Occasional Notes.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 375, 25 June 1880, Page 15

Occasional Notes.

The bydney Morning Herald of the 10th inst., speaks as follows of the Caithness nagging invented by our respected fellow-colonist, Mr. Charles O'Neill, of Wellington :— " A specimen of the new patent Caithness concrete flagging has just been laid in Pitt street, in front of Messrs Compagnoni's establishment, and yesterday a number o* the alderman together with the City Architect and City Surveyor* Mr. G. A. Mansfield, and several prominent members of the engineering profession in Sydney, proceeded to inspect it, at the invitation of the patentee, Mr. O'Neil. The new flagging much resembles Bandstone in general appearance, but is smoother. . It is claimed for it that it can be produced in the colony and laid down quite as cheaply as ordinary sandstone, while in wear-resisting capabilities it is much superior to any sandstone. The Caithness flagging was awarded a first-claßs award at the late International Exhibition, and we understand that in Wellington, New Zealand, where the flagging has been in use sufficient time to test its capabilities fully, it has been largely introduced, and has given complete satisfaction. The portion laid down it Pitt street presents a very neat and even appearance, due to the evenness and regularity of the joints, and those gentlemen who yesterday morning inspected the portion laid down, expressed great admiration for the flagging, and predicted that it would come into extensive use in the Sydney streets. Flags of this material, which paved the western entrance to the Exhibition, show an equality of wear and a durability under friction to be found in very few natural paving stones." Wfi have received, per Mr. John Carroll, from Mr. J. O Meara, Outram, £1 towards the Nun of Kenmare's Relief Fund. The Dominican Sisters acknowledge the receipt of remittances in connection with their art union from the following— Rev. P. O'Reilly, Mrs. Reynolds, Thames ; Messrs. H. Cosgrove, Lyell ; J. Gallagher. Stafford ; W. Mackin, Waimea. We are again requested to give notice that it has been found unavoidable to postpone the drawing to December. We clip the following from the Auckland Uvemng Star of the 3rd. inst. :— Yesterday forenoon an imposing and interesting ceremony of the profession of a nun took place at St. Maiy's Convent, Ponsonby. The young lady, Miss Fitzsimons, native of the city of Dublin, who had this privilege, received in religion the name of Sister Mary Augustine. The vow? made by nuns at their profession consist of voluntary poverty, chastity, and obedience. His Grace Archbishop Steins celebrated a Pontifical High Mass on the occasion. Assistant priest, Father Walter McDonald ; Deacon, Father Downey ; Sub-Deacon. Father O'Dwyer. The Very Rev. Father Fynes, V.G., Fathers Eiordan and O'G&ra also attended. The choir, under the able direction of Miss Shanaghan, sang the Mass and the various portions of the chants required by the ceremony of profession in a very effective manner. His Grace preached an appropriate, practical, and truly eloquent sermon. The peroration was particularly affecting. It may be mentioned that the decorations of the altar in the beautiful and well-proportioned church of St. Mary's were all that could be desired. The congregation, notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather, was large.