ASHBURTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 14 September 1899, Page 19

ASHBURTON.

(From a correspondent.)

The winter in the Ashburton district, inoludin? the recent snow storm, ranks as one of the most severe, if not the severest, in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. Everywhere around the wattle and gum trees still wear their mantle of dead leaves. Nature in other respects seems to be hurrying along to make up for lost time. Farming operations, so long delayed preparatory to the coming season, are now in full Bwing, and magnificent spring-like weather prevails.

On Sunday last Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell, after having celebrated Masa at Methven, 26 miles distant, preached a fine discourse on the festival of the day at Benediction. The Triduum to, the Sacred Heart of Jesus takes place here on Friday, Saturday and Sunday next.

His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, S.M., D.D,, makes his visitation of this parish on next Sunday, when hip Lordship, assisted by the Very Rev. Dean Foley, will conduct a mission daring the following week. His Lordship will remain a month in the Ashburton district.

The Ashburton Catholic Literary Society, inaugurated a year ago by the Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell and under the able aianagement of the officers, has proved a gigantio success. The members were pleased to welcome the Rev. Father Cooney at a recent 1 meeting. Besides the ordinary routine of the Literary Society, a dramatic class under the directorship of Mr. W. Bowden is progressing favourably, and has recently given some ; highly sucoeasful dramatic performances in public. The pieces staged on the first occasion were ' The Attractive Young Lady * and 'Which is the Best Head?' One of these was redemanded, and with- *The Mysteries of the Secret Order,' filled the bill at the second performance. The respective characters were well filled by Messrs W. Bowden, P. Hanahran, J. Moison, J. Healey, P. Healey, and Higgins, while recitations by Messrs Hanahran and Moriarty filled in 1 the interval at the second performance.

The ordinary weekly meeting was held on last Wednesday evening, when a debate — ' Has the invention of machinery benefited mankind' — was fought out vigorously. Mr.'C. Henry was in the chair.