THE NUNS HAVE TO LEAVE NEWCASTLE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2, 11 January 1900, Page 4

THE NUNS HAVE TO LEAVE NEWCASTLE

The following extract from a letter of one of the Sisters of the Newcastle Convent (nays the South African Catholio Magazine) will be read with interest : — On the 11th inst. the imperative order suddenly came saying that every one should leave Newcastle that night. The fear and consternation which this unexpected command created is more easily conceived than described. 'Hurriedly we put together a few absolute necessaries, prepared in haste for the enforced departure from our beloved convent home. The great difficulty was having so many children who had to be called out of

bed, and six of whom were dangerously ill ; but we had no alternative but to run the risk and take them with us, trusting to God for the preservation of their lives. Arrived at Dundee at 5 a.m. the following morning, after some hours' waiting in trucks at Glencoe, the largest room in our cottage convent was given to the sick ohildren. The Sisters found shelter in an iron shed in the school-chapel, on the benches of whioh pome Blept, while others lay on the ground — other available space more comfortable being given to the children. On the 16th inst. the order to flee came again and once more we had to pack up in haste — this time taking with us still less than we did from Newcastle, fearing because of oar number — 60 in all — that we could not find sufficient accommodation in the train. About 10 p.m. we left Dundee in open trucks in which we remained four hours at Glenooe awaiting the train that would bear us away from danger. At length we departed, and after a journey made as comfortable as possible by the kindness of the offioials, we reached Maritzburg on the 17th at 3.30 p.m. Here we found shelter in an empty cottage providentially unlet, notwithstanding the thousands that had fled hither. Thank God for the sanctuary under the roof of which we can dwell altogether. Of our hardships and privations we think little. As many thousands are simularly situated, many even much worse, and amid the widespread distress and sorrow that darkens the land there is no room for selfish thought. So, though we are homeless and have, at least for the time being, lost our all, we bear all cheerfully. And to the honour of Maritzburg be it Baid that from its inhabitants, lay and religious, we have received much kindness. And not alone from those of our own creed, but from all, without distinction, we have received kindness, courtesy, and delicate thoughtf ulnees. 4 nQ *° them we shall ever be truly grateful,