AUCKLAND CATHOLIC INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 444, 15 April 1865, Page 4

AUCKLAND CATHOLIC INSTITUTE.

Tirirnr. lias just beeu commenced, in Wellingtonstreet. a work from which the happiest results may be anticipated. The accomplished dignitary at the head of the Catholic body in England was quick to see the immense benefit to be derived from intercommunion of the lay youth of his church with a view to mutual improvement. '* The Young Glen's Mutual Improvement Association" is now aii institution in every English, town. So important was this movement thought l)3 T the late learned and enlightened Dr. Lingard, author of the " Catholic History of England," that he threw his influence .ami the weight of his learning into the enterprise, and, if we recollect rightly, appeared almost for the first and hist time in his life at the inauguration of one of these establishments in Liverpool. We believe that- experience "lias shown the happiest results. There is an institution of this kind now established in Auckland, "We cannot help observing that, as it appears to us, an undertaking of this kind has here special advantages. In the first place, we are happily removed from the asperity which attends polemical difference in populous cities. In the next place, as we are informed, this establishment receives the most substantial proofs of affectionate encouragement not only from the head of the Catholic Church in this colony, but also from those who are regarded in every continental country in Europe with the tendcrest interest. We speak, of course, of those ladies who devote their lives and fortunes to the education of the poor, and the help of the afflicted. The building has at length been commenced. The institution is of course in connection with St. Patrick's School Originally we believe a site existed in Hobsonstreet, but this has been advantageously sold and an equally eligible one found in Wellingtonstreet. We remember visiting a fancy bazaar, held in aid of this enterprise, which realized some £150. Some idea may be formed of the capacity of this new hall, when we state that the area will be about; 2100 feet. The walls will be IS feet high. There will also be a capacious gallery of of :IGO feet. The front elovai! • i will lie exceedingly plain, having two alrge windows, with circular headed fanlight, and folding lonrs, and with a bold cornice, supported by columns, with caps, bases, and plinth. The room will be lighted with 11 windows, the sashes to be hung with weights and the roof will be close boarded and weather-boarded. Adequate Yentiiation, a desideratum in buildings devoted to purposes such as this will be secured by autraps placed at intervals round the structure both in floor and ceiling. The work is from the plans and under the immediate superintendence of Mr. Edward Mahony, architect, and Mr. Armstrong is the contractor. We trust that this most useful enterprise will receive the most cordial support and encouragement, not only

, 11,11-a —.«a from persons -with means and ability in connexionwith the Catholic community m this cftv but from all who have cither talent or means to contribute to the progress of education and mutual improvement.