INVERCARGILL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 24, 9 October 1885, Page 16

INVERCARGILL.

(From an Occasional Correspondent )

October 2. It is with the deepest regret I have to chronicle the passing away from this life of a young man named Francis NcNamara, eldest son of John and Bridget vJcNamira, Mary street, East Invercargill. This youth who had not quite completed his twenty-first year," was born at the last-mentioned place, and was much esteemed by all who had rhe pleasure of his acquaintance, not only by the members of the Catholic Church, to which he belonged, but also by several persons outside of it. The deceased was extremely unassuming, unobtrusive and temperate in his h ibits A more amiable, promising, and less assertive youth for his age could not easily be found, and he had won for himself a reputation for wit. humour, and geniality. He had very marked natural ability and a leaning in the dirpction of literature and scientific study. His parents gave him a good sound moral Catholic educition. About four months ago, he, together with another young man ramed Mr. P. R. Ross, resolved to emer partnership in the drapery line, a-.d immediately secured a suitable site in the princpal business part of this town under the title of Ross and McNamara. Their business was known as the •' City Outfitting Emporium," and commenced to do an exceptionally good trade. But he was scarcely a month in this business svhen his ailment (inflammation of the lungs) became more aggravated ihan it had been for twelve months prev : ous which necessitated tho c >nsultation of the best medical surgeons in this town, whose indefatigable efforts wore fruitless, and its course towards the last was rapid. He succumbed to his illness on Satuiday morning, September 26th. His remains were interred in the East Ruad Cemetery on last Sunday. The deceased, who occupied the position of Sergeant in the G Battery N.Z.K.A., was accorded full military honours. The Battery mustered in their full strength, nearly fifty of the Rifle Company attended and about twenty dismounted Hussais put in an appearance. The whole assembled at the Garrison Hall at half-past one ; after one hour had been spent in preliminaries they were marched through Dee and Gala s-treets, under thp rommind of Captain Feldwick. arriving at the deceased's late residence at three o'clock. In the absence of the Garrison Band, who are competing at th^ Wi llingtf.n Exhibition, the funeral cortege was headed by the Blue Ribbon Band, under the tutorship 'of Captain Hev'wood (honorary Garrison Bandmaster), and played Handel's " Dead March in Saul." The concourse of pedestrian'", vehicles, etc.. extended fully a mile, which was sufficient indication that the deceased was well liked and much respected throughout the district. Tho funeral service was performed by the Rev. Father M'Enro-, S.J., in a most impre sive and touching manner. As the coffin was lowered into the lone'y grave, m the Catholic portion of the grounds, the lid was bedicked with beautiful wreaths of flowers of all sorts and siz^s. Twenty men of the G Ratterv fired the customary three volleys of blind cartridge in the air. The Volunteers were then marched back to the Hall, and, before they were dismissed, Captain Feldwick on behalf of the G Battery, to which the deceased "belonged returned thanks to the Kifle corps. Hussars, Blue Ribbon Band, and Captain Heywood for their attendance in suitable terms. The deceased will be regreited by a wide circle of friends for his genuine worth of

character, his geniality and friendliness of disposition, and his true modesty. And now all that remains for me to say is : Requiescat in pace.

The fifth of the series of fortnightly lectures, under the auspices of the Southland Institute, was delivered on the night of the 17th ult., in Hanan's Hall, by Mr. W. G. BHnchflower, 8.A., rector of the Inverc^rgill Boys' High School. The lecturer took f^r his snbject,

• The England and English of Shakespeare." His lecture throughout was witty, instructive aud humorous, and was listened to with marked attention, the audience occasionally testifying their approbation by their vocifeious applause, which was prolonged in a most noticeable manner, especially by his pupils. At the conclusion. Mr. Branchflower was accorded a most hearty vote of thanks, which was carried amid enthusiasm. The sixth and concluding lecture of the course for this session was delivered by Mr. J. Gammell, 8.A., Inspector of Schools, in Hanan's Hall yesterday evening to an appreciative assemblage. The subject chosen by this gentleman, entitled " Macaulay," was treated in a spiiited manner from beginning to end. The lecturer was favouied with the usual vote of shanks. I may here remark that the lectures, including Mr. Daniel's science subjects, were on the whole most useful and entertaining. It is to be hoped a similar course will be instituted next winter.

The meetings of the Catholic Literary Society are held on Tuesdays as usual, and are satisfactorily attended by the members and a good few outsideis. Almost every meeting candidates are proposed for membership, while others that are elected are duly initiated. The programmes drawn up some time back, and submitted by the Standing Committee, until th<« New Year, are so far most gratifying, enjoyable, and entertaining. The extempore speaking subjects at last meeting were fairly discussed, several of which were made very amusing through the witticisms introduced by some of the speakers— -the principal of which were Messrs. P. Reid, "W. J. McKeown, D. Bradley, J. Cusack, D. Coakley and E. Cameron. A paper on "Education" will be read at the next meeting of the Society by Mr. M. Gavin.

I am informed that another social entertainment is to be given on the evening of the 15th inst. by the members of the Catholic Total Abstinence Society. As the number on the roll has been increased very considerably since the last gathering, it is anticipated that the coming event will surpass any previously given, and it is anxiously looked forward to.

Colonel Sir George Whitmorc, X C.M.G., had intended to arrive here to-day, but, hiving been detained in Dunedin longer than he expected, was unable to do so. He will very probably come in by the morning's train from Clinton. A general parade of all Southland Volunteers is called for by Major Thomson, to bd inspected by the Colonel to-morrow. We have had, for the past few days, a variety of weather ; but, as the glass is iibing, the Volunteers, as well as those desirous to attend as on-lookers, will perhaps br favoured with a fine day.