Archdiocese of Wellington.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 37, 14 January 1898, Page 3

Archdiocese of Wellington.

(From our own correspondent.)

January S, IS9S. The weather was all that could be desired on New Year's Day. and consequently the holiday was enjoyed to the fullest excent. Many of the picnics and outings which had to be put off on account of the inclemency of the weather on Boxing Day were held on Monday last, among these being the Te Aro parish school children's picnic at the Lower Hutt. The children attended nine o'clock Mass at St. Mary of the Angels, and shortly after marched in procession to the Te Aro railway station, headed by St. Mary's brass band, under the coniuetorship of Mr. F. L. Dean, where a special train was in readiness to take them to their destination. The rendezvous was the Very Rev. Father Lane's extensive grounds, where the committee, under the presidency of the Very Rev. Father Devoy, had made complete arrangements for the enjoyment of the youngsters. There were races, swings, scrambles galore for the rising generation, whilst those of more mature years enjoyed themselves according to their tastes, or joined in the revels of the children. Much amusement was created by tugs-of-war by teams (girls and boys) representing the Hutt and city schools, and tugs-of-war between married and single

men, the former being the victors. A women's race, too, was productive of much fun, and showed that some of the fair sex were no mean sprinters. A large number of people went out to the grounds during the afternoon, and at one time there could not be less than 2500 persons present, including the clergy of the parish, the Very Rev. Dr. Watters, Rector of St. Patrick's College, and several of the professorial staff. Too much praise cannot be given to the committee for the admirable manner in which the arrangements were carried out, and especially to the Vicar-General and the energetic secretary, Mr. D. Lawlor. The weather was responsible for the clashing of the Te Aro parish picnic with ;,he Thorndon Catholic School's outing, which was held at Belmont on New Year's Day. Over a thousand children and adults went by special train to this pretty Hutt resort, and it is neeiless to say that they enjoyed themselves thoroughly. A brass ,b md was in attendance and discoursed sweet music, whilst a varied programme of and races kept the time of the youngsters fully occupied. A plentiful supply of refreshments was provided by the committee, who are to be congratulated on tho success of the picnic. The half-yearly meeting of the local branch of the H.A.C.B. Society was held on Wednesday evening in St. Patrick's Hall, when there was a good attendance. The principal business was the election of officers for the ensuing term, the result being as follows : President, Bro. J. McMillan ; vice-president, Bro. McCarthy ; secretary, Bro. W. White ; treasurer, Bro. M. Bohan (.re-elected) ; warden, Bro. Curtice ; guardian, Bro. Ellis ; auditors, Bros. Holdsworth and Doherty ; sick visitors, Bros. Condrick and J. McCarthy. I notice that Constable Lalor is about to be transferred from Masterton to Blenheim. Mr. Lalor was, for a number of years, stationed in this city, where his attention to duty gained for him the respect of all classes. On the death of Constable Cashion he was sent to Maaterton to fill that officer's place, and during his residence in the Wairarapa township he has carried out his duties in a manner that has won golden opinions for him bjth from his superiors as well as the general public.

Commissioner Tunbridge, although only a short time in the Colony, has made himself conversant, to some extent, with the merits of deserving police officers. The notification that Constable John O' Donovan is to be made a sergeant, is a promotion which will commend itself to all. Sergeant O' Donovan has the unique distinction, with one other policeman in the Colony, of having 1 successfully passed the examination in law for solicitor and barrister, and has only to pay his fee so as to be permitted to practi3e. During Mr. O 'Donovan's residence in Wellington, where he had been for many years court orderly, his civility, geniality, and knowledge of legal procedure made him a great favourite with all persons who had business at the Magistrate's Court ; his grasp of the law being such as to cause his advice on intricate points not to be despised even by those on the bench. His promotion is well deserved, and by none will it be better appreciated than by those who had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with Mr. O'Donovan.

The Rev. Father Galerne and the Rev. Father Menard, both of whom had been the guests of the Very Rev. Father Devoy for some days, left by the Warrimoo for Suva on Saturday afternoon. Father Menard had been ordained at Home, but was prosecuting 1 his theological studies at Meanee for some time prior to his departure. The Rev. Fathers were accompanied on board the steamer by several of the local clergy to bid them farewell, and wish them success in the sphere of their future missionary labours.

I regret to say that the Rev. Bro. Mark has had a severe attack jjf infjjienza w which prevented him from attending the Brothers' retreat at Stoke this week. The popular and deservedly esteemed principal of the Marist Brothers' School here, had a sharp and severe ■attack, but through the kind care and unremitting attention of Dr. Mackin, he managed to get through without it developing into anything more serious. Bro. Mark is progressing satisfactorily, and it is hoped that a few weeks' rest; at Stoke will completely restore him to health.

The Very Rev. Dr. Watters, Rector of St. Patrick's College, went South during the week with the intention, I believe, of spending a few weeks with the Rev. Father Lewis at Timaru. The Rev. Father Bower, Vice-Rector of St.. Patrick's College, is at present at the Hot Springs, Rotorua. The Rev. Father Bowden is to go there also next week. Dr. and Mrs. Mackin, I understand, will spend a short time at this sanatorium, so that it is probable Father Bowden will have them for fellow travellers when proceeding north. Dr. Mackin finds that his practice has grown to such an extent since his return from Europe, that unless he takes some rest, his strength will not stand, and so he has decided to take a short holiday at this health-giving resort.