and a member of the Wellington postal staff, and Mr. T. J. Power, of the State Fire Insurances Department, Wellington; and- three daughters,' Mes--dames P. J. Kelleher and P. D. Hoskins and Miss Kate Powerto whom is extended the deepest sympathy of a large circle of friends. The interment took place onSaturday at Karori, Father Mahony, SiM., who attended the deceased in his last illness, officiating'.— - P.I.P. - . 8 "

Wanganui . (From our own correspondent.) July 10. The Convent and Brothers’ Schools ‘ are closed for the winter holidays. Father Bowden is no longer an invalid, but is, I am pleased to say, out and about again. Very Rev. Father J. A. O’Connell spent the week in Wellington on Federation and other business. Father McManus, Palmerston North, was here through the week. That wonderful little town of the beautiful squares is'talking ‘'bazaar” again. Sisters Paul and Delphine, of the Sisters of Compassion, are here just now collecting for their home and its many needs. The Sisters are getting a good reception, and when they are not on the warpath are the guests of our own Sisters at the Convent on St. John’s Hill. They went up to Jerusalem for the weekend.

On Sunday last, Federation Sunday, special reference was made to the advent of peace, the Masses on that day being thanksgiving ones. On Monday, the Mass, which was largely attended, was in commemoration of our deceased soldiers. There was to have been a big procession on the Sunday of bands, returned soldiers, Territorials, Cadets, and the general public, and an open-air service in front of the Drill Hall, but, owing to the day being stormy, the whole thing was reduced to services in the Drill Hall and His Majesty's Theatre.

Wanganui seems so far from everywhere that we are feeling the peculiarities of the railway time-table rather keenly. As regards actual travelling, things are not so bad, for enterprising motor people have run themselves into the breach, and are able to take us through to Wellington in a few hours, but these good folk are not faking "goods" very seriously, and are unable to carry them. Owing to the difficulty — almost impossibilityof getting timber and other raw materials, some of our local industries have had to pay off many of their men. which is anything but cheerful for those concerned. The disorganisation is only temporary ',''' of course,' and will right itself soon, but meantime we shall be "Tabletless" at the week-ends.