WAITAHUNA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIV, Issue 46, 11 March 1887, Page 13

WAITAHUNA.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) „ . . . T , March 5, 1887. The mission in Lawrence has closed with the happiest results 350 people approaching the Sicraments during the week " Thursday the day on which the children received their first communion was one to be remembered during their lives, the effect bein^ such as to make the youngest child present proud of the glorious°privi]-ge of being a Roman Catholic. The sermons during the week were of a most impressive character, and were livened to with rant attention even by the mcmbeis of other chuiche., who were present in great numbers at every service. On the arrival of the Bishop at 6 p m the church was absolutely thronged, over 50 children and adults receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Eleven of the children were from Waitahuna. Very biufly, but earnestly, his Lordship addressed them, drawing their attention to the solemnity and importance of the rite of Confirmation, the duties which would devolve upon them and which by the blessing of G> d, they would be enabled to fu'fil, and thereby become worthy members of the Holy Church • and, judging by the demeanour of the children, the exhortation was not given in vain, Father Heg.irty then preached from the text " He that shall persevere to the end, only shall be saved" earnestly beseeching the congregation to keep to the n irrow path, to fio-ht nobly against the common enemy, to keep themselves unspotted "from the world, and this could only be done by fasting and prayer and receiving worthily the sacraments. The very hearts of his hearers were stirred to the depths, as in moving terms he exh >rted them to '■ persevere unto the end," to take warning while there was yet time for were not souls perilled daily and hourly, for what? Earthly pleasures passing away almost as soon as realised. In the face of many difficulties and hindrances the people of the parish had come forward and performed their religious duties, he was glad to say in a most edifying manner. It remained for them now to pray for grace to enable them to adhere to their good resolutions, to fight bravely for the glorious inheritance awaiting tham, to be crowned in everlasting bliss, to persevere, for God Himself had said " He that shall persevere to the end, only shall be saved." The choir under the direction of Mis Byrne was all that could be desired, the music being beautifully rendered. The Lawrence Horticultural Show was, as regards flowers fruits and vegetables, a success. Tbe exhibits in dairyjproduce were few in bread, scones, etc, the exhibits were not only few but inferior 'in that department there isdi cidedly plenty of room for improvement" The samphs of vegetables from Waitahuna were a credit 'to the district but as a great many were for exhibition only prizes were, of course' not taken. ' Threshing has commenced, and as the crops are all good and the weather so far favourable, good progress will be made, aud let us hope, good prices obtained.