Archdiocese of Wellington.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 31, 27 November 1896, Page 6

Archdiocese of Wellington.

(From our own correspondent )

November 14, 18%. The bazaar in aid of the Convent Building Fund which had be n open for nine days was brought to a close on Tuesday la*t. after what may be termed, in theatrical parlance, and considering the alleged scarcity of coin, the many counter attractions and unfavourable weather, a very successful season. It is expected that the net results will total somewhere about £000, which is very good considering the hard times. The outing organised in aid of St. Mary's Brass Band on the Prince of Wales Birthday was a pronounced success. The picnic was held at McNab's Gardens, Lower Hutt, which were purchased some time ago by Mrs. Ross. The gardens never looked so well as they do now, under the able and careful supervision of Mrs. Ross and her family. The band, under the conductorship of Mr. F. L. Bean, left for the Lower Hutt shortly before 10 o'clock by special train, which was crowded with picnickers. Numbers went down also during the day, so that in the afternoon there could not have been much less than 2,000 people on the ground. A liberal programme of sports for the benefit of the juvenile-* mi carried out during the day under the direction of a committee, of which Mr. Brady was secretary. The band contributed to the enjoyment of those present by rendering selection*, winch were appreciated, and showed what excellent progress it had made nine* its formation. Mr*. Ross and family were untiring in their efforts to make the outing as enjoyable as possible and hospitably entertained the member- of the band, the committee and several of the visitors, who included the Very Rev. Father Devoy, V.G., and the Very Rev. Father Lane. Prior to the return journey being made, the band played in front of Mrs. Ross' residence, and on leaving, cheers were given for the popular proprietress of the gardens and her family. The financial success of the picnic exceeded the ino-<t sanguine expectation* of the promoters, and it is expected, that the instrument fund will benefit by it to the extent of between £30 and £40. The convent bazaar was wounl up on Thuisday evening by a numerously attended "social" for the benefit of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Hill street. The first part ot the evening's programme was devoted to a concert, the items of which wore conn United by the pupiK of the convent. Vocal selections were contributed by Misses N. Gallagher, Driscoll, Brady. Long and Driscoll. Misso Long and Blake played with yood execution and taste a piano duet. one of the Sclavonic dances. Miss E. Hennah contributed a violin solo, which was gracefully played and encored. Miss Beck played with taste a Chopin waltz for which she was warmly applauded. The social concluded with a dance, which was kept up with spirit for a couple of hours. We are in the midst of the turmoil of the general election, consequently scarce else is talked of save politics. There is a plentitude of candidates, and more are spoken of ; in fact, it only requires a deputation of three, armed with the usual petition, setting forth the personal qualities of the recipient, and how the country was to the dogs unless men such as he would throw thenis<.4\es into the breach and save the Colony from ruin, to get many ot our ambitious citizen^ to place their services at the disposal ot the electors. At present eight candidates are in the field — consisting ot three Government supporters, including the redoutable Mr. George Fisher, tour Prohibitionists, all of whom are opposed to the (Jo\ eminent, and an Oppositionist. None of the candidates so tar ha\e said anything on the question of doing justice to Catholics in their claim for assistance on the State, in regard to education. Neither has their been any move on the part ot the Catholic body to make their power felt. Still, the candidate who will declare himself in favour of doing justice to the Catholic people ot the Colony in this respect, is sure to receive considerable support. Mr. George Fisher toyed with the question in 181)3, in fact, he imagined he had been hi .iccustoined to humbug the Catholic electors that he could do so a^ini with impunity, but he found to his cost that he had tried the game once too often. I would not be surprised it some dark Oppositionist horse will be started at the last moment. The Liberals, secure in their supposed numbers, might imagine that thty can afford to ignore this question, whilst the Conservatives may eteal a march on them. It is not the first time these tactics have succeeded. Anyhow, there is sure to be a big fight here, and with bo many candidates in the field and bo many conflicting interests to divert the attention of voters, it would b< ihard to say what the result is going to be. If the Liberal and Labour party work well together and not allow themselves to be split up into sections, there is no reason why two, if not three. Government supporters will not be returned. Mr. Martin Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy arrived here during the week, from the Home countries via America. Mr. Kennedy is looking exceedingly well after hs trip, which he evidently would have enjoyed were it not for the domestic affliction which overtook him in England. Constable Madden, who has been stationed in Wellington for a number of years, has received notice of his transfer to South Canterbury. As his family are now growing up anJ some of them in employment, the change will be anything but beneficial to him. MASTERTON. The annual ceremony of the Forty Hours Adoration commenced in St. Patrick's Church, Masterton. on Sunday Bth November. High Mass was celebrated at eleven o'clock by the parish priest, Rev. Father McKenna, the music for the occasion was the beautiful Mass of the Holy Infancy, the composition of an Italian prelate, Monsignor Eagliers, this was rendered in admirable stylv by a large choir and orchestra, the solo portions being creditably performed by the Misses Casey and Richards and Messrs Dolan and Jeffries ;

the orchestra consisted of, Messrs Grinders, Kearsley, junr. and Sutton (violins), A. Russell (cello), M. H. Varham, (clarionette), G. Grey, junr. (cornet) and T. Gray (trombone) Miss Kearsley presided at the organ and Mr. J. T. Kearsley conducted at this Mass. The church was crowded, numbers being unable to get in the doors. After the Mass there was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament in which the children of the school and members of the Hibernian society took part, the weather was perfect and the scene was a most impressive one as the procession wended its way through the grounds around the Church to the solemn strains of the " Pange Lingua." In the evening, after Ve«pers had been sung, the Very Rev. I>r. Wutters, S M.. preached a most eloquent sermon on Faith. Adoration was continued on Monday, numbers of people visiting the church throughout the day. At 7 30. Vespers were again sung after which the Rev. Father Power, of Kaipawa. occupied the pulpit and gave an impressive discourse on the holiness of the Church. The beautiful ceremonies were brought to a close at nine o'clock on Tuesday by a Mmm Cantata, sung by the Rev. Father Power, after which there was another procession, and after the Litany of the Saints had been recited Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament was given. Our esteemed parish priest was very fortunate and the parishioners highly favoured in having the assistance at these ceremonies of the Very Rev. Father Watter* and the Rev. Fathers Power and McKenna. These did good work in the confessional, great numbers availing themselves of their presence to gain the blessings attached to these occasions. The altar was very tastefully decorated and the sanctuary embellished with tapestries illuminated in gold with appropriate inscriptions, and much praise is due to the Misses Carriek and Hourigan and Mr. Dan OConnell tor their efforts hi beautifying the altar. [The above was unavoidably held over from last week. — Ed. X.Z. Tablet.]