CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 399, 3 December 1880, Page 14

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

J A „ „ November 29, 1880. The contest for Mayor of our would-be aristocratic city, though hot and warm whilst it lasted, has at length been decided by the election of an old aspirant, Councillor Gapes. I have heard that a squib delineating a barber's pole with a paint pot hanging from its tail, attracting a number of persons "gaping" from below, was passed freely round during the canvassing, but the result of the election shows how misplaced those useful articles were. His friends, apparently conversant with what satiate? the vulgar and unreflecting mind, had recourse to the old cry of "no Popery," and issued a cartoon representing Councillor Ayers, the other aspirant to civic honors, in the act of presenting a bouquet or nosegay to a certain reverend prelate in canonical costume. This was enough ; anything in the shape of a man would win just now if opposed to Popeiy, and poor Ayers, though in every other respect allowed to be a superior man to his opponont, was consigned to oblivion. "What will the outside public think of either the Mayor-elect or his office when a bunch of roses, real or mythical, was sufficient to decide the contest ? As far as we are concerned, it mattered not a straw which was elected, and as far as I know, Catholics did not interest themselves one way or other, though perhaps had the bunch of roses appeared sooner the election would have been reversed. Councillor Ayera of course is very angry to think he should be accused of ever having descended so low as to present anything (except a revolver, perhaps) to a distinguished Catholic dignatory, and forthwith offers fifty pounds, which a Yankee friend supplements by another fifty, to any individual who can prove the occurrence. Perhaps some ©f your readers can, and should they, I trust they will claim the money and bestow it on some charitable institution, when your humble correspondent will not regret his weakness in having trespassed so much on your valuable space re the Mayoral Christchurch election. The friends of Rev. Father Devoy may be pleased to know that his absence from Christchurch is only temporary. He has gone to Rangiora to relieve Rev. Fr. Binsfield, who has taken c holiday in order to recruit his health. In all probability both clergymen will return to their respective parishes before Christmas. It is almost certain that an executive body for New Zealand Branches of the H.A.C.B. Society will be established. Nearly all the Branches communicated with on the matter have, I understand, replied, and favourably. There are some, however, which have not as yet acknowledged the circular, and as the matter is of importance no time should elapse before they do so. ' Owing to the absence of the Bishop of Wellington from New Zealand, no further steps will be taken re establishing the Catholic Union till his ieturn, which will be early in February. From Dr. Redwood's well-known earnestness in all matters pertaining to Catholics and their interests, it may fairly be expected that tine movement will receive his co-operation, when his influence and auspices will be of immense advantage in bringing about the objects of its promoters. We have had a steady downfall of rain for the last sixteen hours here, which was badly needed. From what can be gleaned at pre1 sent, there is every prospect of a plentifdl harvest for Canterbury.

Yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, the Key. Father Ginaty exhorted his congregation feelingly and vigorously to spend this holy time in prayer and good works. He particularly requested his people to absent themselves from theatres and all such places of amusement between now and Christmas, as the frequentation of such was always very dangerous, and on no account should be permitted during Advent. Has it ever struck your readers as odd how Irishmen are drawn to music halls, &c, whenever any popular actor is announced to mimic the manners and customs of their nation 1 I have frequently been pained at this, and ardently wished sorre of the many able Irishmen to be met with in the colonies would show my countrymen their folly. No matter how low, vulgar or foolish the piece is, let it but have an Hibernian name and it is bound to draw a certain class of sightseers, amongst them very frequently Irishmen and Irish women too.