HAWERA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 14, 3 August 1894, Page 19

H AW E RA.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

I leabn from the Star of 12th that the social given the previoa evening in aid of the Convent grounds was the most successful of th« series of enjoyable socials held for that object. The attendance was very Urge, tbe floor bein? at times overcrowded ; whilst the gallery was packed with spectators. The wnl.s were decorated with bunting, aad the stage waa aioraed with ferns and flowers, the whole interior being very pretty. All appeared to enjoy themsalv«s thoroughly, and dancing was kept up with vigour. The music, which was supplied by Miss Flynn, assisted by Mrs Biker and others, waa excellent, and tbe floor was in capital order. Mr N. McCarthy was as usual a most attentive MC. The sapper was voted the best yet pro* vided, and the ladies in charge of this department are to be congratulated on the fine show they made. There was an abundant spread, and aver; thing was of the choicest.

Vocal items were aa uanal interspersed with the dances, Mr Higbam sang " The powder monkey " with admirable effect, aod was heartily applauded. Miss Carrie Kaight was recalled fjr her finished rendering of " Cushla Machree," and responded with " Love's Proving." Tosti's " For ever and for ever," was very nicely sung by Mr T. Reynold, who has a very pleaaiog taaor voice. Mr Horace Baker well sang " First in tbe field." "The angel at the window" was splendidly sung by Mrs Baker, who w*s very happy in her selection. Mr Edwards, who possesses a fine voice, made a big bit in bis comic item, " Medley up to date," which he sang in fine style, and in response to an imperative encore repeated the last varse. Mr J. Oilman was very success 'ul in the song " Mona," bat did not respond to a decided encore. The tableaux " GHpsy Camp" and " Patchwork" were very nicely presented, the limelight being manipulated by Mr B. S. Thompson. Tbe grouping was admirably arranged, and the pictnres were very pretty. The accompaniments darintr the evenio? were playsd by Miss Flynn and Mrs Baker. Before tbe first item, the Mayor, on behalf of them* nagemsnt committee, wslcomed thott present, and hoped all would enjoy themselves. Amongst those present were tbe Rev Fathers McKanna (New Plymouth), Power (Patea), and Bowers, S.M. (8t Patrick's College, Wellington). The Star has since learned that tbe net proceeds amounted to £26 Bs.

July, 35 1894.

Tenders are being invited for some of the material nquired for tha new post office. Whenever the building becomes unfait accompli it ought to be a good one— it is so long under consideration. It is hardly possible to tell how many plant of the building matt hare been made. It has been one of the " sops " held oat to the good people of Hawera for years particularly at election timts. However, we hope to see it some d*y. The building at present doing busineai for post office, Telegraph office and registry office is behind the times It is quite inadequate to the wants of the public and moat uncomfortable for the officials.

Oar genial fellow-townsman, Mr FerguMon, hoi taken his departare from oar midst; Let as hope that a trip to warmer climea may

prove beneficial to him in more senses that one. He was a good kind hearted man, benevolent and obliging. Many of bis friends met him last wees at tha Bgmont Hotel, and gave him a hearty and well-merited " send off." Many of the Catholics of this district wish there wa9 another priest in tha parish to assist Rev Father Molvihill. His announcement on Sunday, that there would be neither Mass nor Vespers at Hawera on the 29th mat, (he being at Opunake) forcibly reminds me of the remarks I heard made long ago. ' Father MulvibHl wants assistance. He cannot pjsaibly attend to the material wants of the district and to the spiritual necessities of the people. He does his best, to be sure, but is unable to meet all requirements." The Catholics are very scattered in Taranaki aa in other parts of New Zealand, Rev Father McKenna lately held a grand eoeial in aid of the building fund of his new church at Stratford. Tha social proved a most enjoyable affair, and, all things considered, a great success. Uufortunately, from a financial point of view, there was a damper thrown on it. Captain Edwin was moat unpropitious. Mr George Brown, of the Upper Hut', has lately promised an acre, aa a church site at Eltham. The Catholic* of that part of the parish are extremely grateful to Mr Brown for bis generous offering, and pray that he may be amply rewarded here and hereafter. T^ey hope to be soon able to use it.