A VISIT TO PANMURE AND ONEHUNGA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 19, 8 September 1893, Page 31

A VISIT TO PANMURE AND ONEHUNGA.

(From onr Auckland Correspondent.) Taking advantage of the floe weather which prevailed on Lady 'day, I hied me from the smoke and bustle and ever-surrounding brick mortar of the city to the green fields and bracing air of the country. Everything appeared at its best, betokening the early approach of Spring. Driving out through aristocratic Remuera with the placid waters of the Waitemata on our left, the inter* vening villas with their well-kept gardens and lawns forming a picture almost baffling description, on we went through Ellerslie, with its green fields and hawthorn hedges, reminding us of our own " loved island of sorrow." Arriving at Panmure we at once sought Monsignore McDonald, but discovered that he had left to perform his sacred office at Howlck, We were shown over the Monsignore's well-kept and prettily-situated grounds, the oemttery especially arousing our interest. There was one grave before which I lingered long and prayed earnestly, and which contained the mortal remains of one ever dear to me from my childhood's days, because of the good teacbiog and example he ever held up to me, the times without number I knelt at his side exclaiming mea oulpa, mea ctUpa, mea maxima cvlpa. As I stood over this green mound all my happiest boyhood's reminiscences flashed through my mind; A handsome monument ererected by the Natives, inscribed in their vernacular marks the resting place of poor Dr McDonald, than whom no more worthy priest ever trod the shores of New Zealand. God grant him rest. Taking onr departure we weeded onr way through green lanes and past boreens till we arrived at Onebunga, and, appro prietely, wevisited the Church of the Assumption. On perceiving vi the genial and kindly Monsignore Paul came forward from the sacristy and showed us all over his beautiful church, the magnificent stained window over the altar, which came all the way from Tours; the splendid marble altar about to be erected, etc. Coming outside, (he Monsignore, with evident pride, directed our attention to the Celtic crosses at various points, and lastly to the fine old Celtic windows of the 12th century pattern (still so common in Ireland) adorning this really grand church. After a pleasant chat we shook hands with the Vicar-General, and were soon rolling towards the city, which was reached as the shades of evening closed over it, A memorable day was that of the Assumption of 1893.