Diocesan News. ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON..

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 41, 18 February 1898, Page 4

Diocesan News. ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON..

(From our own Correspondent.)

At High Mass at St. Mary of the Angels on Sunday last the Rev. Father O'Sh'aeaid that tenders were being called for the erecticn of a select Fchool in connection with the primary school now beirg conducted by the Sisters of Mercy. He said it was originally intended to enlarge the present school, but it was found that the municipal by-law required that such a building should be erected in brick. As this would entail considerably more expense than if put up in wood, the idea had to be abandoned. The good Sisters then generously came to the aid of the Very Rev. Father Devoy, by placing at his disposal a piece of land at the rear of the present school, and on which a wooden building can be erected. The plans and specifications were prepared by Mr. James O'Lea, architect, and a tender has now been accepted for the proposed building at a cost of about £440. The building will be of two storeys and will have a ground area of 44ft. by 24ft. On the ground floor will be a class room 23ft. by 18ft., a dining-room 14ft. Gin. by 14ft., a kitchen I4ft, by Bft., and a music-room 14ft. by 12ft. In a commodious porch by which the first floor is to be approached, lavatories will be fitted up for the use of the children, whilst the sanitary arrangements and ventilation are to be on the latest and most approved principle. The building, when completed, will be a decided addition to the schools of the city. The funds for the carrying out of the work will, it is expected, be raised by a part of the proceeds of the carnival which is to be held by the Hiber nian Society on St. Patrick's Day, and the forthcoming bazaar, which is to be held during Easter week.

The Rev. Father McKenna of Masterton, has purchased a block of land of ahout two acres, close to the Catholic Church, for the purpose of erecting a convent thereon for the Urigidine nuns, who .ire to take over the charge of the parish schools about the beginning ot iie\L year.

A M>ry enjoyable social was held by the Juvenile Hibernian Society in St. Patrick* Hall, on Wednesday evening. A plentiful supply of refreshments was provided by the committee who had charge of the arrangements, ami during the evening the time pa^vd pleasantly with games and vocal selection-!, the latter being contributed by Rrothcrs ,). Jhlund, W. Stratlord, F. Murphy, J. Stratford, L Gosling, T. Negrie'f, etc

The forthcoming- Pa h.unentary election is the principal topic of conversation in Uiu E.npire City. The \acancy has, no doubt come as a surprise on the Liberal party, and consequently it has found them unprepared. Whether rhe Opposition had an inkling 1 of it I cannot say, although it looks as if they knew something- was in the wind, to judge by the m. inner in which they have concentrated their forces and select* d their champion. The Opposition have selected a strong man, on whose behalf others with strong cl.iims have retirtd. The Government mcd a strong man, who will have the support of the whole Liberal community. Had Mr. N. ltuid, senior partner of the firm of Turnbull und Co., merchants, cous nted to stand in the Liberal interest, he would possess many of the qualifications necessary to insure success. Next to him comes Mr. Kirk, solicitor, Mayor of l'etune, who will very probably be the recognised champion of the Government. Of course there will be other aspirants for parliamentary honours.