News of the Week.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume V, Issue 244, 4 January 1878, Page 12

News of the Week.

Ox Tuesday last. Feast of the Circumcision, Masses were celebrated at* St. Joseph's Chnrcli, 1 Dunedin, at S, 9, and 11 a.m., as on Sundays. His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese delivered a short address at, the first Mass, which was celebrated by him, and after he had reminded the congregation that several of those ,"\vho had bsen present there on the last New Year's Day, had been called away out of life during the course of the past year, and admonished them to be prepared to answer a like summons, he alluded to the grave events that had characterised tho preceding twelve months, and said that probably the year that had now begun would witness a contiruance of war and calamities, which were the penalties of sin. He exhorted them to pray fervently that they might be shielded from such grievous visitation?, and he added that as, in all probability, what is called the " Roman Question," would' ere long be submitted for settlement— it was their duty to be earnest and constant in their su]nplications for the Holy Father and the Church. PRErAß.vrioxs have for some time boen made in Wellington for holding an Art-Union in aid of the Catholic Schools in that city. Several valuable and handsome prizes have been acquired, and the tickets arc offered at a low rate. It was intended that the drawing should have taken place immediately, but as it has been found impossible to obtain returns from the country parts as early as it was hoped for. the affair has been unavoidably postponed to March 18th next. Per.sons desirous of helping in the good work will 1 be furnished with particulars on application to any of the clergy at Wellington, and Catholics in every quarter of New Zealand should remember that Cath jliu schools, no matter where they may be situated, have a claim on thoir sympathies and form a common interest to all. The annual sports of the Caledonian Society of Otago were held in the Society's grounds at Kensington on Tuesday and Wednesday last. A large number of spectators were present, and matters were carried out as successfully as usual. The sports will recommence and. terminate to-morrow. The New Year was welcomed in at Dunedin by the wonted merry-making. The streets were -thronged by good-humoured crowds, and bells, fireworks, and music, enlivened the scene. We would remind our country subscribers that ia order to ensure our passing the happy new year which we are persuaded they wish us, and which we very heartily invoke upon all our readers, it is desirable they should be punctual in forwarding us the amount of their subscriptions due. We have, monthly, heavy bills to meet in connection with the printing and publishing of our journal, and it is,very necessary to our welfare that we should be kept in funds. Wje regret to record the. death of Mr. W. D. Murison, late editor of the Otago Dally Times, which occurred on Friday, the 28th ult., at his residence in Dunedin. The deceased gentleman was much esteemed by a large circle of friends, and his funeral, which took place on Monday last, was attended by a numerous assemblage. The annual picnic of the Christian Brothers' Schools, Dunedin, took place at Waitati on Wednesday last. The Brothers, accompanied

by their pupils, to the number of 260, left town in the 9 30 A.M. train* and returned in that which reached the Dunedin terminus at 8 P.M The day was merrily spent in various games, and the high spirits with which the lads returned to their homes in the evening testified to thier thorough enjoyment of their holiday. His Lordship the Bishop of the Diocese, accompanied by the Bey. Fathers O'Leary, Shechan, and Larkin, was present on the grounds throughout the day. We learn that the Bcv. Father Sheehan -will visit Macraes on Sunday the 13th inst.