BISHOP VERDON'S DEPARTURE.

Evening Star, Issue 10903, 11 April 1899, Page 4

BISHOP VERDON'S DEPARTURE.

Prior to his departure for Rome, Bishop Verdon held a reception in St. Joseph's Hall, the new hall just erected in Rattra> street near the Cathedral, last night. A great many people were received by his lordship, and subsequently the visitors assembled in the main hall, which was crowded to excess. Those who occupied seats on the platform with the bishop were : —The Verv Rev. Father O'Neill (of Milton), the Rev. Fathers Lynch (Palmerston), M'Grath, Murphy, Ryan, Coffey, M'Mullan, J. O'Donnell, aiid Cleary, and Messrs J. B. Callan, F. W. Petre, D. W. Woods, J. Liston, and J. A. Scott. An excellent programme was gone through, to the thorough enjoyment of .ill, those who took part being:—Misses Staunton, Bush, K. Blaney, L. Thomas, Messrs E. Eagar J. Woods, J. Black, J. M'Cormack, and P. Carolin, Mr F. H. Stokes (the noting organist of the Cathedral) playing the accompaniments. During an interval, Messrs Callan. and Petre delivered brief addresses, at the conclusion of which three hearty eheers were given for Bishop Verdon, who acknowledged the compliment in a few words.

It may not be out of place here to give a short description of St. Joseph's Hall, which was formally opened on Sunday. It is built of brick and ooncrete, from the plans of Mr F. W. Petre, and it has been designed especially for the social wants of the congregations of the parish. The main hall is on the upper storey, and it is capacious, well lighted, and well ventilated. At one end is a stage, access to which is Rained from dressing rooms at the side. Another spacious room is to be devoted to a library and reading room, where, when the furnishing of the building is complete, all the leading magazines and newspapers will be placed at the disposal of the visitors. The library will be well stocked and kept thoroughly up to date, so that standard works and the literature of the day will always be available for those who desire them. The physical wants of the members of St. Joseph's congregation are not neglected. A large and handsome room has been set apart for billiard tables, and all the requisites of that engaging pastime will be provided. Other rooms have been set apart for indoor games of various descriptions. One of the principal adjuncts to the hall, however, will be the gymnasium. This ia situated on the ground floor, and special facilities for gymnastic exercises have been provided for—plenty of space, a proper floor, shower baths, etc.—and when eventually equipped with apparatus will be complete in every respect. The hall throughout is abundantly provided with gas fittings, fireplaces, lavatories, etc. A large kitchen is also included in the building, fitted with a large cooking range, sink, and. the usa«l accessories. The kitchen is included far the double purpose of catering when social gatherings are on hand and for the use of cookery classes which may be conducted there. Altogether, as will be seen, St. Joseph's Hall, when furnished, will be a complete and comprehensive institution. The contractor for the work was Mr D. W. Woods. Bishop Verdon leaves Dunedin by the Tarawera on Thursday.