NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2633, 30 April 1923, Page 4

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH.

CONTRACT FOK £24,053 SIGNED. Owing to the war, arrangements for the construction of the new Catho. lie Church were indefinitely postponed. Yesterday, at 11 o’clock Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, the Rev. Father A. G. Doherty, C.C., mentioned that the contract for tne new church had been s.gned the previous evening. There were several tenderers for the construction of the new edifice, the successful tenderer, ho was pleased to say, being a Palmerston North gentleman, Mr John K. Keen, who submit, ted £24,053 17/ as his price. The next tenderer to Mr Keen was another Palmerston North firm, who submitted LT.USS. There wore several others, the highest being another Palmerston contractor, who calculated the cost at £4-I,SCO. Father Doherty went on to say that the successful tenderer’s price was low and reasonable. Mr Keen, who was to erect the church had built tho very fine premises nearby occupied by Messrs'- C. Smith and Co. Mr Keen was a very swift and sure worker, and an absolute expert in concrete. Tho Catholic community was therefore to be congratulated upon obtaining such efficient service. The work on tho now church would commence in a few days time, and, according to tho con. tract, was to. be completed within eighteen mouths.

The new church, when completed, will be one of the finest In New Zca. land. It will be built in semi. Gothic style, the principals ami purlins being in jarrah. It will be erected in Broad Street, just in front of the presbytery. It will have a tower of 180 feet, and will be capable of accommodating 1000 persons. Messrs Clere and Williams and Mr Mannix are the architects.