CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 9, 16 December 1892, Page 18

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.")

At tbe conclusion of the Rev Father Aubrey's examination, which took place last week, of the convent schools, the pupils entertained him at the establishment with a private and a complimentary concert, and presented him with an address. This was the first opportunity which they have had to honour him since his appointment to the spiritual charge of the parish at Timaru. He "left this city unexpectedly, and they lave keenly felt th« want of an occasion to express their gratitude for the very practical interest he has ever taken in their welfare and school . A very select musical and instrumental programme was successfully gone through, and the address, which ia a splendid piece of illuminating work, displays great artistic skill and taste. The harmonious blending of colours and the chaste design produce a most pleasing effect. A.t the foot of the address is a very pioture of the convent in the neutral tint. The children presented Edison's mimeograph and accessories with the address, which ia in a massive gilt frame, and reads as follows :— •« To the Very Rev Father Aubrey, S.M.-Dear Sev Father,— We bave been looking forward to this occasion to give expression to the sentiments of affection and gratitude which animates us at the remembrance of the many marks of kindness which you have conferred on ns since you* arrival in New Zealand. Though we saw in ycur appointment to the parish at Timaru & proof of the Bishop's appreciation of your merits, it was, indeed, a cause of sorrow for us, as it deprived us of one who lor no long had been the director of the schools, and the spiritual guide who, with nntiring real, prepared most of us for tbe first Holy Com. munion and Confirmation. We will ever remember with gratitude the instructions you have given us, and it shall be our constant endeavour, with God's help, to give proof that the seed has not fallen on barren ecil. We trust you will long continue to discharge the duties of inspector of schools in this portion of the diocese, and thus afford us an opportunity of seeing occasionally the devoted Father to whom we are bound by the strongest ties of esteem and gratitude. Thanking you again for your past kindness, and praying that God may bless you and all your undertakings, we are, dear Father, your affectionate and grateful children, the pupils of the Sisters of Our Lady of the * Missions." Father Aubrey thaDked, when replying, the pupils for their unexpected and beautiful presents, and lot the compliments which accompanied the gifts. He had tried, he said, to do bis best for their progress, and was pleased to see bow th»y had seconded his efforts. He emphasised the earnestness wherewith they bad entered into tbe work

of the examination, tbe neatness and order.of : the papers, and other work, and the Tery high percentages obtained. These tlings gave ttron* evidence of serious and thorough work done dnring the past i . ™ tconfident lhat tQ «y would not relax their efforts to gh . P^ tiOn WhiCh the c " mi «"^n just concluded snowed that .the schools btve attained.

4 ? and 30 * irlß mad e their first Communion at the X™ . t «£ I * 3 laßt ' the feMt ° f the Imma °«'ate Conception, at the 9.30 Mass, which was said by the Most Bey Dr Grimes, who was assisted by the Bey Father Bell. The church was fairly crowded on the occasion, and his Lordship delivered a very beautiful ana impressive discourse before and after the solemn rite. Than the whole scene nothing could be more pretty aad edifying, ihe girls who were under the charge of several Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions, wore white dresses, also long veils of the same hue and suspended from chaplets of green myrtle leaves entwined with small white flowers. The Marist Brothers were the guardians of the boys, who were neatly attired and wore white easbes and the crimson Sato bS*™^ r* a l i! J ? the AP°9lleßhA P° 9lleBhi P ° f P*J«. The Rev Fatter Bell and the deroted Siaters and Brothers have for months *JL H0"!?H 0 "!? BVery Care on the childrea t0 tMi n *h«m for the important-and sacred occasion before which they attended for several day* a retreat which the Key Father Oummiugs preached. When the ceremony was over the children breakfasted on a profusion of good things m the Marist schoolroom, wpich was tastefully decorated Wn^P^ X eVeat " Me9damefl J - O»»by Jones, O'Briea, Bryant, Curtm, Bodgers, O'Neil, Sherin and Holland, and Mdlles Shenn, Kearney, Bryant, Loughnan, Fitzhenry, Burrows, McOarty, and Pender provided,tbe edibles, and these ladies and others whose ™r*\ l nOt t>° bta i n ' Waited on the children durin S '^ repast. The Bishop, the Bey Fathers Bell and Cummings, also Mr and Mr 8 Bobert Lougbnan, who are on a short visit from Wellington to this city, were, among others, present. A Christmas tree, whereon was placed.- an attractive prize for each child, was planted in the schoolroomjand^hen the children bad ass9mbled and dined a^ain at 1 p.m., a drawing for the prizes took placa and occasioned a deal of amusement Mr Ormby Jones planted the tree, and the prizes were the especial donation of Mrs Jones. The children indulged during the day m a variety of sports in the school ground, and in the afternoon a procession around the interior of the church, a renewal of baptismal vows, also acts of consecration to the Blessed Virgin and to St Joseph took place. After theae ceremonies, which closed with tbe Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, were orer, his Lordship presented each child wih a large memorial card as a souvenir of the Happy day.

The nuptials of Mr Kdward Gee of this city, and Miss Mary J McAdams the sixth daughter of Mr Terence McAdams, of Horatio street, took place at the pro-Cathedral on.Wednesday afternoon last. The Rev Father Gumming,, V.G., who spoke before and after the rite on the dispositions wherewith the sacrament should be received and on the dignity and importaace of matrimony, officiated, and the' church was crowded on the occasion. Mr Thoma* Quealy acted as bebt mat, and the bride, who, besides a veil and wreath, wore a beautiful blue dress trimmed wi h orange blossom*, was given away by her brother-in-law, Mr P.Ryan. The bridesmaids were Misses Kate and Lizzte McAdams, sisters of the bride, and were arrayei in cream crape dresses trimmed with velvet of old gold, and wore hats and feathers to match. When the iutere,ti ag ceremony was over in the church the nuptial party drove to the rasidence of the bride'a father, where a sumptuous breakfast was spread. Mr Quealy proposed during the repast the health of the bride and bridegroom, and the toast was duly honoured. The wedding presents are numerous, valuable and useful.

Several members of the Opera Company sang at St Mary's church on Sunday last, aad Mr 8 Nielaon executed therewith much finish and pathog to-day (Sunday) as an offertory piece an •■ Aye ,«£'*' a, c maiC ° n the occasioa w »a Partly from Gouaod's Messe Soleanelle," and partly from Weber's Mass in G. To the great and general regret cf the citizens of Christchurch it has been known tbat Inspector Pender ia shortly to be removed to Wellington. It is announced that his place will ba takin by Inspector Brohan, of Auckland, formeriy of South Canterbury 4-k J he^ cv u Fa ' herLa^rty visi.el the city during the week, and the Bey Father G.naty, who looks remarkably well and resides just now at the presbytery at St Mary's, has returned from Hokitika