ASHBURTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 14, 24 July 1885, Page 11

ASHBURTON.

July 22 1885 Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Holy Name of Jesos. Ashburton, on Sunday, the 19ch, by the rev. Father Chastagnon. After the Gospel the rev. gentleman delivered aa eloquent and appropriate address In conclusion he stated that he had received a purse on that morning from-Mrs. Sutherland, Green St. and not having opened it yet, he would proceed to do and see what it contained. Upon opening it he agreeably surprised the congregation by counting 50 sovereign?, the contents of|the parse, which was collected by Mr. Sutherland for the purpose of assisting in paying off the Church debt. ' J His Reverence tljen referred to Mr. Sutherland's untiring efforts on behalf of the Church, in complimentary terms; and eulogised them->imer in which'the money was presented. He further staled that Mr. Sutherland's services on behalf of the Church were fully appreciated by all the parishioners. It is the intention of Father Chastagnon to have a marble slab erected in a conspicuous place in the church, and on it engraved the names of all persons collecting or subscribing fifty pounds towards the debt. , c It will be gratifying to Mr. Sutherland to know that his name is to be first on the list, and, indeed, it must be fully admitted that the earnestness which he displayed for some time past in connection with the subscription, entitles him to the honourable position. In continuation, Father Chastagnon informed his parishoners that he paid |in £76 during the past week towards the church debt, and would pay £55 on Monday, making a total of £132 for the fortnight. 8o that the success he has achieved in thi- direction exceeds the hopes of even the most sanguine. This success is atribntable to hia zeal and the generous responses of his parishioners, who have every confidence in him. Notwithstanding the strain on parishoners, the schools are carried on successfully, and the affairs of the parish are ia good order. °