GREYMOUTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IX, Issue 454, 23 December 1881, Page 19

GREYMOUTH.

(From an occasional correspondent.) December 13, 1881. Iff the early part ot this year » project of considerable magnitude was set on foot, initiated by our late Keverend pastor, Father Ecuyer, viz., to raise funds for the erection of a convent and schools in Greymouth, and to establish a community of Sisters of the Order of Mercy atnongut us. It was at first calculated tb&t the cost of importing six Sisters, with that of buildintr and furnishing the convent and schools would amount to about £2600. Notwithstanding the many obstacles which have since marred the success of tbe movement, such as the departure of % large number of those who promised contributions, the heavy drain upon the means of the limited Catholic population of the town of keeping up our Catholic school in a state of efficiency, and the voluntary removal to Sydne*y of the'Beverend promoter, subscriptions have been flowing in by quarterly instalments, which bring the fun<r»ow to the sum of £1000. The plans proposed by our local arch.S-ct (Mr Bissenhardt) having been submitted to the Sisters at Hcritika and to bis Lordship the Bishop, have been fully approved of,

and the Committee, with Father McGuinen, hare decided upon calling for tenders without further delay. It nay be mentioned that the liberal contributions of Metsrs.Keqnedyv fiheedy, McDonnell, Griff en, Dupre, Campbell, O'Brien, Fathers Martin and Holland, with the remission of the passage expenses of the Sisters by the Order In Hokitika, will tend to reduce the original amount very materially ; while the proceeds of the bazaar and art union to be held at Christmas cannot but make up a reasonable sum. Under these circumstances Father McGuiness and the Committee will, it is to be hoped, be successful in their laudable efforts, and meet with the willing co-opera-tion of the Catholics in the entire district to establish so noble an institution in th« capital of the West Coast. The jubilee has been in course of progress during the past fortnight, and thanks to the perfect arrangements made by Father McGuiness in obtaining the assistance of Father Rollani, of \haura, and Father Devoy. of Knm&ra, the members of the Catholic comnunity of the whole parish, may be said, with few exceptions, to have complied with the necessary conditions. Many of your readers in the Grey Valley as well as in this district will hear with regret that Mr C. C. McCarthy, Head Teacher of St. Patrick's School here, has resigned his appointment, and intends, I believe, leaving for a neighbour-in? colony. It is not too much to say that Mr McCarthy has proved himself an excellent teacher and a re-pected citizen. In all movements relating to National affairs he has been an active, earnest, and indefatigable worker ; his voice and pen were always at command when patriotic duty claimed his services. As Secretary to the " Irish Relief fund" and subsequently to the " Parnell Defence Fund." his untiring exertions and successful labours cannot be forgotten by those who were identified with him and who appreciated his siDgleminded zeal in the cause of National sympathy. Mr. J. W. Walshe, the representative of the Irish National Land League, is, I understand, about to visit New Zealand, coming first to the Weßt Coast in response to" an invitation from the Paroa Branch. The patriotic spirit of the members of the Paroa Branch is certainly deserving of all praise. Should Mr Wai she arrive before Christmas he will receive a read mille failthe, and tbe co-operation of the sterling sons of thy Green Isle, who are to the number of 75 enrolled on the book 3of the Paroa Branch. Thtir esteemed president (Mr C. O. McCarthy) having resigned, the Branch will have lost an earnest leader, and the cause a worthy supporter by his defection from the ranks. As there are several Branches throughout the Grey Valley, I would respectfully throw ont the suggestion that a conference of delegates be held at Grermouth as early as possible, to determine the reception to be given to Mr Walshe, and arrange his tour through the district with a view to facilitate his labors and to cement together in complete unity and in one accord all the Branches and their members, when success will be certain.