WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 47, 23 March 1894, Page 18

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.)

March 17, 1894. His Grace the Archbishep returned to Wellington a fortnight ago, and has presided each evening in Buckle street church, at the mission which the Yincentian Fathers are preaching to the women of the Te Aro parish, and which concludes to-morrow morning with a general communion. The spacious church is crowded at all the services, and on last Werfrcsday evening, after a most eloquent sermon by the Rey Father Hailey on tbe evils of strong drink, at the close of which be made a most earnest appeal to his hearers to take the pledge, almost the wbolp c negation advanced to the altar rails and were enrolled by his Grace the Archbishop in the " League of the Cross." The eealons and learned missionary told the people how this holy league was founded by tbe late Cardinal Manning in conjunction with the well-known Irish priest, the Rev Father Nuarent of Liverpool ; and that within a very few years of its inception it numbers one hundred thousard members distributed over Great BritMin and her colonies At the conclusion of the ceremony, bis Grace gave benediction of tbe Most Blessed Sacrament. The million for the men of the Te Aro parish opens to morrow evening at Vespers.

Tbe month's mind of the late Rev Father Carol.* n was held in 8t Joseph's Church. Buckle street, on Friday week last at 9 am. Solemn lleqvicm Mass was sung by the Rev Father Hickson, 8.M., the Re* Father McKenna (Masterton) being deacon, Rev Mr Tymons snbdeacon, aod the Rev Father Goggan master of ceremonies. The choir was under the direction of Rev Father Aubrey, B.M. His Grace the Archbishop and a number of clergy were present, and the church held & large congregation of the faithful.

The picnic which is annually given by the Hibernian Society on St Patrick's Day is postponed till after Easter on account of the mission services.

Lady Buckley, wife of Sir Patrick Buckley, arrived from London by the R. M.S. Kaikouia on Sunday week last. The Petone Bmbs Band on the Tuesday following proceeded to the Lower Hutt and played selections of music on the lawn in front of her Ladyship's residence in honour of her return.

It is with pleasure I note that Mr O'Donovan, that talented yonng Irishman who acts as court orderly here, has passed his final law examination for solicitor. Mr O'Donovan's duties are of an arduous nature; and, by study in his spare houra and by bia undoubted pluck and perseverance, he has raised himself to his present position, for which he is much to be commended.

On Thursday evening last an important meeting of the '• old boy 3 " was held at St Patrick's College for the purpose of raising funds to erect a suitable monument to tbe memory of the late lamented Father Carohn. Very Rev Dr Wa ters, the rector, occupied the cLair. A letter whs read from h'u Grace the Archbishop, which eaid that— He bad much pleasure in according the movement his bcirty approval and blessing. It Bpoke volume for the sentiment of veu-rnti .n and gratitude which had prompted it, and he heped soon to see the project realised in a monument remarkable for its neatness, taste and s >lidity, but of very moderate costliness, because of the religious poverty professed by its obj)C. Tho Rev Father Dsvoy also wrote in praise of the object of the meeting, and enclosed a donation of three guineas. The Kjv Father Goggan sent a guinea. A subscription list was opened, fifty pounds being subscribed in the room, the rev chairman heading it with five guineas. R-v Dr Watters then asked the meeting not to decide on any particular form of memo* rial that night. It primarily would take the form of a monument over the grave, bu- it might also take other form, ponsibly a Bursary at tbe college — soy of music. To make a fitting memorial might involve sacrifice, but " Labour we delight in physics pain." Tney must regard themselves as the nucleus of a movement which would spread throughout ihe Colony wherever ' old boys " and sympithisers were to be found. Mr J, Sheridan then proposed a r<.sjlu 101 cjnveying the condolence l{ the "old boys" to the rector and Fathers of tbo college on the loss thpy had sustained by the demise of Father CaroUn. This was seconded by Mr Hodgms and carried unanimously. MrJ Sheridan *lso proposed, and Mr W. Ahem seconded, a motion to form an " old b^ys " association in connection with the college. Thia was also carried, and all those present, numbsring sime sixty -old boys.' enrolled themselves as members. The Rev Dr Watters said that he would do his best to foster, direct, and encourage the association, which he hoped would be to th; great advancement of the members and the college. A memorial committee was then formed consisting of the Rev Fathers Devoy and Mahoney, Messrs Conney, Houldsworth, Uyan. Organ, and Whitebouse ; hon treasurer, Very Rev Dr Waters ; hon sfciciary, Mr J. Ward. A vote of thanks to the chairman and the Press concluded the meeting.

That magnificent Wnite Star liner tbe "(Uithi> ," chartered by the Shaw, Savill and Albion Cjtnpany for the New /.jaland trade, bore away from our Bhores on Thursday week last wb.u was of infinitely more value than her rich freight— vu, the great pru-Consul, New

Zealand's grand old m^n. Sir George Grey, tin departure was not marked by any display on the part of the people of the Colony, as it was evidently the result of sudden resolve, and but f e v knew of Sir George's determinaMon. The New Zealand Times and Post, in leading articles, took occasion to remind their readers of some of the salient points in the career of that most remarkable figure in the life of this Colony ; and, among other iteme, told how Sir Gaorgp, on his former visit to England soms twenty. five years ago, advocated Home Rule for Ireland, even going the length of drawing up a scheme of Home Rule. Nearly all ihe measures of reform he (Sir George) then advocated have since come within the Bcepe of practical politics. New Zealanders will, one and all, no matter what their political creed, wish Sir George a happy and prosperous voyage md a safe return to the Colony, which he has so long and unseltnbly served.

By tha " Gothic " also went Colonel Pat B >ylt>, the late popular and able A. D.C. to Lord Glasgow. It is authoritatively stated that Colonel Boyle will not return to New Zealand m any official capacity ; and that if he does return it will ba to the sanatorium at Botorna, for the benefit of bis health.

The Postal conference which held its mcc ing herd la.st week was presided over by the Hon J. G. Ward, New Zialand's PostmasterGeneral, with conspicuous ability. It is worthy of note that the Wellington Eoeniny I'o.tt which is sroog'y opposed to the 3oveument has made an exception, and has b -en compiled to highly praise this Minister for the way be upheld the honour of New Zealand before the rneo of light and leading frera the other uo'onies. Prai.se fioin that critic is praisj indeed.