DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 25, 27 October 1898, Page 4

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our Christchttrch correspondent.) On Sunday afternoon last a well-attended meeting of Catholics representing all parts of the two parishes of Christchurch was held in the new Catholic Hall in order to arrange for the reception of the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes. The Vicar-General presided, and the Rev. Father Marnane also attended to represent the congregation of St. Mary's. The Very Rev. Chairman announced that Bishop Grimes was expected to return before Christmas, and the meeting had been called to see what arrangements could be made for giving a suitable welcome, and also for the purpose of appointing collectors to raise funds to present him with a fitting testimonial. The Vicar-General announced, moreover, that the sum of £10 had already been forwarded from the parish of Ahaura on the West Coast. He said that the mission which the Bishop had undertaken was for the welfare of his diocese, and that it had received the sanction of the Pope. The Bishop had felt that the time had arrived when Christchurch should be provided with a suiuble Catholic cathedral, and knowing that it would be impossible to ruirie the large sum of money required in this small community he had visited the wealthier cities ot Europe on a collecting tour. The present building which did duty as a pro-cathedral would shortly require re-building, and it was hoped that it would at no distant date be replaced by a cathedral worthy of Christchurch. It was the intention in connection with the cathedral to build a semiuary in which students could be trained for the ministry. He concluded by urging upon the Catholics to do their utmost to give their Bishop a proper reception after his selfsacrificing efforts on their behalf. When several persons had spoken it was decided that those present should form themselves into a committee, with power to add to their number, to devise means for raising funds for giving Bishop Grimes a fitting reception and a testimonial on his return from Europe. The following were appointed a sub-committee to carry out the proposal : — Messrs. H. H. Loughnan, J. P. Kelly, M. Donnelly, P. M'Cormiuk, W. Schemenski, J. J. Couitney, Walls, M'Carty, Gaffney, Blake, Smith, Nelson, Dobbs, and P. Nolan, with the priests of the various churches. Mr. P. Burke was appointed treasurer.

On Monday evening week an ordinary meeting of St. Patriok's branch of the H.A.C.B.S. was held in the Hibernian Hall. Brother C. Courtney occupied the chair. There was a large attendance, and three candidates were elected and initiated. The Revision Committee brought up an interim report and recommended that a special meeting should be held to deal with the rules. The sick visitors congratulated the branch on the fact of there being no members on the sick list. An adjournment was made for the purpose of taking farewell of Brother James Curtayne, who is shortly leaving to reside at Westport. Light refreshments were handed round and kindly sentiments were expressed to the brother. Songs and recitations were contributed by Bros. R. and J. Beverley, Walley, and Doolan. On the following Tuesday evening a meeting of St. John the Baptist's Branch (female) was held in the same place. There was a fair attendance of members, and Sister Al. Courtney (president) occupied the chair. A general discussion took place as to the best means of increasing the membership of the lodge. It was decided to hold a social, at which the Viuar-General and others would be requested to discourse on the benefits to be gained by joining the Society, and to give whatever general information might be desired ou the subject. It is anticipated by these means to get together a large number or young people of both sexes. A strong committee was also formed for the purpose of waiting on as many young women as possible and of inducing them to join the Society.

(By telegraph, from our Kerrytowx correspondent.) The annual dramatic and musical entertainment by the pupils of the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent School, Kerry town, on Thursday evening last, was well-attended. Then* were many people present from outlying districts, indudine a good numbr from Temuka, Mr. T. Gunnion's coach being taxtd L<> excels. The elaborate stage scenery was the production of Mr. C. Bate*, and the lighting arrangements were excellent. Preoiady at eight o'clock the programme was opened by an overture, 'Agnes Quadrilles Sorel,' executed by Misses E. and L. Driscoll — two very youthful performers — in a manner which would have done credit to adults. This was followed by the song and chorus, ' Cockles and mussels.' In this a stageful of gaily-dressed, smiling children took part, and their voices were so pleasing that an encore was the result. Miss Julia Hoare sang 4 Pardoned ' with inuoh feeling, and the next item was the cantata ' The little old woman that lived in a Shoe,' in which Miss Lynch and a large number of children took part, and won from the audience continual applause. Conspicuous upon the stage was the home of the ' old woman,' a gigantic shoe. The piano duet, 'Birdie's ball,' by Misses E. and N. Dore, was not the least popular item on the programme. The appearance of the Rev. A. Galerne, S. M., was greeted with prolonged applause. The solo contributed by the rev. gentleman alone repaid those who attended. He sang • The Vale of Tears ' in a manner which fully sustained his reputation, and resporded to a vociferous encore with ' The dear little shamrock.' The junior pupils were very successful in the ring drill, the clockwork-like actions calling forth loud applause. Misses Coughlan pleasingly rendered the solo ' Listening.' The drama 'In want of a servant ' was of more than ordinary merit, a remarkable feature being the evenness with which the various characters were sustained. Master D. Broenan as Mr. Marshall, an insurance agent ; Miss Julia Hoare as Mrs. Marshall ; Miss M. Connell as Margaret O'Flanagan, an Irish girl (particularly good) ; Miss L. Gosling as Katrine von Holstein, a German girl ; Miss Ettie Connell as Snowdrop Washington, a nigger girl ; Miss Annie Hoare as an English widow, were deserving of great praise. Master D. Brosnan received an encore for his singing of ' Wrap me up in my old stable jacket,' and responded with « Mr. Reilly.' The second part of the entertainment was opened by Master and Miss Fitzgerald, whose overture (piano) called forth prolonged applause. Then followed another gem, the song 'Anchored,' sung by Father Galerne with even more success than his former effort. In response to a universal recall, the ter. gentleman contributed * Heavenly Rest.' Another item, whioh was sung with sweetness and correctness, was the chorus ' Silver Herrings ' In this Misses M. Connell, G. Hoare, L. Gosling, D. Brosnan, B. Connell, K. Fitzgerald, H. Naughton, E. Driscoll, K. and M. Coughlan, M. Lynch, and H. Stack took part. Miss Brosnan next sang the ever-popular solo ' Erin, dear Erin,' for which she was applauded. The drama, ' Mischievous Jack,' kept the audience in roars of laughter. Master Joseph Kelly played the part of • Uncle' with much success, while Miss Hannah Stack, as 'Aunt,' shared equal merit. Master D. Brosnan, ac ' Jack,' fully justified the title of the piece. Miss Lucy Driscoll, as 'Polly,' Master Patrick Naughton. as the ' Schoolmaster,' and Master James Fitzgerald also took their parts with credit. Miss Maggie and Julia Hoare rendered the duet, ' When the wind bloweth from the sea,' tastefully. Master D. Brosnan, Miss M. Lynch, and Master T. Driscoll were very deservedly encored for the song, ' He, She, It.' This was really well done. A piano trio by Master M. and the Misses L. and E. Drisooll was skilfully executed, Mits Coughlan following with ' Juanita,' which elicited applause. An item which found universal favour— in fact, created quite afurore — was the duet ' Darby and Joan,' which very befittingly terminated with a reel, danced with a vigour and conectness which would have been creditable to ' trippers of the light fantastic toe ' of renown. The dance was repeated with even more vigour in response to the encore. The performers were Misses L. and E. Driscoll— two very small children. Miss Mary Coughlan threw much feeling into the solo, ' The pardon came too late.' The duet, ' Huntingtower,' by Master D. Brosnan and Miss Julia Hoare, found gieat favour, and the song and chorus, ' Give my love to all at home,' by all the children, brought the programme to a close. Miss Annie Hoare and Miss Maggie Hoare accompanied the singtra with credit. It might be mentioned that excellent costumes were used for the character pieces. Though the entertainment lasted fully three hours, the last item was as heartily applauded as the first. The children, who for the most part were very young, acquitted themselves, without exception, in a manner that did them credit. The entertainment was certainly a cause of delight to the Sisters of St. Joseph, for the children fully sustained the great care whbh had been bestowed upon them in training by their teachers. Kerrytown hns a reputation for music, and the Sisters of St. Joseph could not help idling proud of their pupils on this occasion. The choruses were also very nice, and much care must have been bestowed upon their preparation. On the whole, the entertainment was very remarkable for evenness of interest, and the Sisters deserved the compliment paid them by the Rev. Father Galerne when thanking the audience for their presence in such a large number.