CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 402, 24 December 1880, Page 11

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

December 21, 1880. The thirtieth anniversary of Canterbury was commenced on Thursday, December 16, by sports held at Hagley Park, which were witnessed, it is tKought, by 11,000 persons. This is an increase on last jear, and has led some people to believe that it is a sign that the movement has increased in public favour. The amount of money taken at the pate, £85, does not speak well of the liberality of the attendants. The managing committee receive general praise for the manner they carried out their onerous duties, though, of course, there are many dissatisfied. Akaroa and Lyttelton also commemorated the event, the former by a regatta, comprising events of the ordinary nature. The half-yearly meeting of the Cbristclwrch branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held on the 16th inst. The balance f*hoet was received and adopted, and the following were elected officers for the ensuing term : — Brothers F. M'Sherry, President; D. O. Sullivan, Vice- President ; E. O'Connor, RftCTotary ; P. Donnelly, Treasurer ; .7. Slattery, Warden ; W. Power. Guardian ; James Nelson and James MAdams, Sick Visitors, whilst Bros. P. Pope and P. McSherry were appointed delegates for District Meeting of Officers and Delegates, to be held at Christchurch on Thursday, January 20. Rev. Father Devoy returned to Christchurch last week otily to be removed still further away. He is appointed for Kumara, whither he went this morning. Few men could be met with who possessed qualities similar to this good priest, and never has there been a priest in Christchurch who was better liked by his people. He bad a kind word for all, and never appeared angry. He waR especially loved by the children, for whom he has done so much. He leaves here regretted by all, and the only consolation his friends have is to know that where he is going to, he is likely to meet with a warm reception from his countrymen and otbera, for whose spiritual good he is disposed to labour.