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New Zealand Tablet, Volume X, Issue 510, 19 January 1883, Page 15

The Lyttelton Times, in an article which we have received too late to quote at any length, predicts that Dr. Moran, if returned, would influence the seculaiists of New Zealand as little as Ifgr. Freppel has influenced those of France. Such a comparison as this should of itself alone be sufficient to put all moderate men among us on their m ttle. Are they, indeed, content to have a part played in New Zealand that, when played in France, has alarmed every thoughtful adherent to Christian teaching even in England, and that even moderate French infidels and Freethinkers themselves have called out against? Will they help by opposing Bishop Moran's candidature to dishonour Christianity even more than it has been dishonoured in France, where, at least, its advocate, Bishop Freppel

has been sent tip to raise his voice in the legislature ? Will they not endeavour to have one Christian advocate, at least, heard in the Parliament of the Colony ? At a meeting of the Canterbury Catholic Literary Society held in Christchnrch oa the 15th inst., the following resolution wu unanimously adopted :— " That this Society congratulate His Lordship Bishop Moran on the step he has taken, and feel sure that he will receive the thanks of the whole Catholic population of this Colony for the noble example he has set in the cause of religion and justice by coming forward as a candidate for a seat in the Parliament of New Zealand." Owing to the pressure on our Bpace and time, arising from the electioneering reports, etc., we are obliged to hold back a quantity of matter, including a list of contributions to the Invercargill bazaar. The reports which we give in our supplement of Dr. Moraa's address at Naumann's Hall, and the proceedings at the nomination are taken from our contemporary the Otago Daily Times, on whose reporting staff they reflect the greatest possible credit. In no paper in the world could more faithful reports be seen. The Christian Brothers' schools, Dunedin, will recommence business on Monday, 29th inst. Parents are requested to see that their children attend punctually. One of our Nelson contemporaries furnishes us with the following :—": — " His Lordship Dr. Redwood administered the sacrament of confirmation at St. Mary's on New Year's day. Mass was said by the Rev. Father O'Connor, the Sisters performing the musical portion of it from their private chapel. At the end of mass, his Lordship delivered a very appropriate discourse to the candidates for confirmation, showing its nature and effects, as well as the preparation required on the part of the recipients. There were 110 persons admitted to confirmation, 15 of whom were adult converts. The ceremony lasted nearly two hours, and notwithstanding the many attractions elsewhere, the church was nearly filled with worshippers. The young ladies, about 60 in number, were all neatly dressed in white, with wreaths on their heads, and presented a most beautiful sight." In addition to these particulars given by our contemporary, we are informed that on the termination of the confirmation ceremony a reception of members into the Society of the Children of Mercy took place. About 40 members being received, as well as several aspiraats. A vbby successful concert was given at the Foresters' Hall, Port Chalmers, last evening (says the Daily Times of Thursday), in aid of the local Catholic Presbytery. The majority of the performers were members of St. Joseph's Church choir, and the songs given by Mrs. Angus and Miss Hill were especially well received, both vocalists being encored. The selections contribute! by Misses Norman, ODriscoll, Corrigan, Carroll, Messrs. A. Corrigan, Lennon and Smith appeared also to be much appreciated, and Mr. A. H. Norman received a most enthusiastic recall for a violin bolo. One or two items were contributed by local amateurs. Messrs. Wignall and M"Kinnon played a cornet duet in excellent style, and were deservedly encored, and the very acceptable vocal numbers contributed by the Misses Wignall was similarly honoured. Mr. Charles Norman presided at the piano. In another column will bs found a report of the late bazaar held in aid of the Dominican Convent schools at Oamaru. The report speaks for itself, and reflects most creditably on all who were engaged in the undertaking in question. But at the present time, when an effort is being made in some quarters to pretend that the Catholic laity are not of themselves most anxious in securing the Catholic education of their children, such labours and sacrifices on their part as are implied by the successful issue of this bazaar afford an argument that cannot be overthrown. The Catholic laity know that they themselves, and not their priests, are answerable to God for the souls of their children, and their whole conduct gives a proof that they are determined to discharge their duties in this respect. 'Jhe Rev. Father O'Malley, S.J., will visit Invercargill next week, -where he will deliver a lecture in aid of the local hospital ; as well as two lectures in aid of the Dominican Convent building fund. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated at Port Chalmers on Sunday at 11 a.m., by his Lordship the Bishop, with the Rev. Fathers Newport and Lynch as deacon and sub-deacon respectively. The Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. The music was rendered by several of the members of St. Joseph's ohoir, Dunedin, and was very finely performed. A lady of the Port Chalmers congregation presiding at the harmonium The children who were confirmed presented a very neat and pretty appearance ; the girls being attired in white with veils and wreaths. The procession by which they entered the church was a sight worth seeing. In the evening there were vespers, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. His Lordship preached both in the morning and evening. We congratulate the people of Invercargill on the great progress they have made in Catholic affairs during the last fifteen months, and for having done so much towards lessening the heavy

debt on their convent and Bchools. We understand that during the above period the sum of a little more than fifteen hundred pounds has been made up amongst the people of Southland and other friends of the convent, by bazaars, art union, concert, and various donations. If it had not been necessary to purchase a section and build new schools the original debt on the property of the nuns would be now almost cleared. Notwithstanding the large;butlay, however, we learn that a sum of fifteen hundred pounds remains to be paid. The effort made by the Catholics of Invercargill, nevertheless, and the great sacrifices they have cheerfully submitted to, returns the best answer to those people who say the Catholic laity do not of themselves desire Catholic schools for their children.