NAPIER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 24, 13 October 1893, Page 6

NAPIER.

(From an occasional Correspondent,)

October 3, 1893. In forwarding you a report of the proceedings at the Marist Brother! school on Friday last in connection with tbe Very Bey Father Grogan's feast, I omitted to mention the convent, in fact, I did not know anything about the ceremony which took plact at that insti. tution till after I had posted my letter. With your permission therefore, I will now give a few particulars of the event, supplied to ma by a kind friend. Convents, as a rule, are renowned for interesting entertainments, and the one which took place on the feast of St Michael (September 29), the patron Baint of the Very Bey Father Qrogan, S.M , tbe pastor of tbe parish, was no exception to the rule. The large hall was crowded to its utmost capacity with the children of the various s^hoolp, and many lady friends from outside were also present. Besides tbe guest of the evening, the Rev Fathers Smyth (Hastings) and Kerrigan were present. The play chosen for the occasion was the well-known and impressive drama " Isabel le de Lisle." To say that the young ladies acquitted themselves well in the execution of their several parts would be inadequate praise. Tht performance was most touching, and at times many present could rot refrain from shedding tears. At tbe end of tbt performance a beautiful biretta with a handsome altar cloth waa presented to the Rev Father by one of the young ladies as a mark of respect in which • heir pastor is held by tbe Sisters and their children. Father Grogan hearily thanked them, especially Rev Mother for their kindness He said he was very angry with them for the trouble they had taken, and if be had thought of it in time he would have gone to some other part of the district, until tbe feast was over, as be did on some past occasions. However, he had to remember tbe scriptural maxim, ■' That the sun must sot go down on our anger." He spoke at length of bis feaßt day. and said he was proud of his patron saint, who was an example for any prie&t. He 'hanked them for their handsome present, and called on Fatber Smyth to testify to the merits of the performance. Father Smyth said tbe entertainment at wbich he had the pleisure of assisting did credit botb to tbe Sisters and the children, and was a proof of Ue high standard to which the young ladies bad attained. He bad assisted at many similar entertainments in Eunpj and the States, and be could say the treat nf that evening was one of the best be had yet enjoyed. He was pleased to have the opportunity of uniting witti the Sisters and the children in wishing the Verr Rev Father Qrogan * very h.ppy feast and many returns. Fatber Kerrigan also spoke of the excellence of tbt entertainment, and congratulated me children if the convent on their fine per* formance.

A g, eat many women have now registered their names on the electoral roll. In connection with the representation of Napier, there is a rumour from Wellington that Mr Seddon is being strongly urged by requisition trom here to stand for the Napier seat at the coming election. Have tbe Liberals thrown over Mr Curnell after promising to support that gentleman ? Beware, Sammy, they are playing a " low down " game with you.

There are a great maay visitors to this town at the present time, attending the races and agricultural show.

Devotions are being held in St Mary 'a Church every evening this month.

On Sunday, at Has 1 in??, Father Smytb strongly urged all Catholic ladies to register their names on the electoral roll at once.