WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIV, Issue 42, 11 February 1887, Page 18

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) February 7, 1887. THE annual retreat for the Marist Fathers in this diocese concluded last 'iuesday. It took place at St. Patrick's College, and was given by the Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais,hia Lordship Dr. Redwood, S.M., being present during the whole time. To-day, the Bishop leaves for (Jhnstchurch to be present at the secular priests' retreat, which opens on Wedne3i ij next, and is to be given by the Rev. Father O'Farrell of the Red-imp toiut Order, woo has come from Melbourne specially for the occasion. Several new priests are expected shortly from the Old Country for work in this diocese. It is understood that one of the first to arrive will be sent to Nelson, where another priest is greatly needed, owing to the increased work in that district consequent on the large dimensions assumed by St. Mary's Industrial School at Stoke, which is fast becoming an important colonial institution. St. Patrick's College re-opened to-day with something like 90 boarders, and an increase of about 36 new boys on last year's roll This is highly satisfactory, and must be especially gratifying to his Lordship Dr. Redwood, and the College Professors. lam informed also there is a considerable increase in the number of scnolars attending the whole of the Convent schools in the city . While referring to educational establishments, I must not forget to mention the gratifying result of the New Zealand University matnculrtion examination, whereby two students of St. Patrick's College pawed, their names being Masters Mahoney aod Phillips. I have no doubt that next year the students from the College will come well to the fore. It was pleasing to note last December, when St Patricks and the Wellington College broke up, the good feeling that existed between the principals, and teaching staff of the two Institutions—the Rev. Dr. Watters being present at the distribution of prizes at the latter College, and Mr. Joseph Mackay, M.A., attending the same ceremony at St. Patrick's.— May this state of affairs lone exist, and may there always be an honourable rivalry between the students of the two schools. The ladies of the two Wellington parishes and their friends are working hard to make the bazaar, which is to be held at the end of the year, a success. The object in view, viz., to raise enough money to pay off the debt due by both parishes, is one that should commend itself to all as fceiug well worthy of support, Among the articles to be raffled is a set of vestments of white velvet, handsomely worked in Berlin wool, the work of the Children of Mary, assisted by the Sisters at the Convent. The bazaar is appropriately named "The Catholic Jubilee Bazaar." May it be as successful as it deserves