GREYMOUTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 24, 15 October 1897, Page 6

GREYMOUTH.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

On last Sunday Father Carew made a forcible appeal on behalf of Mount Magdala Asylum. The rev. preacher pointed out the nature of the work carried out by these holy women, many of whom have left the highest positions to follow the example of Him, who, on a memorable occasion, near 2000 years ago, protected a poor sinner from the fury of a mob, who dispersed when He uttered those sublime words, " Let him that is without sin among you cast the first stone."

The musical teaching staff of our convent has been materially strengthened by the arrival, from the Christchurch branch house, of Sister Mary Cecilia, formerly of Greymouth, who has taken up the duties carried on, with such marked success, by the late lamented Mother Mary Aloysius. The arrival of Sister Mary Cecilia should be good news to parents who have children musically inclined. This accomplished lady has a perfect knowledge of the divine art, both vocal and instrumental, and is a teacher of rare parts, under whose tuition pupils, particularly of the violin, make surprising progress.

At last we have the Rontgen rays in Greymouth, Dr. Mcßrearty having imported one of these marvellous instruments. This should be a valuable aid to the worthy Doctor, who enjoys an extensive practice here. A lecture on this latest scientific triumph would draw a crowded house and would be of great interest.

" Great expectations " might with truth be applied to the state of mind of a large portion of the Greymouth public who, '• Micawber " like, are waiting for something to turn up on the Paparoa Range. Claims without number have been pegged off, companies formed, full Bhare lists published, and we are now anxiously waiting for the syndicate to come along and buy out our areas marked out by four pegs. But, strange to say, the syndicates, French, Anglo- German, or otherwise are slow — very slow — at biting. They — unreasonably it is said — desire to see the reefs proved, and works, to some extent, carried out by the owners of claims, who, having such brilliant prospects — in some instances it is said averaging several ounces to the ton — should find no difficulty in doing something towards developing their properties. " 'Tis passing strange " that so much attention has been paid to reefs by people who can ill aiiord to speculate in uncertainties. People, in their hurry to become wealthy, are " gulled " by the dazzling prospectd held forth by company promoters and so-called mining experts, who, having nothing to loso, are of a particularly sanguine temperament and are very plausible. Many oJ; their dupes are now paying the piper in calls, etc.

No doubt much of the progress of the colonies has been derived from gold discoveries, but it cannot be denied that tha settlement of the people on. the land has created and will create more solid comfoi t and add more to the permanent prosperity of the State than will ever be done by gold discoveries. This leads one to exclaim what a disgrace it is to the present Government, who have done so much for land settlement elsewhere, that owing to their miserable dispute with the Midland Railway debenture holders, much of the land of tlm district is withheld from settlement. It is all very well to say that the land is worthless, but it is surprising where men will carve out a home for themselves and families and live more comfortably than in watching for a few days' work about the towns. The Government are generous enough in subsidising the County Council for bridges, tracks, etc., but they are doing a lasting injury to the district by not settling with the Midland Railway Company.

The news that a mission is to be given here some time before Christmas was received with feelings of pleasure. By the way, the sermon delivered here on the " Prodigal Son " by the veteran Father Burke during the last mission is yet spoken of by persons of other denominations by whom on the occasion of its delivery the church was packed. 'Tis an old story this parable, a homely theme, but in the hands of this gifted missioner what an effect was produced. With much truth one could exclaim with Goldsmith that " Those who ciine to scoff remained to pray."