MISSION AT KAIKOURA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 25, 21 June 1900, Page 3

MISSION AT KAIKOURA.

(From our own correspondent.) His Grace Archbishop Redwood, accompanied by Rev. Father Ainsworth, S.M., arrived here on May 29, and opened a Mission the same evening. During the Mission the attendance was excellent, though the weather was sometimes most unfavorable. On three or four special occasion-, the large Church of the Sacred Heart waa crowded to the door, amongst those present being a Dumber of nonCatholics. Needless to pay that bis Grace preached with his usual power and effect. Father Ainsworth did his part well. His numerous friends will hear with pleasure that he made a name for himself as a preacher whilst here. He visited all the members of the congregation and roused the people to a sense of their duties. His zeal for the salvation of souls keeps pace with his energy. Besides, his auavity of manner won all hearts and exercised a powerful influence for good And nobly did the old and the young respond to his appeal for the new Cathedral. Father Ainsworth announced, in grateful words, that Kaikoura had contributed, in paid and promised, the munificent sum of £(»00. This is nearly £2 per head for the whole Catholic population of Kaikoura. Let every parish in the archdiocese do as well in proportion and the Arohbishop will have £50,000 for the Cathedral. In this statement there is not a particle of exaggeration. Now, we must take into account that Mr. Scott, contractor for the new church, opened by Fatber Walsh in October last, has been paid £11 8.1 2a ; that architect's fees, etc , were £35 7s 9d ; that Stations of the Cross, etc., cost £63 14a lid: the high, altar (Oamaru stone and Gal way marble), tbe gift of a member of the congregation, £I.V) ; the Lady altar, presented by another member, £30; while the crucfix, given by Father Walsh, cost £7 8s 3d. This makes a grand total of £1471 10b lid expended on the new Church of the Sacred Heart. To this must be added £230 more, the cost of the pretty little church oalled ' Star of the Sea ' in Kaikoura town, and opened within the last few yean. Furthermore, the new convent, with repairs to the old ohurok now the sohool, runs close on £300. We have now an expenditure of some £2000 in less than four years. This is a magnificent reooxd for a population scarcely over 300. And now they give £600 for the projected Cathedral. This record, I opine, can hardly be surpassed. if at all equalled, by a like number of people in this or any other of the colonies. The presbytery, churoh, and convent and school form a fine group of buildings, right out in the fresh, verdant country, and with a splendid view of the lofty, snow-clad Kaikouras, about three miles from the town. The sohool, it may be remarked, is flourishing under the energetic and kindly care of

the Sisters of the Mission, a branch from Christchurch. The number on the rolls is close on 70, including some non-Catholic children. From this it may be eadly inferred that the Archbishop has here a very promising little flock. Father Amsworth promised a visit in two years on his collecting tour. The worthy young priest, who has manifested so fine a missionary spirit, may rest assured that the people of Kaikoura will accord him a hearty read vuli- Jmltc, and that both Catholics and Protestants will throng the church to hear once more his beautiful sermons and singing. The Arohliahup administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 49 candidates, two of whom, being Maoris, were confirmed at the Pah, about seveu wiloo from here. These were husband and wife, and as the poor woman was ill in bed, his Graoe kindly drove out with Fatherß Golden and Ains worth. The mission lasted eight days, closing 1 on Tuesday, June .">.