CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 45, 21 February 1917, Page 13

CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS.

Another article in this number ..traces the growth of the Catholic Church in Masterton.. St. Bride's Convent stands out as a lasting memorial to the generosity of the people of the town and district who provided the funds for its establishment, as well as to the zeal of the pastor who undertook the work. From the beginning of the mission in the district it was recognised that religion and education should go hand in hand, and when Father Halbwacks took up ■the work of the'mission a. Catholic school was established. At first this was more of a private enterprise, conducted under the patronage of the church in a small cottage that was then upon the. church property at Masterton. In 1884 Father Treacy erected St. Patrick's School, which continued to do duty until 1899, when it was removed to its present site and considerably enlarged. Further additions have since been made to it, and it provides accommodation for 150 pupils. Up to the year 1899 the school was conducted by lay teachers. The Brigidino nuns introduced by Monsignor M'Kenna from New South Wales then took charge, and have since conducted it, in conjunction with St. Bride's Convent, with marked success. ..

The Convent.occupies a beautiful position, and its fine grounds are greatly admired by visitors to Masterton. Here, too, considerable additions have had. lo bo made to meet the requirements of the ever-increasing numbers who go for instruction. Besides the Convent, which provides accommodation for the nuns, and spacious rooms for the boarders and day pupils, a beautiful church has been erected upon the grounds for the private use of the nuns and their pupils. The grounds have been added to by the acquisition- of what was known as the Fish Ponds, consisting of 12£ acres. This fine property makes a grand recreation ground ' , for the' nuns and boarders. Since the Convent was founded a sum of about £10,000 has been spent upon it, and when the annual'cost of educating 200 children at either St. Patrick's College or 'the Convent is added, it will be realised that the Catholics of Masterton set a•, high value . upon. religious education. ...