Archdiocese of Wellington.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 21 January 1898, Page 29

Archdiocese of Wellington.

CFrom our own correspondent.)

January 15. There is very little news to send this week, as there is the usual lull in things, social and political, which succeeds the Christinas holidays. The social horizon is clear, but the physical horizon has been obscured by smoke during the week. Bush fires have been raging all over the country in the Wellington provincial district, and according to the incomplete reports which have been received, considerable damage has been done — homesteads, fences, and other improvements have disappeared before the onward march of the fire fiend. The total loss might not seem large, but to the individual sufferers it means the destruction of years of industry. We all know the hard, laborious struggle which the average settler has to undergo to effect the necessary improvements, and the only ray of hope in his life of toil is the expectation that he might one day be able to see his homestead clear of hush and grassed, and fenced, and a humble dwelling erected thereon, but it disheartens the stoutest pioneer to witness in a few hours the destruction of the labour and self-denial of years. Such has unfortunately been the case during the past week, when bush and grass fires swept all before them in many parts of the district, but more especially in Eketahuna and Pahiatua. In Nelson too there has been considerable loss of property. In many cases human life was in danger, but, fortunately, so far, no loss has been recorded. The unfortunate settlers who have suffered loss will have the sincere sympathy of all, and it is to be hoped that where the damage is beyond the resources of the settlers to repair the generous public will come to their assistance, as they have often done before, when the hand of affliction lay heavily on those who are the backbone of this Colony. The Very Rev. Father Aubrey, S.M., of Sydney, left for Wanganui this morning to conduct a retreat for the Sisters of the Convent. He returns to Wellington for the purpose of holding a retreat for the clergy of the archdiocese, which commences on the 2(Jth inst.

His Grace Archbishop Redwood is at present visiting Hawera, Wanganui. Jerusalem, and the neighbouring parishes. He is due in Wellington on 22nd inst., where there will be a ceremony of reception and profession at St. Mary's Convent.

The children attending the Ilutt schools had their annual picnic at Fuatherston on Thursday. The trip to and from was very enjoyable, and was thoroughly appreciated by the youngsters. The high wind which prevailed and the thick smoke which hung over the Wairarapa Valley during the week detracted somewhat from the pleasure of the visitors, who had their sports and other forms of amusement in the paddock in front of the Empire Hotel. Among the' visitors were the Very Rev. Father Lane, the Very Rev. Father McKenna (Masterton), and the Rev. Father O'Sull'van (St. Patrick's College). Mr. and Mrs and the Misses Card, assisted in providing for the entertainment ot the youngsters, aud extended their hospitality to several of the visitors-.

The Rev. Father Costello, of Westport, is at present in Wellington, i>i rovti for Australia, where he intends to spend a few weeks' holiday. St. Patrick's College is at present in the hands of the painters and decorators, so that by the time for opening for the New Year, its internal appearance will be considerably improved. Miss Lottie McDonald, in religion Sister Mary Augustine, has ]eft for Palmeivton North with Mother Cecilia and Sister Mary Francis, to take charue of the schools there. Those of my leaders who have read the remarks of the examiner for the Associated Board of the Academy of Music and the College of Music (London), after the recent examination here, on the qualitj' of Sifter Mary Augustine's voice, w ill under-tand that Wellington's loss will be Pdhnerston's gain. The Rev. Father Walsh, of Kurnara, who has been in the Wellington Hospital for some tune, in consequence of an ace dent to his knee, which he received whilst attempting to stop a pair of runaway horses, is, I hear, progressing slowly, but hopes are eatcrtaincd that in time lie will be able to rcsurre his duties.