News of the Week.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume v, Issue 232, 12 October 1877, Page 11

News of the Wee k.

The Catholic Mission at Wellington terminated on Sunday evening last. The concluding ceremony was accompanied by a renewal of their baptismal vows by a crowded congregation in St. Maiy's Cathedral, each member, as is usual in such cases, holding in his hand a lighted taper. On the same day a temperance procession took place, numbering about 2,000 people, headed by His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese, who was accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Fox, and attended by his clergy. We understand that it is the intention of the Rev. Father Henneberry, on the conclusion of his labours in the diocese of Wellington, to visit Dunedin, where a mission will also be held. An important public meeting was held at the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, on Monday evening last, for the purpose of devising mean 3 to aid in relieving the starving people in Southern India. The Hall was well filled, and several leading citizens were on the platform. The speakers, in proposing and seconding the resolutions, drew a forcible picture of the sufferings of the unfortunate inhabitants of the provinces affected by the famine, and succeeded in enlisting the sympathies of the audience in their behalf. It was resolved that collections should be made, and contributions received in money or in kind, the latter to be forwarded intact or turned into money, as it might seem desirable. A committee was appointed to promote the movement. The following are the names of the members : — The Mayor, the Most Rev. Dr. Moran, the Right Rev. Dr. Nevill, Revs. Dr. Stuart,

Archdeacon Edwards, Dr. Roseby, C. J. Byng, A. R. Fitchett, A. Blake, L. Moore, J. V. Davis, J. Ward, Dr. Copland, L. Mackie, Messrs. A. Rennic, E. Prosser, R. Gillies, J. Cargill, G. Turnbull, R. Glendining, J. Bathgate, J. A. Connell, A. Barr, J. B. Bradshaw, Rev. Mr. Lichtenstein, Messrs H. S. Chapman, Callan, Petre, M. Fleming, F. Meenan, John Carroll, with nower to add to their number. Should any of our country readers desire to contribute towards the good cause, which is deserving of all their consideration, we will gladly undertake to hand over to the committee any such sum as they may think right to forward to this office for that purpose. It is believed that the second reading of the Land Tax Bill will be carried in the Victorian Legislative Council. A vote of want of confidence in the Ministry, based on their general incompetency, was carried by a majority of four in the House of Representatives, at Wellington, on Monday evening last. Mr. Larnach was the mover of the resolution. The Ministry, in consequence, tendered their resignation to tie Governor on Tuesday morning. A company is about to be formed .for the purpose of quarrying and exporting the Oamaru stone. With a view to such an end in° quiries have been instituted which have resulted in showing that an unexceptional opening exists for such an enterprise. The source of supply is absolutely inexhaustible, and there is ample testimony to prove that the stone in question'is admirably fitted for building purposes, being durable, easily worked, and of beauty. The cost of quarrying is capable cf veiy considerable reduction, and as arrangements can easily be made for a low scale of freight to Australia, there is eveiy prospect of a large market being opened up in Melbourne and elsewhere. The company will undoubtedly be a great success. A smart shock of earthquake occurred in Dunedin, at ten p.m. on Tuesday last. It was decided at a meeting of the Dunedin City Council, held on Tuesday last, that it was desirable the Mayor should preside as Chief Magistrate at the Police Coiirt.