CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 50, 18 September 1891, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

The address to hiß Lordship Dr Grimes, from the laity of Chrislchurch, which is now nearly completed, will certainly be Dot alone a credit to those who present it, but as a work of art will place Mr A. H. Hart, who has been entrusted with its execution, among the foremost of his profession. Tbe address is executed on a bristoe, 28 by 20. Tbe border consists of a rich floral design worked en a cream ground, and profusely enriched with gold and colours. At the bottom there is a representation of the Papal arms in gold and colours, and mid-way on either side are medallions, that on the left being the Blessed Virgin and Child richly coloured, whilst that on the right is the Sacred Heart, also appropriately coloured. The heading of the address is executed in bold ornamental letters in various colours on pale blue ground and is enriched with gold. The text is in old English letters with the mediaeval capitals. Quite a novel *nd original idea is carried out in executing his Lordship's coat of arms, which appears in faint tints, resembling a water mark on the body of the address, the text being written over the same. The whole is most artistically carried out and has a very handsome appearance

The address from the clergy is being done by the Lyttelton Times lithographic department, and when completed will prove to be a most beautiful production. The lettering in gilt and colour is enclosed in a Renaissance border, surmounted by the Papal arms and relieved by appropriate emblems, notably the Good Shepherd, Blessed Pierre Louis Marie Chanel (proto martyr of Oceanica), the sacred monagrams J. H. S. and A. M. At the base in the centre of border is correctly emblazoned the Bishop's coat of arms. The work in connection with the address is under the supervision of Mr East, head of the department, and conclusively proves to what a high state of perfection this art has attained in the Colony.

The addresses from tbe Children of Mary and St Aloysius guild are being illuminated by the Sisters at the convent. Those from the Literary, Hibernian, and St Vincent Societies, are also in course of preparation.

His Lordship is expected to arrive in the city by the 6.25 p.m train on Thursday, the details so far arranged for his reception, are that he will be met on his arrival at Lyttelton by the clergy and church committee, who will accompany him to Christchurcb, on reaching there various societies and the general public will be formed into procession, headed by a military band, with horsemen preceding the whole, and will march to the pro-Cathedral grounds, which will be profusely decorated for theoccasion with bunting mottoes, of welcome, etc. Here the Children of Mary, school children, and ladies of tbe congregation will be assembled to receive him. Afterwards in the pro-Cathedral, the various addresses will be read. It has also been decided that to prevent confusion, admission to th 3 church will b^ by ticket at a nominal charge.

At St. Mary's, Manchester street, on Sunday last the R=v. Father Marnane celebrated (he 11 o'clock Mass, and preached an impressive sermon on the holy name of Mary, the feast of tbe day, and also the patronal feast of the clergy of the Society of Mary. At Vespers the Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais continued hia series of lectures on Bocial topics, the subject of this one being the " Power of the Press." The Rev. preacher dwelt at considerable length on the influence of the Press whether for good or evil, and was most outspoken in condemnation of the bad literature of the day. Many other points »tre touched upon, but which want of space prevents being detailed at length. After the sermon the congregation which was a large one were afforded a rare musical treat in a powerful rendering of the beautiful anthem " O rest in the Lord " from the Oratorio " Elijah," by Miss Fisher of Wellington. This lady is possessed of a rich contralto voice which gives every evidence of careful training, and as a soloist ranks high in the profession. A proceeßion and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, at which a very pretty setting of the " TaDtum Ergo," as a quarette and chorus by Steinfosrh, was rendered by Mrs Dobbin and Messrs A. H. Loughi an. and A. and L. Blake.

On Tueeday the Bth mat the Canterbury Catholic Literary held ita quarterly meeting, at which there was a v< ry quod attendance of members, Mr J. C. Chase, vice-preeident, oicupjing the chair. After a good deal of general bubine^ «as tranenc c I the Bey Father Marnane, who is most assiduous in hia attendance *. the

Society's meetings, reviewed at some length tbe many advantagts to be derived from a strict compliance w>th the rules, mote especially the one relating to the reception of the saoramsnts, in which tbe Bey Father strongly pointtd out they were nobly fnlfilling their doty and at the same time sating a moat edifying example to the young men of the parish generally. The remainder of tbe evening Was tilled with a programme of a social nature.

At the Theatre Boyal on Thursday and Friday nights last tbe local amateurs produced in a highly creditable style the late Dion Boucicault's comedy, " London Assurance," in aid of the Hospital Lady Visitors' relief fund, a most deeerving charity, having for its object the rendering of assistance to poor patients on their discharge and the maintenance of some for a time at the Convalescent Home who require a little careful nursing and change. The acting of the principals in the play was certainly above the average, and in yiew of the liberal patronage afforded by the public, the result should prove satisfactory . •'") Now that the Catholic body here are not possessed of a brass band, and in view of the nambdr of those cf the faith who form a large part of the four principal bands of the city, could not these be bo organised, that when occasion required, their servioes could be enlistel, and thereby add one more to the m ny usefnl bodies attached to the church, and at the same time still fill the positions they already hold in their own respective bands. I recommend this to the notice of the young men in question, and trust the suggestion will be acted upon.

His Lordship the Bishop will pay his first official Tint to St. Mary's on next Sunday week, for which occasion full arrangements for his reception are completed, and it is expected his Lordship will preach at Tespers on that day.

On October the Ist it is proposed by the parishioners to entertain him at a conversazione in the Art Gallery.