CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 26, 27 October 1893, Page 19

CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own Correspondent.") Ov Tuesday last the Rev Father Salvador, parish priest of Lyttelton, afforded the Sisters of Our Lady of Missions and their pupilß an opportunity of hearing the phonograph recently imported by him from America. The machine is one of Fidison's latest and is replete with the most recent imirovements. His Lordship tre Bishop, Father CummingF, Father Briand, and Dr G. E. Deamer were present at the entertainment. Cylinders containirg vocal and instrumental musical i'emp. speeches, etc., were given, after which several of those present i-poke into the machine and had their speeches reproduced to the delight of the young auditors. It is pie s:ng to notice th it the wc-rk cf improvement which haß been in pn pr< ss fur some time past on the church property it exteudul to ihe Brotheis' school. The old ani dilapidated paling fenc , which has long been t.n i-ytsore to Catholics', has at length been rcp'aced by a neat and gubs-tantial picket fence, which gives the corner quite a smart and reeptctable appearance. The whole of the b ock on *hicb the church with its vstioub buildings stands, is now bounded by really good fet cine, except that small portion immediately in front of t> c pro-Cbthedral, and surely an effort will be made to secure uniformity as soon as possible. While on the subject of fences I may say that many in connection with the Church, and outside the Church too, have wondered who the generous benefactor n-as, who at considerable expense to himselt erecttd ihe ga'e and fence in front of the Bishop's residence. Rumour had it that Mr E^en George (for elestioneering purposes I suppi cc) was the donor, but a disclaimer from that important personage, published in all the daily paperß, dispelled that illusion, and now the affair is as much of a mys'ery as ever. A concert was given by the Aloysian Guild at Halswell in aid of the church fund?, and was an unqualified success. The room was crowded by an appreciative audiecce. The programme was an excellent one, hnd the manner in which the lads acquitted themselves of their several parts reflected great credit orj the Guild. The Halswell comaiitt<-e di strve great praise fir the excellent arrangements made for the comfort and eutertainmcDt of the performers. The Very Rev Father Cummings was present and thoroughly identified himself with ihe pioceedings ; he is very popular, and deservedly so, for he has always evinced the greatest interest in the spiritual and temporal welfare of the members of his flock who reside in that district.

Mr W. Hay warJ, first Mayor of Sumner, and a prominent member of the Caholic Church, was the recipient of a complimentary banquet

on the occasion of his leaving that borough. The family have resided in Sumner for many years, and are extremely popular. Their numerous friends will miss them when paying their uiual periodical visits to that favourite watering place.

At a meeting of the Catholic Registration Committee held daring the week, it was proposed and carried that Mr E. O. J. Funston with, draw his candidature. It is to be hoped that gentleman will see hia way clear to do so. Talk of Parliamentary candidates) We have no end of them for this city, and the cry is still they come. This week adds two names more to the list, Mr Evison, editor of Truth, being one, and the Rev O. Bryan Hoare the other. The latt3r ia a olergyman of the Church of England, possessing extreme liberal views.

Bey Father Broussard, S.M., Maori missiooer, is visiting his native flock in the diocese. Last week he was at Little Uiver. On Taead&y the Bishop visited tht pah at Kiiapoi, to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to a number of the Natives, who had been prepared for its reception by the devoted Father.