WESTPORT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 30, 16 November 1888, Page 5

WESTPORT.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) It is again my painful duty to record the loss of an old and respected resident by the death of Mrs. Easton sen., at her residence, on the morning of the 23rd insr. Her death was painfully sudden, as she was apparently ia her usual state of health when bidding her grandchildren and their parents — Mr. and Mrs. Simon — good-night. Mr. and Mrs. Spreule, her next-door neighbours, were aroused about 4 o'clock by one of their children hearing a noise in Mrs. Easton's room, and upon entering they found her suffering severely and asking for the priest. Both priest and doctor were sent for, and her family — that is, those of them who lived in Westport — gathered around to hear her last words. She died in half aa hour afterwards, full of confidence in God's divine mercy. Mr. and Mrs. Eastoc lived for many years, previous to coming to Westport in 1866, at Wanganui and Nelson, and were highly esteemed by all who knew them, which was evidenced by the numerous telegrams ot sympathy receive 1 from those places, and the large number of mourners who f jliowed the deceased lady's remains to the church and cemetery. Her family includes Mr?. Jules Simon, Westport ; Mrs. Garth, Ahaura ; and Mr. I. M. Easton, Cape Foulwind.

Our new church is now completed and Mass will be celebrated there next Sunday. Unfortunately Bishop Grimes cannot attend the opening, and as the Archbishop is still in Europe, we shall have todißpense with any demonstration.

Our school is progressing satisfactorily. There are mw 135 on the roll. As it was reported to the committee that some of the parents were dissatisfied with the progress made by iheir children at school, it was decided to call a meeting by circular of all parents whose children were attending the school, and give them an opportunity ot' explaming their grievances. Thirty-three responded, when it was found that only tbree were dissatisfied with the instruction their children had received. The others were perfectly sati-fied and spoke in terms of praise of both teachers — Mr. tiegan and Miss HeflEernan —and pirticularly of Miss Heffernan, the as^iaiaut teacher, upon if becoming known that her resignation, which abe had tendered sonn? time ago, had been withdrawn. As long as we are compelled to charge school fees there are sure to be some parents who will try and find fault, and they are generally lhofe who contribute least towards the support of the schoo , and wbo, at the slightest imaginary provocation, threaten to, and very often do, wend their children to the State school. An entertainment in aid of the school funds takes place oq the 9th November, in which the school children take part.