MONASTERY OF THE SACRED HEART, CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 3, 14 May 1897, Page 28

MONASTERY OF THE SACRED HEART, CHRISTCHURCH.

+ THE APPROACHING GRAND ART-UNION.

(From our own correspondent.)

By the kindness of the Rev. Mother Superioress, I was enabled a few days ago to inspect the truly wonderful display of articles collected at the Monastery of the Sacred Heart, and intended for the art- union and bazaar which is shortly to take place with the object of liquidating the remaining debt on the institution. At the outset one would be perfectly safe in asserting that never on any previous occasion have such elaborate preparations been made for an event similar to that contemplated. The numerous and costly exhibits brought under my notice and intended for the art-union have all been made or acquired by the Sisters and boarders. Not alone in the local convent, be it understood, but from all parts of the world ; wherever a branch of the community is located assistance in the form of work of almost every conceivable variety has been forwarded to Christchurch for the event. And what an array I Truly it would take columns to describe all that there is in this astonishing collection. Here we have first of all a magnificent suite, consisting of six elaborately upholstered chairs in maroon velvet and arascene, with a beautiful table, etc., (this is one of the principle prizes in the art-union), occasional chairs in wool-work. fire-screens in arascene, wool, and silk work, banner screens, many of which are hand-painted, magnificent paintings in oils of historic scenes, landscape views, living subjects, etc., vast variety of cushions, and tea cosies, rich china tea-sets, musical instruments (including auto-harp), bead-work brackets, hand-painted mirrors, crochet and knitted counterpanes, crazy work rugs, etc. There is also an amazing collection of rich goods recently received from India, specimens the like of which have probably never been seen in the Colony, notable amongst which are a lovely mantle-drape, and table cover in rich gold embroidery unique fire screens, beautiful foot-stools and numerous works of art, all or nearly so of native manufacture. Special mention must also be made of a counterpane in very uncommon work with deep hand-made lace border, a grand variety of young girls' costumes and hat complete, articles of poonah painting on white silk, a valuable set of real point lace, collar and cuffs, fire-screen emblematical of the United Kingdom in gold embroidered work, magnificent cope of white watered silk elaborately embellished in gold and a splendid pair of pictures, richly framed (amongst many others), representing Our Blessed Lord and the Virgin Mary. As was mentioned at the beginning of this article, owing to the vastness of the display

it is almost impossible to do full justice to even the prizes which are to be given away in the art union, and readers of the Tablet cannot be too strongly recommended to procure one or more tickets and so participate in a distribution of goods at once rare, useful and beautiful. This will be drawn at the end of the festival which will shortly take place. Almost immediately energetic steps will be taken to perfect arrangements in real earnest for bringing these various events to a successful issue, a success which will place the devoted nuns of the monastery of Notre Dame de Missions in a position of independence so far as their large establishment in this city is concerned.

They certainly deserve well at the hands of the public of Christchurch, as for years past they have toiled and laboured uncomplainingly in the enterest of our children, our poor and our charitable institutions. They now look forward to that generous assistance from their friends which they feel fully assured will not be denied them.