DESTRUCTION OF ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, 31 March 1921, Page 28

DESTRUCTION OF ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND.

St. Joseph’s Convent, Grey Lynn, Auckland, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Good Friday morning (says a press message). Eight Sisters and six pupils had narrow escapes, the flames rapidly traversing the wooden building, which was two storeys high. When the fire had just started, a man, who first observed it, states that he saw another man leaving the spot and spoke to him ; but the latter made no reply, and immediately hurried away across the street and disappeared around the corner. The place where the fire originated is easily accessible from the street, and the building had no gas or electric wires. The inmates of the institution had escaped from the convent before the arrival of the brigade, some by means of the fire escapes, others (including an invalid Sister) by the verandah posts. The Sisters heroically devoted themselves to getting the children under their care out of the place, and only when the girls had been placed beyond any. danger did they consider their own welfare. Residents in the neighborhood provided accommodation for the children, and the Sisters were taken in, motor cars to their house at St. Benedict’s. • j. In connection with this disaster to the devoted Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the question of rebuilding St. Joseph’s Convent was discussed at a meeting held in the convent grounds on last Sunday afternoon, and attended by 3000 people (telegraphs our special reporter), his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Cleary, Bishop of the diocese, and Right Rev. Dr. Liston,. Coadjutor-Bishop, being among those present. The meeting was opened by Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook, pastor of the parish of Grey Lynn, who said their first duty was one of thanksgiving for the escape of the Sisters and their pupils. In regard to the fire, the irresistible conclusion was forced upon them that there had been foul play. Addressing the great assemblage, his Lordship Bishop Cleary contrasted the newlyopened building of 1917 with the charred and blackened remains then witnessed. He referred to the series of facts which he said clearly proved the incendiary character of the fire. As certain further confirmatory evidence was now being investigated he would say nothing

further at the present stage, but if, and when, it became his duty to speak out he would • do so loudly enough to be heard and plainly enough not to be misunderstood. Bishop Cleary concluded with an appeal for funds to rebuild the convent. Messrs. J. J. O'Brien, George Foster, Hon. P. J. Nerheny, M.L.C., R. McVeigh, and his Lordship Bishop Liston also spoke. The Editor of the Tablet . who visited the scene of the fire and saw for himself what the nuns have lost, appeals to the Catholics throughout New Zealand to help the Sisters of St. Joseph to secure a new home free of debt. With this object he wishes to open a fund by subscribing - twenty guineas.