NORTH OTAGO NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 26

NORTH OTAGO NOTES.

•Trou Our Own Correspondent.)

OAMARU, April 27.

The Oamaru Roman Catholic Basilica has been advanced another stage towards completion, an imposing portico having been erected in front and domes added to each of ihe two towers on the fiout cornets of the mam building. Tho effect has been very marked on the general appearance of the building, which previously looked very bare in front. The portico consists of a handsome medallion pediment carried on eight fluted Corinthian columns, of which the capitals are handsomely carved These columns are 22ft in height, and the portico from the floor to the top of the marble cross which surmounts it is nearly 50ft in height. On the two towers are octagonal domes, each carried on Corinthian columns, the cupolas being arched with stone cf graduated thickness. From the street level io the top of the marble crosses they are 83ft in height. Large iron gates and a flight of concrete steps now give aoce-ss to the portico. When completed, with the large ce-ntral dome carried on 16 columns, I the building will be a very handsome on© indeed. For the present the recent improvements make the front view elegant and attractive. The • ceremony of consecrating the additions was held yesterday, Archbishop Redwood preaching to a large congregation in the morning, when Bishop Vercun celebrated pontifical high In the evening Father Keogh, of Wellington, was the preacher. • May 3. . The annual meeting of th« Nortli OjtagO Aericultural and Pastoral Association wrb / held on Saturday, Mr T. Reid (the retiring president) in tho chnir. The profit on the year's working amounted to £150, which, with th« balance brought forward last year' (amounting to £193, and arrears of £182 sot in), niakos a balance of £557 in hand. With this £100 has been pa*d off debentures, ami £300 placed on fixed deposit. Mr Georje Brownlee was eleoted president, Mr J. Reid vice-president, and Mr A. Hcdley treasurer. A secretary will be appointed next week probably, to succeed ' Mr .T. Church, the veteran secretary, who is now finally retiring.