TEMUKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XX, Issue 45, 26 August 1892, Page 18

T E M U K A.

(From an occasional Correspondent.) August 22, 1892. St Joseph's Church clock will soon chime again I Indeed, iti silence has had the effect of casting quite a gloom on the district within a radius of several miles round the church. Religiously speaking, it was the custom in St Joseph's Bchool at each chime of hours to offer up prayers, and this good habit has also been contracted by the more thoughtful members of the Church. Doubtless these will welcome the resumption of the chimes. The variety entertainment given by the Black Star Minstrels in aid of the repairs proved a great success, which was a repetition of the one I reported some time ago. The applause throughout was m hearty and as frequent as on the previous occasion, encores being the order of the evening. All the performers acquitted themselves in a praiseworthy manner. Mr J. W. Higgins, or " Victor Hugo "ashe is now called, though I much prefer him to "Hugo" of ''Hugo Minstrels " fame, as his talents are more varied, was simply superb, and on every occasion be bad to respond to an encore. In response to the Irish character song and dance " The misfortunate woman," he gave "Coming through the Bye," and very comically, again

being encored. His jokes were extremely gcod, and owed their originality to himself. In tbe "Wanted a cook," he sent tbe audience into a furore. His very appearance on the stage was sufficient to canse ripples of laughter to go round tbe room. To say the least of him, Mr Higgins would be a great acquisition to any professional company. Wherever the Black Star Minstrels go (and I believe they intend to visit several places), they should meet with success. As a result of their labours, Mr F. Colville, hon secretary, to whom unqualified praise |ie due for tbe amount of time he gratuitously spent in making arrangements, eto, handed to Father Fauvel a cheque for £14 10s— a very handsome sum. Mr W. Collins is also entitled to a word of praise for time given in preparing the halL No less a compliment is due to Mr W. McLeod, butcher, who placed his piano at the disposal of the minstrels for the entertainment. It goes without saying that the troupe are deserving of more than ordinary praise for kindness. Catholics in all climes yield first place to no one for gratitude, and it is sincerely hoped that their support to the troupe will never be wanting. Cn Tuesday, August 30, the Black Star Minstrels will give their variety entertainment in tbe Assembly Booms, Pleasant Point, when the Catholics of that place, Kerrytown, and the Plains will do a very laudable thing to be present as a mark of appreciation of what the troupe have done for the Church in which we all justly pride in. As far as the performance goes, I can assure thoße who will venture out they will be amply rewarded. There is another gentleman to whom no small amount of praise is due. Mr Charles Story, stablekeeper, voluntarily came to Father Fauvel to offer his services in collecting money for painting the dials of tbe clock. In two days he succeeded in gathering £9 9a 6d. Tbe amounts were acknowledged by the Bey Father Fauvel from tbe pulpit with thanks. On Thursday last Mr Murray of ABhburton arrived in Temuka and took with him tbe necessary parts for tbe re-casting. Mr Murray gave as bis professional opinicn that the clock iB capable of going for 200 years. Yes, if it had Father Fauvel to look after it I Very few know what a caretaker be is. It would edify anyone to see how neat everything is kept. Lovers of beauty continue to nock to St Joseph's Church. Several parties from other places visited the church yesterday.