CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VI, Issue 315, 2 May 1879, Page 14

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

Visitors to Christchurch by way of Port Lyttelton, and more especially from any other colony, where they have been accustomed to look either upon tropical scenery with its peculiar kind of beauty, or where little was seen save gum" trees, scrub, mobs of sheep and cattle, with perhaps the dim outline of far distant bills, cannot fail to be struck with the resemblance of our city and suburbs to one of the many villages in the mother country. After passing the pretty little township of Opawa, the traveller gradually approaches tho metropolis of Canterbury, and almost the first picture of what may be called singular beauty which meets the eye is that of the group of buildiugs nestling amongst the trees on the Catholic Church property, which, from a short distance, form one of the most picturesque spots near tho town. The property, which iv Barbadoea-street extends from the Ferry Road to the South Town Belt, with a considerable frontage to each of those thoroughfares, comprises a valuable block of land, and had from time to time been slightly improved, until within the last eighteen months, during which time the boys' school has been considerably enlarged ; the Church also at a considerable cost. The grounds of the Convent have been eaelosed with a snbBtantiai galvanised iron fence ; and the last, and perhaps most needed work of all, has lately been completed — viz., the building of the new Presbytery. Other works of importance in the parish have been accomplished, but of these it is not my intention to write at this time. The architect for the Presbytery, Mr. Jacobsen, may well be satisfied with the appearance of the building, which is in a modern style of architecture, with the Gothic style introduced. The ground plan of the main building is a square, that side facing north and those facing east and west having a verandah. At the rear there are two extensions. The main entrance, which is centrally placed, opens into a corridor 8 feet wide, on the right of which are two fine sitting rooms, each 16 teetby 15 feet, with a passage between them leading to a side door. Behind the second sitting room and opening from it by a glass door is the library, 15 feet by 13 feet. The drawing room is on the left of the corridor, and is 18 feet 8 inches by 15 feet, and behind it is the dining loom, 20 feet by J5 feet. At the end of the corridor ia a staircase which leads to the upper floor, where there are five bed rooms and a sitting room 18 feet 10 inches by 15 feet 10 inches; there is also a bath room at the end of the upstairs corridor, with the the necessary hot and cold water pipes conveniently arranged. The only other room upstairs is the servants' bed room, which is reached by another staircase, and is above the kitchen, which is beyond the dining room, and forms part of one of the extensions at the rear, the library being part of the opposite one. Between these extensions are a closed porch and a pantry. The kitchen is 16 feet by 13 feet, and fitted with one of the best ranges procurable. At tho rear of the library is a store room and offices, with access from the yard. The general appearance of the building is very handsome, the scrolled brackets which support the cornue I projections of the roof giving it a highly finished effect. Altogether the parish may be congratulated in having provided for their priests a suitable bouse, instead of the wretched dwelling which they have so long and uncomplainingly occupied. On the evening of Thursday, the 24th ult., the H. A. C.B.S. Branch No. 82, met in St. Patrick's Hall, the Dispensation Board and regalia of officers were trimmed with crape as a mark of respect for the memory of the late Bro. Jolm Itourke, who died at Dunsaudel on the Bth April. Deceased was one of the earliest members of the Christchurch Branch, and much esteemed for the possession of those qualities which maiked him as a good and useful man ; his loss will be keenly felt by those most intimately acquainted with him. The Secretary was instructed to write a letter of condolence to his widow,

and inform her that the sum of £20 (a'lowancc for funeral) could be obtained by her on application. A Committee was formed to meet the Catholic Young Jleu's Society, with a view to concerting measures for celebrating the Centenary of Thomas Moore, " the poet of nil circles and the idol of his own." It is proposed to give a National Concert, and to introduce as many of Moore's melodies as possible on the occasion, it cannot be doubted that Irishmen will muster strongly and give all possible assistance in worthily marking this great celebration. Again I have the pleasure of recording the initiation of three members, "and three more nominations. Since the demonstration of St. Patrick's Day our boys arc rolling tip to the front in trios instead of dawdling into the Society as formerly. The Christchurch Brauch bids fair to become one of the largest in New Zealand.