SHAND'S TRACK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 3, 17 October 1890, Page 31

SHAND'S TRACK.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) October 5, 1890. Ten years have rolled since the Church of the Reparation was opened here. Alas, how many changes have taken place in the decade just tolled out. In looking through the seats in the church to-day I noticed that they were for the most part filled by those who then occupied the children's benches. Many, indeed, of the old faces have passed over to the great majority. Still, it is only tbe work of old Father Time. What a pity he would not go out on strike. For the last six weeks the Rev. Father Chervier has had a busy time preparing a number of boys and girls to receive their first communion on this auspicious occasion with his usual indefatigable zeal. But he is never so happy as when engaged with tha young intellect of his nock. Punctually at 10 o'clock this morning, the girls in white and tbe boys wearing sashes and rosettes, formed a procession and marched from the schoolroom to the church under the charge of Miss Heffernan. Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Chervier, and in a short address to tbe children he reminded them of the greatest of blessings they were about to partake of, and hoped they would always preserve their lives as innocent and pure as they were on this, tLe day of their first Communion. I am sure it must have recalled pleasant memories of the past to all present — first Communion and happy days of childhood that are gone beyond recall. After Mass the children were taken back to the schoolroom, where a plentiful repast awaited them, to which full justice was done, regardless of indigestion . We have not overlooked the advice given us by the N.Z. Tablet to have our names placed on the electoral roll. Now that tbe general election is upon us let us not lose sight of the principal plank in every candidate's platform from a Catholic point of view, najiely, assistance, or more properly Bpeaking, what we are entitled to for our schools. For this we have been fighting a long ana upbill battle, and let us hope the day is not far distant when the Legislature of New Zealand will be brought to look on it in the same light as we do. Then will there be a heavy burden lifted off our shoulders.