(From our Hawera correspondent.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 20, 22 September 1898, Page 4

(From our Hawera correspondent.)

September 17. Since I last wrote we have lost the services of Rev. Father Doherty of Te Aro. During 1 the time he was amongst us the Rev. Father made a multitude of friends by his genial manner, and many and sincere were the regrets at his departure. We have also welcomed the return of the Rev. Father O'Meara, who appears to be all the better for his holiday. Last week being the occasion of his Excellency's and Lady Ranf urly's official visit, our little town was en fete. On Thursday morning the foundation-stone of our new convent school was laid by his Excellency, quite a large gathering being present. The grounds had been most prettily decorated and presented a very gay appearance. Before the ceremony of laying the stone was performed, Mr. A. J. Whitaker, secretary of St. Joseph's Church committee, read an address, which, together with a handsome silver trowel, was then presented by Very Rev. Father Power. His Excellency replied courteously, thanking the Catholics for their welcome. After the ceremony a collection was made by Mr. J. H. Russell in aid of the building fund for the school. 1 can hardly pass this event over without mentioning the address to the Governor, which was a really artistic piece of work. It was beautifully engrossed on vellum and illuminated with a large wreath of cosmos, ferns, and grasses ; the whole thing being mounted on crimson satin. It was altogether the work of Miss Annie Flynn, and was most favourably commented on by the local papers. We hope soon to see our school quite a large building and one which will meet the requirements of the good Sisters and the children. A 9 the number of scholars has increased, the school has become more and more inconvenient, but through the untiring efforts of our good pastor, Very Rev. Father Power, and thf faithful co-operation of his congregation, this inconvenience should cease very shortly. On Sunday last the portion of a letter from his Grace Archbishop Redwood was read, exhorting all the faithful to join the Confraternity of Our Lady of Compassion for the conversion of England. As it is expected that his Grace will soon be here to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Confraternity will probably not be established until then.

Mr. J. O Shea, brother of Rev. Father O'Shea of Te Aro, has just returned from Wellington with his bride, who was Miss Burke of Kilburnie. We offer the youn^ couple our heartiest congratulations and wish them many years of happiness and prosperity.