PALMERSTON NORTH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 30, 26 November 1897, Page 29

PALMERSTON NORTH.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

The 40 hours devotion took place in Palmerston North on October 24, and was a great success. Nearly the whole parish received on Tuesday morning. The sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father Smyth, of Hastings, who gave an eloquent and very practical discourse on the love of the Sacred Heart. There was a full congregation, and all were most attentive during the sermon, which lasted about 40 minutes ; and all were highly delighted v, ith the manner the preacher treated his subject. There was solemn High Mass on Tuesday morning, Very Rev. Father Smyth, celebrant ; Rev. Father Power, deacon ; Rev. Father Melu, sub-deacou ; and Rev. Father McKenna master of ceremonies. The procession of the children both on Sunday and Tuesday was perfect. Eleven children made their first holy communion on the Sunday morning, the opening of the 40 hours. The music was under the conductorahip of Father Patterson. Palestrinas' Masses were sung by a full and efficient choir. During the 40 hours all the music was rendered in a very creditable manner, and for power and expression the Palmerston North choir make a very fair display. The voices are good and well balanced. The parts were sustained by Misses Brandon, Rush, Brophy (2), Scanlon, Stephenson. and Messrs. Gamble, Adams, Brophy (2), Rogers, Hanley, and Scanlon. Mr. Gamble acted as conductor on the Sunday, and Miss Oakley as organist. There was a nice orchestra assisting on the Sunday under the leadership of Mr. W. Brophy. Rev. Father Patterson thanked the clergy for their attendance, and the choir and instrumentalists, and complimented all upon their endeavours to make the 40 hours such a perfect success.