DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 14, 5 April 1900, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.)

April 2 The usual monthly procession of the Most Blessed Sacrament took place in the Pro-Cathedral on Sunday after Vespers. Hia Lordship the Bishop continued his Lenten discourses to a very large congregation, many non-Catholios being present on this as on previous occasions. Although on a comparatively limited scale to the ' send off ' given to the Third Contingent that on Tuesday last extended to the Canterbury section of the Fifth, numbering 100 men, was no less enthusiastic From an early hour flags floated from numerous buildings, conspicuous among which was the national standard of Ireland, whilst the houses along the streets traversed by the decarting troopers on their way to the railway station were profusely decked with miniature flags and bunting. Prior to their departure he men were entertained at luncheon in the Opera House. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and places of honor were allotted to the Premier, the Chief Justice, his Lordship Bishop Grimes, Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, V.G., and many other leading citizens. In the procession to the station the fine Suipage of Bishop Grimes was prominently placed. When the tori, which is conveying the Contingent to South Africa, caet off from the Lyttelton wharf hearty cheers were given by the troopers for, amongst others, the Irishmen of Canterbury. In the evening, on his return from Port after seeing the men on board the troopship, the Right Hon. the Premier and the Hon. Hall-Jones visited the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes at the Presbytery, Barbadoes street. The Pro-Cathedral with its many happy and holy associations will soon be, so far as its present site is concerned, a thing of the past, and in its place a nobler and more stately edifice will, in the near future, be reared. A contract for removing the present building has been signed and an early commencement of the work is expected. By the kindness of the Religious of Notre Dame des Missions permission has been granted for the reinstatement of the building intact on part of the convent property at the eastern side of the Monastery, and facing the lower High street. During the construction of the new Cathedral the services of the church will be Btill carried on within its walls, and afterwards it will be used as a girls 1 parish school, thus affording very much needed accommodation. It has all along been the ardent desire of his Lordship the Bishop, who entertains a great affection for the dear old church, to have its appearances as little altered as circumstances will permit. The desire of his Lordship in this regard will be fully gratified, as the structure is to be removed as a whole and intact, the only alteration will of neoessity bo its aspect. The removal will prove to be the largest work of its kind ever attempted in the Colony, its measurement being 110 ft by 80ft. lam indebted to the architects, Messrs. Collins and Harman, for the following particulars of the undertaking : — The successful tenderer is Mr. Swanston, of Christchurch, the contract price being £133(5. New foundations will be placed under the building to strengthen it for removal and for it to rest upon when removed. It will be shifted upon balk timber specially procured, the motive power being two traction engines (anchored), which with winding cables will slowly move the immense building. The plan of removal will be to shift the building 50 yards east, where it will be turned to face north, and then moved 80ft in that direction. It will take at least three months to do the work. It is not anticipated that it will be necessary to take down the organ, but for safety the magnificent stained glass windows will be removed. The original building was erected 40 years ago, and additions made 25 years ago.