WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 393, 22 October 1880, Page 14

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) October 18, 1880. Late letters from his lordship the Bishop say that he intended spending this month in visiting the different Irish ecclesiastical colleges, particularly those where be has subjects, with a view to obtainjtii additional clergy for his diocese. At the end of this month be pH? ceeds to Rome, and early in December he hopes to start for New Zealand. He may be expected here in the end of January. When travelling through the States he spent some time with Dr. Ireland, the Bishop of Minnesota, and promoter of the Irish emigration project to that district. After being nearly eight months without a resident clergyman, the Catholics of New Plymouth have once more a priest amongst them, the Rev. Father Chastaignier having taken charge of the district. The similarity of name made some persons think that Father Cbataignier, of Timaru, was going there. The arrangements for the Christmas school excursion are proceeding favourably. It will not be confined to the children, and All I the Catholics who can attend are earnestly invited to do so. A special train will be chartered to tie Hutt, where the picnic will be held. The proceeds will be devoted to paying off the debt of the Brothers' schools in Boulcott street. The advisability of forming a branch of the Catholic union here is under consideration. Some weeks ago I said Sir Julius Vogel would certainly resign the Agent-Generalship, and probably be a candidate for a New Zealand constituency at an early date. He has resigned, and the rest will follow. I don't know if I mentioned in my last that the Father O'Sullivan, 0.5.8., who has come to settle in Auckland, is the well known and popular clergyman who was Superior of the Benedictine establishment at Leopardstown, near Dublin. The wholesale dismissals from the Civil Service here aro producing absolute want. Hundreds of men are in daily expectation of notice to quit. The next item that must be reduced is the costly and inefficient school system. The other day I had occasion to ask a question or two from a pupil in one of our city schools. He is learning botany, zoology, conchology, nonsenseology, and music. He could not name the capital cities of Russia, Prussia, Austria, or Spain, and having stated that " they ivas not taught " something or another, could not parse " they," or " was," and knew nothing of the agreement of verb and nominative, or the principles of English grammar. This young gentleman costs the colony four pounds a year or so. In fairness I must add that he is a fluent and well-trained curser. Last night, at the cathedral, we had the usual monthly procession of the Blessed Sacrament ; the Children of Mary and the confraternities taking part. Vespera were conducted by Father MacNamara, and the sermon preached and Benediction given by Father Coffey. The church was crowded in every part.