CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 24, 13 October 1893, Page 19

CHRISTCHURCH.

, (From our own Correspondent. 1 ) I^ONDAY, Oct 2nd being the feaet of the Guardian Angels, a large congregation, composed principally of children and mothers with iofants in arms assembled at the pro-Cathedral to take part in the the beautiful and impressive ceremony of " B essing the children, " prescribed by Holy Church. Tbe Bisbop officiated at Mass and at its conclusion delivered an appropriate address. The ceremonies were brought to a close by the recitation of the special prayers of the ritual atid by the imparting of the episcopal benediction.

Tbe result of the musical examination held in connection with Trinity College, LondoD, are just published and must be very gratifying to the friends of Catholic educttion. Out of twelve successful candidates eleven are from the Convent of the 8 sters of Oar Lady of Missions of this city. The following showß the maiks obtained, the maximum being 100. Junior honour?, Margaret Mary Loader, 63 ; junior pasp, Margaret Mary Loader. 97 ; Mary O'Reilly, 92 ; Mary Higgs, 91 ; Rose Richardson, 89 ; Mary Puff, 89 ; Ella O'Malley, 84 ; Nina Ma iar, 83 ; Annie B. O'Connor, 78 ; Eleanor McEvedy, 73 ; Mary Djyle, 83 ; Mary Alice Burke, 67. The devoted Sisters are to be congratulated for tbe 'nstre which this brilliant success sheds upon their teaching.

About 20 children, boys ani girls made their first Communion at the little church at Papanui on Rosary Sunday. They were prepared for this great occasion by a three dajs' retreat under the Rev Father Bell. The little girla were attired in the curomary white frock, wreath and veil. The boys wore rosettes and medals, and a very edifying sight they presented as they ajp cached the Communion rails with their devoted instructresp, Miss Kealy, in charge. Tbe Rev Father Marnane, parish priest of St Mary'd, officiated at Mass and delivered an address befitting the occasion. After Macs the little onei adjourned to tbe residence of Mr and Mrs Shasky, whj had generously provided the Communion breakfast for them.

Mr Charles Ward, who is a prominent Catholic, and who for eleven years his been in the employment of Mr A. J. Waits, of this city, has been compelled by ill health to undertake a trip to England, and was lately presented by bis fellow employees witb a handsome ravelling rug and Gladstone bag as a mark of their esteem.

A serious accident happened on Thursday last to Mr John McNamara, tbe popular host of the City Hotel. Whi c driving down the Waltham road with Mr Corlesse of the Bland Holt comp my, his horse wa9 startled by a passing bicyclist and suddenly swerved on to the kerbing, throwing Mr McNamara out of his gig with considerable force* He was very much shakeo, and sufferel an injury to one knee, which will necessitate his being invalided for several weeks.

Mr McMahon, who for twenty-eight years has been a highly respected resident of Christchurch and neighbourhood has disposed of bis property at Papanui for the pjrpose of re'urning to his native land, as he is determined to spend the remamdor of his days in Ireland. He is taking the whole of hi? family with him (except one son who is well known as a school teacher in Reefton). Tbe numerous friends of the family wish them a pleasant voyage and safe arrival in old Ireland.

We are being invaded by a small army of canlidates for Parliamentary honours. Already there are more than a dezen in the field, and as tbe number is still on the increase, the situation is becoming vety serious. E'ectors and electoressxs will be sorely perp'exed on polling day.