CHRISTMASTIDE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10013, 27 December 1895, Page 3

CHRISTMASTIDE

Brilliant.' weather prevented both on 1 Christmas Day and Boxing Day, On tho former the services of both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches were well attended, and the season being a good one for flowers, the decorations in many cases were exceedingly lavish and artistic. Yesterday the weather was even finer than on the previous day, and the town was practically deserted from noon on until after sunset, when the weary but happy picnickers returned home by road, rail, and water. Unfortunately the day was marred by accidents, which will make it bo remembered mournfully by some.

THE CHURCHES. ST. Paul's. There were four services at this church on Christmas Day, viz., celebration of Holy Communion at seven a.m. and eight a.m., featival service with choral communion and sermon at 11 a.m., and special Christmas service at half-past seven p.m. All the services were well attended. The vicar was celebrant at the three services, and preacher at the forenoon service, founding his short discourse on Luke ii., 14. Tho anthem at the principal service was Staiuer's "0 Zion." In the evening a short festival service was held with authem"Siugandßejoice"(Baruby), " Comfort Ye,''. " Every Valley," "And the Glory," "Nazareth," "The Holy City," " The Star of Bethlehem,"" The Good Shepherd," with the carols, "Carol, Sweetly Carol," and 11 Shepherds Watching." The soloists weve, in the order of pieces: Messrs. Stevenson and Worrall, Mrs. Coates, Miss Cave, aud Mr. Norman. The chancel of the church., with the pulpit and lectern, were prettily decorated with light greenery and whi.'ce flowers, lycopodium and lilies abounding. The altar bore the text "Emmanuel," r.nd the eastern window the legend " And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," surmounted by a white glittering star. ST. MATTHEW'S. At this church there were three early celebrations of the Holy Communion at six, seven, and eight a.m. respectively Matins withchildren's address at ten; choral celebration at eleven, with sermon on the Incarnation in relation to historv and science by the Rev. W. S. Curzon-Siggers, M.A. The total communicants numbered ISO. The music at the choral celebration, the first attempted by the choir, was well rendered,_ In the evening a special service was held, in which the Gospel narratives of the incidents of Christmas were illustrated by appropriate hymns, etc. Mrs. Morrin sang "Behold, I bring glad Tidings." Mr. lowsey played as an offertoire "The Pastoral Symphony." The decorations were not so massive this year as last, but were very effective, being designed for teaching rather than for mere decorative purposes; heucc only combinations of two flowers were allowed, in order to point the two natures of Christ. The chief decorators were the Misses Baker, Halliday, Dawson, Morrin, Hill, Hooper, Lmnsden, Keesing, and Maude. The most noteworthy features were the pulpit and the iont and the floral altar cross and vases. all saints', rossovby. Tho observance of the festival of Christmas began here with a choral celebration of Holy Communion at six a.m., the catechism choir being responsible for the music. The incumbent was assisted by the Rev. John K. Davis, M.A., and there were 88 communicants. At the late celebrations, half-past seven, half-pastnine,andat eleven, there were 87,26, and 46 respectively, making a total of only 247, as compared with 360 on All Saints' Day, the falling off being duo, doubtless, to the very late hours kept by business people on Christmas Eve, and to the fact that more heed is paid to taking holiday than to tho observance of the church festivals. At halfpast seven the celebrant was the Rev. N. M. Edwardes. The music was extremely good all through the day, but especially at six, when Griffiths' "Benedictmi Qui Venit 1 ' and "Agnus Dei" were perfectly sung. The church was decorated with much taste, and several items of permaneut adornment have been added. The outlined gilding on the dossal has been made solid, and the carvings 011 the lectern have been stained. The new book rests 011 the choir seats bear the words iii crimson and gold, Decani, "Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail, tho Incarnate Deity," and Cantoris, " Pleased as man with man todwcll, Jesus our Emmanuel," and the effect is distinctly good. The lectern carries the simple words " God of God " in white flowers on a moss ground, and the simplicity of it is dignified. The chancol walls and the windows bear Christmas texts in crimson aud white, aud the whole Church shows taste and skill appropriate to the festival.

St. mark's (rf.moesa). The services here on Christmas Day consisted of Holy Communion at half-hast seven a.m., when the Vicar officiated, assisted by Rev. 11. D. A. Major, morning service and Holy Communion at eleven a.m.,_ the Vicar being assisted at the latter service by the Rev. J. Kinder, D.D., at seven p.m. There was even song and a carol service. The church was beautifully decorated with choice flowers and ferns, the font and lectern being especially beautiful. The music throughout the day was bright and well rendered, a large choir being present at all the services. The carols were a particularly good selection lent for the occasion by Mr. Edwin Hesketh, and the manner in which they were sung reflected credit on those who took such interest in their production. HOLY TRINITY (DEVONPORT). This Church was appropriately decorated for the Christmas festival. In the panels of the pulpit were placed suitable devices made with irreatcare and skill. The prayer desk was simply but effectively decked with lycopodiuin and other greenery. In front of the choir chancel was a screen of bamboo, having the uprights wreathed with box, and the cross pieces and arches artistically covered with lycopodium. The effect was very graceful and pleasing. Great nains were bestowed on the sanctuary, and tho result was most tasteful and effective. The decorations consisted of a reredos of evergreens and two wings—the latter being two largo frames with latticework of delicate wreaths of cypress on a white ground and a margin of ivy leaves. These filled in the two sides of the apse north and south of the holy table. The services worn well attended, and were as follow Eight a.m., holy communion; quarter to ten a.m., morning prayor; eleven a.m., holy communion, the Rev. W. M. Edwardes being celebrant; half-past seven p.m., carols, anthems, etc., interspersed with appropriate selections from Holy Scripture. The number of communicants for the day was 145. The choir sang admirably, with taste and reverence, the music of tho different services.

ST, PATRICK'S, The Christmas services at St. Patrick's were unusually brilliant this year. The sanctuary was deooratcd with great taste and skill by the yount; ladies of the parish, and of the "Guard of Honour." The choir was in full force, and under tho skilful b&tonof Mr. Hiscocks, rendered Haydn's " Imperial Mass," tho organ, orchestra, and voices combining in correct time with effect. His Lordship Dr. Luck, assisted in throno at the solemn High Mass, tho Rev. Rector Father Madden being celebrant, with Fathers Buckley and Hegarty as deacon and subdeacon. At the gospel the celebrant ascended (lie pulpit and said he was charged by His Lordship to convey to the congregation his great regret at being unable, owing to his enfeebled health, to address them on this Christmas Day. as he had always done in previous years, and to wish them all the blessings of a happy Christmas and a bright "New Year. His presence would endorse this wish now expressed on his behalf, At tho evening service tho choir again rendered some choice selections. The cantata for male voices, and the " Adesto Fideles," appropriate to the day, with full chorus and orchestra, being specially noticeable. The Rector, Rev. Father Madden, preached the festival sermon to a largo congregation. The high altar was besatifully decorated forthegreat festival. Thecathedral choir and orchestrareflected thegreatestcreditupon themselves, their organist (Mr. Hartwoll), and their conductor (Mr. Hiscocks). The different soloists acquitted themselves admirably, and the choruses were taken up with remarkable promptness and decision. In the evening the Rev. Father Kehoe assisted in tho choir and sang Piccolomini's " Tantum Ergo," with organ and orchestral accompaniment, doing full justice to this grand composition. Tho "Cantantibus Organis," composed by Capocci, received full justice. The difficult and beautiful tenor solo was sung by llous. Casier, the fluto obligato running throughout thin fine composition being in the hands of .Mr. limes. The soloists of the day were Misses I Coleta Lorrigan, Lonergan. Hargreaves, Quinn, Brinsden, Messrs. Thomson, Conway, Lonergau, Clark, Tait, Good, and Hargreaves. After the service tho choir and the volunteer collectors of St. Patrick's were entertained at a Christmas feast in the neighbouring hall by the clergy. Over fifty assembled- The occasion was availed of, on the part of members of the choir to present their leader, Mr. Hiscocks, with a purse of sovereigns in testimony of tho respect and esteem in which they hold him. Among those present was Mr. Bolt, organist from Adelaide. In a neat speech, he said that he hadiheard their church performance to-day with surprise and pleasure, and owned that, as represented by St. Patrick's choir, New Zealand was well to the front in church choral service,

ST. BENEDICT'S. At St. Benedict's Roman Catholic Church, Newton, on Christmas Day, masses were celebrated at half-past six, nine, and eleven

a.m., by the, Revo. Fathers Gregory and Egan, 0.5.8. At the early masses a great number approachcd Holy Communion, At High Muss, at eleven o'clock, the Rev. Father Egan officiated. The musical service was of special excellence. The choir and orchestra were both large, and under the able conductorship of Mr. P. Ko.hoa (conductor of the Bland Holt Company), did full justice to Haydn's "Imperial Mass." The solos were taken by the Misses A. and C. Lorrigan and Messrs. Lorrigan and Edinis* ton. The strength of tho orchestra was especially noticeable in the grand march from " TannhauEer." After mass the Rev. Father Gregory, on behalf of the choir, presented Miss Annie Lorrigan with a handsome opal bracelet, suitably inscribed. Miss Lorrigan fittingly replied. Miss Nellie O'Neill, organist, ably presided at the organ. Mass was also celebrated at Surrey Hills by the Rev. Father Gregory.

PERFORMANCE OF THE "MESSIAH." On Christmas night there was a very large attendance at the Choral Hall, when the Grafton Road choir, assisted by friends from the Choral and other societies, gave a very efficient rendering of "The Messiah." Mr. Gatland ably conducted, and Mr. Mathieson led an efficient orchestra. The tenor parts were taken well by Mr. Morath; Mr. Archdale Taylor, in " Thus Saith tho Lord," and " Who Shall Abide," gave effective renderings, as he did also in his other solos. Miss Rimmer sang the recit., " And there were Shepherds," beautifully, "Then shall His Eyes," and air, "He shall feed His flock," were reudered with finish by Misses Miller and Rimmer.

WATER EXCURSIONS. On Christinas Day, tiie Devonport Ferry Co.'s steamer Eagle made the usual annual cxcursiou round the islands in tho Gulf, and was largely patronised. The steamer to Lako Takapuna in the afternoon had also a largo number of passengers. esterday all the excursion steamers were largely patronised. The Clansman went to Mahurangi Heads, the Wellington to Waiwera, the Rose Casey to Putiki Bay, the Nautilus to Motutapu and the fishing grounds, tho Kawau to Kawau, and tlio Maori to Home Bay. The Stella and Invincible were both fully patronised for Pino Island, and the Vivid to Riverhead. Tho Devonport Ferry Company ran steamers to and from Luke Takapuna, Devonport, Northcote, and Birkenhead during tho day, and carried a great number to aud fro during the day. THE HOLIDAY IN THE SOUTH. I.[BY TKLKUltAl'll.— I'ItKSS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington Thursday. The magnificent weather which was again experienced for the holiday was taken full advantage of by excursionists and picnickers. The early morning trail s to Wairarapa and Manawatu were crowded with passengers, a large number of which were bound for the Palmers ton and Masterton race meetings. The Mararoa loft about eight o'clock 011 a trip across the Straits to l'icton, taking ISM passengers. Numerous harbour excursions were also tun by smaller steamers during tho day. The principal attractions in town were the cricket match New South Wales v. Wellington, on the Basin Reserve, and the opening game of the annual lawn tennis championship tournament on the Thorndon Tennis Club's courts. Both these fixtures were very largely attended,

Nelson, Thursday. There was glorious weather for the holidays. A large number of visitors are here. The cricket match, Kelson v. Marlborough, was won by the home team by 102 runs. The regatta to-day was a thorough success. Maiden Fours : Wellington R.C. 1, Star of Wellington 2, Nelson 3. Senior Fours, outriggers : Wellington R.C. 1, Star 2. Nelson, when holding a favourable position, broke an oar, and gave in.

CnmsTCHURCH, Thursday. There was beautiful weather for the bollday to-day. The Pioneer Bicycle Club's sports and the trotting races at New Brighton attracted a large attendance. Many thousands of people went to Sumner and New Brighton, 520 took part in the railway excursion to Otarama, on the Midland line, abut 1500 went to Lyttelton, where the harbour excursions were well patronised. A strong sou'wester blew up just at sunset tonight, aud rain now threatens.

Dukedix, Thursday. The weather, t'iouph warm, was heavily overcast, and ~.jme showers fell. Hie regatta at Port Chhlmera was fairly attended, and though there was enough wind taallow sailing races to be pot rff, it did not interfere with rowing. In the Champion Yacht Race, the Thelma (not long down from Auckland) had a lead of nearly a mile, and was enly a quarter of a mile from the post when she was becalmed, and the leader, favoured by a wind, won by 7m„ the Thelma just beating the Trilby by Jin. for second place. The Senior Four owed Outrigger, two miles, was won by the North End 8.C., the Queen's Drive 8.C., 2; Dunediu ]i C., 3. It was won by four lengths. Time. 15m 15s. Scullers' Race, two miles: McGrath, 1: C. Chapman, Waiwera, 2; P. Graham, Weilington, 3. Won easily by 4 lenptlifs. Time, 16m, 499. In the Junior Fours theTimaru crew started, but were not placed. The cricket) match, Oamaru v. Opoho, was commenced at Opoho, but when the local players had lost G wickets for 107, play was stopped by the rain. The threatening aspect of the weather interfered with the attendance at t,he military sports held in Tahuna. Isyehoaroiu,, Thursday. Rain fell in torrents during the night, and showers continued up till nine a.m., and as a consequence events outside of the town suffered in attendance. The day was fine, but cloudy. The Cycling Club's sports were well patronised. The ten-mile team race between the Dunedin and local club was a miserable exhibition on the part of the latter's representatives, with the exception of McKenzie. The points gained were as follow : —D. C. C. Crow, 71; Mac Donald, 65; Sanders, 53; Bell, 35; total, 234. J. C. C. McKenzie, 60; Muir, 25; Mcl'lierson, 22; Cuthbertson, 15; total, 126. Time, 27m. 435. Crow took most of the miles. Riddell won the maiden, and Bell the three mile championship of Southland by 47 yards very cleverly.