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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 41, 9 February 1894, Page 17

The time is now approaching at which it was appointed some months ago that a bazaar in aid of the fund for defraying the debt due en the school buildings of the Dominican Convent, Dunedin, should be held. The undertaking was set on foot by the express wish of the Most Bey Dr Moran, and daring his illness his Lordship has more than ones expressed a desire that it should ba successfully carried out. We need make no very pressing appeal to our readers in order to secure thrir sympathy and kind assistance in promotion of the goo 1 work. A call of this kind always finds them ready and willing, and the present instance will prove no exception to the rule. The interests of the art-union undertaken for ths same purpose are also deserving of consideration. The nuns, however, may, as usual, rely on the aeal of their friends in the great cause of religion and education.

A RETREAT conducted by the Very Bey Father Hilary, C.P., for the women of the Catholic congregation, wai begun in St Joseph's cathedral, Danedin, at 3 p.m., on Sunday. The church was densely thronged, many bring unable to find seats. In the evening the rev missionary preached also to a crowded congregation. He took (or his subject the healing of the blind man at the gate of Jericho, and delivered a most impressive sermon — illustrating spiritual blindness by that which was physical. On Monday morning Mass was celebrated at 6 o'clock, and on its termination an instruction was given. The church was well filled, at that early hour—there being about 600 women present, and in the evening was full to overflowing. The rev missionary offered the Rosary of^the Blessed Virgin for the Most Bey Dr Moran, and all thoie present were fervent in their prayers for the intmtion. Father Lynch had conveyed to the congregation the desire of the Bishop to see the retreat well attended, and the blessing his Lordship bestowed upon them. Father Hilary alto spoke of the great pleasure with which be saw the retreat no

well attended. The numbers present, he said, were such as to surprise him. The attendance of the first days, we may add, has so far been continued, if not surpassed. Much good may be confidently expected to result from the pi' us labours of the Passionist Father.

On Sunday evening in St Joseph'i cathedral the V«ry Re* Father Lynch, Rector, in recommending their beloved Bishop to the prayers of the congregation, said he would not conceal from them that the erd was near at hand. On Monday the children of the Catholic schools were assembled in the church to pray for his Lordship. The Bishop, hearing from his bedchamber the children passing below, asked what was the cause, and on being informed, gave them his blessing. " God bless my little children." The schools each day continue their prayers.

During the course of the Most Rev Dr Moran's illness telegrams and letters have been constantly received from the Archbishop of Wellington, the Bishops of Auckland and Cbristchurch, and members of the clergy and Catholic laity throughout the colony — containing messages of sympathy and the assurance of prayers. Members of other denominations also have continued to make kind inquiries. The Bishop has repeatedly expressed his gratitude for the kindness thus shown towards him.

The retreat for women in St Joseph's Cathedral, Danedin, will conclude with a renewal of baptismal vows, en Sunday next at 3 p.m. In the evening a retreat for men will be opened.

Another strange sign of the continuance of peace is the declaration made by the French Minister for Marine, that the fleet of the country is in every respect superior to that of England. The agitation in France began with M. Clemenceau, who, no doubt, stirred up by the English brag that the British navy must be at least equal to that of any two Continental powers drew a melancholy picture of the state of French men-of-war. The boast of the French Minister is evidently made in reply. It must, meantime, produce due effects in England. But a rivalry in ship building is likely to prove an expensive game.

It will be unwelcome news to the citizens of Dunenin that Mils Rose Blaney, announces her intention of leaving our city. Miss Blaney's design is to enter regularly upon the musical profession, We see that a proposal has been made to tender the young lady a benefit before her departure, and it must be admitted on all handi that she has well deserved it.

Thb old saying — Quern Deus vult pefdere—neevu to find a fresh illustration in the conduct of the House of Lords. The noble noodles, as they are once more proving them*elves to be, continne to make amendments on the Parish Councils Bill. The effect is necessarily to incense the country and hasten on the inevitable hour for clearing oat the hereditary Chamber. Sir ChSrles Russell, indeed, has declared so much.

What is the good of football ? In any case, lei no throw up our hats.— " ' Nay, that I cannot tell.' said he, ' But 'twas a famous victory.' " "London, February 3.— ln the Bugby football international match Ireland beat England."

The men of tha olden times, then, bad more sense) sban they have been given credit for. Their rigorous treatment oft&B bodies of people who had committed suicide has been loudly condemned. Here, on the other band, is the latest news on the matter :—": — " A nnmber of clergymen have petitioned for a Convocation by th* Archbishop of Canterbury to consider the tendency of juries to return a verdict of temporary insanity in cases of suicide. They consider the return of such verdicts tends to increase suicides, weakening the criminal stigma."

We record with regret the death of Mr Peter Henry Mcßhant. which took place suddenly at his residence at Geraldine Flat, Can* terbnry on Sunday morning. Mr McShane was getting ready a trap to go with his family to church, when bt foil to the ground and expired. Dr J. 8. Hayer, of Temoka, who was examined on the inquest, testified that the cause of death bad been either heart disease or the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. The deceased gentle* man, who was in ths 64th year of his age. was a native of tb» County Antrim, Ireland. He was of sterling worih, and his death has caused sincere sorrow. Much sympathy is felt for tht bereaved family. — RI.P.

The summer bargain tables of the D.LO., High and Rattray streets, Dunedin, are now open for selection. Half-price is the rale of the tale, and the goods are of the best possible qualities.