NEW ZEALAND : GENERAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 3, 20 May 1898, Page 18

NEW ZEALAND : GENERAL.

The opening ceremony in connection with the new Convent of the Sister's of Mercy at Reef ton took place on Sunday last, his Grace the Archbishop of Wellington officiating. A full report will appear in our issue of next week. His Grace administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large number of children at Capleston. On his way to Reefton he was met at Cronadun by a large number of Reefton Catholics and escorted by them to town. His Grace subsequently paid an official visit to the convent and expressed himself as highly pleased with the structure. He was the recipient of an address by the pupils of the High School, which was read by Miss Garth. His Grace was subsequently entertained at a concert by the pupils, which opened with an overture by Misses McNamara and Garth. This was followed by a chorus in which all the pupils assisted. A pianoforte solo by Misses O'Neill and Stoltock was creditably executed, and Miss McNamara sang a song which was exceptionally good. A violin solo by Master Butler was very pleasing to His Grace. Miss Monteith sang a selection with exceptional taste and expression. A second pianoforte solo by Misses Whitton and Horton, was followed by a cantata, '• Tho Picnic," in which all the pupils of the schools assisted by the Misses Collings (.V), took part. Miss Maud Burke presided at the piano. His Grace warmly thanked the young ladies for the address, and he heartily complimented them on their vocal and musical attainments, making special reference to the cantata.

The Rev. Father Kreymborg writes acknowledging receipt of parcels of stamps sent direct from Mrs. Kirkwood, Wanganui ; Miss Jcannie Fagan, Camaru ; Miss M. Hayes, Hurunui (including 2s Gd of unused stamps) ; a friend (including 2n of unused stamps) ; a friend, Rangiora, £I ; M. Shaman, Fielding, ss ; Mrs. 3largarefc Fitzgerald, Orepuki, 10s. We have also received packages of stampß from Master Henry M'Millan, Roxburgh ; Master John M'Grath, Napier ; Miss Margaret O'llagan, Pukerau ; Miss A. Flynn, Palmerston North ; lOtio 1 stamps iroin J P.M. 11. and M.S., Wellington ; 4U(J stamps from Misses Margaret and Ellen O'Leary, Otakai ; SUO from Miss Mary O'Malley, Geraldine, and '.U Gd worth, of stamps from Misa Alice and Master Willie Finn, Nightcaps.