THE ROMAN CATHOLIC PROVINCIAL SYNOD.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 22, 27 January 1899, Page 6

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC PROVINCIAL SYNOD.

O YESTERDAY'S EXCURSION. • The assemblage yesterday near the Ferry Wharf of groups of gentry in orthodox black garb, with a large muster of the fair sex in many coloured costumes, indicated some unusual attraction in that quarter. It proved to be the occasion of a marine excursion to Shelly Bay and Day's Bay, given by a committee of the laity of the Roman Catholic Church of Wellington to the clergy attending the first Provincial Synod of the Church in New Zealand. The party embarked in the Duchess, Captain Muir, at 11.30, the ■weather being all that could be desired, whilst the harbour was as tranquil as a millpond. Amongst the leading guests Avere Archbishop Redwood, Bishops Grimes (Christchurch), Verdon (Dunedin), and Lenihan (Auckland), and the following members of the Synod — Dean O'Reilly, Revs. Fathers Gillon and Lightfoot, Auckland ; Dr. Pestre, Revs. Fathers Devoy, M'Kenna, and O'Shea, Wellington ; Deans O'Donnell and Martin, Rev. Father Lemenant, Christchurch ; Dean Burke and Father Murphy, Dunedin. Among the local clergy were Dr. Watters, Revs. Fathers Lewis and Lane. Mr. J. Duthie, M.H.R., and Mr. C. Wilson, M.H.R., were present by invitation, and apologies were received from the Hon. C. J John- * ston Mr. J. Hutcheson, M.H.R., and several others. The members of the committee were — Mr. Martin Kennedy. Chairman, Messrs. •J. J. Devine, R. P. Collins, Owen M'Ardle, Peter M'Ardle, Whitaker, T. Dwan, jun., A. A. Corrigan, J. Mackay, M. Segrief, J. Gallagher, M. O'Connor, J. ODea, R. 0. Connor. Messrs. Dignan, M. J. Bourke, and Morrison were also among the guests. Reaching Shelly Bay the party was conveyed to the shore by the Ellen Ballance, being received by Captain Falconer, who, by permission of the Defence Minister, conducted the visitors over the torpedo sheds, and explained the working of the Wnitehead and Brennan torpedoes. As the visitors were re-embarking in the Duchess they were treated to a spectacle of an explosion of a submarine mine near the shore. Day's Bay was reached about 2 o'clock, ■where an excellent luncheon provided by Mr. Mawson was in readiness. Mr. Martin Kennedy occupied the chair, supported on his right by Archbishop Redwood, and on the left by Mr. J. Duthie, M.H.R., Mr. R. P. Collins being in the vice-chair. The company having partaken of the wellserved and ample repast, enlivened with a number of national airs by Cimino's fine string band (which also discoursed music on board during the trip), the Chairman proposed " His Holiness the Pope and the Queen,' which was duly honoured. In proposing the toast " Our Guests," the Chairman said the recently constituted Provincial Synod inaugurated a new charter for the Catholics of New Zealand, giving them independent powers of local control. Though the federal system had its attractions, it might result in the Church in this colony being outvoted in matters inimical to its welfare. He expressed the hope that the larger measure of self-government would result in the infusion of new energy and vigour into the Church, and that the most s>auguine expectations for its future would be realised. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Archbishop Redwood responded, in a characteristic and humorous speech, conij'.'ujiiug the present progressive condition and prosperity of the Church with what it was m the year 1842, when he arrived in the colony in the ship George Fyffe, captain Pike, amidst savage surroundings, and saw the trees felled for the erection of the first European dwelling in Nelson. After many interesting and amusing personal reminiscences, His Grace spoke in eulogistic terms of the learning and devotion of the clergy, the Ipyalty and liberality of the laity, and the prosperous state of the liierachy under his pastoral charge. I Mr. Duthie expressed his sympathy with the mother of the Christian Churches, equally engaged with others in the advancement of the moral Avelfare and general well being of the community. He hoped the new powers of self-government conferred upon the Synod would increase the efficiency of the Church. Mr. Wilson alao responded, complimenting the Church, on its zeal in the cause of religion and religious teaching. The toast of "The Ladiep," proposed by Mr. R. P. Collins, and *iespondod to by Mr. Devine, brought thin part of the proceedings to a close. The Duchess left Day's Bay on the return trip at 4.20, reaching the Ferry Wharf at 5.40. On the way t'ae leading clergy and laity assembled in the cabin and drank the' health of the Committee, coupled with the names of Messrs. Martin Kennedy and M'Ardle, with w:.vm expressions of thanks for the delighA iul excursion provided by the Committtyj • to which Mr. Kennedy responded in suitable terms.

Miss K. Henry will resume the teaching of the violin and piauol'orto on 2nd February,