WAIAU.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 43, 25 October 1900, Page 6

WAIAU.

(Prom an occasional correspondent.) In the unavoidable absence of the Bishop (the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, S.M.), the new church at Waiau was solemnly opened on Sunday the 14fch inst. by the rector of the parish, the Rev, Father Price. By the hour appointed for the ceremony to commence, the church grounds contained a numerous gathering, including many non-Catholics, who also assisted at the Missa Cantata, which followed the blessing of the church. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. Father Price, who also preached basing his discourse on the Third Book of Kings, chap, viii., v. 27. He reminded his hearers that for many years past they had been without a church in Waiau. Through the kindness of the authorities the State school had been placed at the disposal of the priest whenever Mass could ba celebrated in the district ; but the inoonvenience, both to priest and people, of having Mass in a Bchool room only emphasized the need they had of a suitable church. Now he (the preacher) had to congratulate them on having, through their own generous efforts a fitting place in which to worship Almighty God. He thanked them all, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, for having in the goodness of their hearts co-operated so cordially with the church committee in the good work which they Baw that day accomplished. He knew full well that the church had not been built from out of their munificence, but in the midst of their narrow means, yet notwithstanding their many sacrifices there was still a debt hanging over them. He felt quite sure that the same generous Catholic spirit that had prompted them to build a church to the honor of God, would not allow them to rest until the whole cost was defrayed. The church, which is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, is a handsome building, with seating accommodation for 100 people, and situated in one of the finest township sections. The ceremony on Sunday was enhanced by the addition of a splendid choir, Farmer's Mass being beautifully rendered by the following ladies and gentlemen :— Mra. Mead (alto), Miss Annie Bryant (contralto) Miss Pertie Duncan (soprano), and Mr. Robert Hayward (baas). Wednesday, the 26th ult., was a happy event in the annals of the Hawarden mission, when the rector, the Rev. Father Price, opened his new presbytery, a handsome building which does credit to the little township of Hawarden. The house is domestic Gothic in style of architecture, and comprises entrance hall (12 x 7), drawing room (14 x 11), dining room (16 x 14), study (16 x 14), bedroom (14 x 12-3), spare bedroom (12-6 x 10). bathroom (12 x 10), passage (36 x 5), and the usual offices with all the latest modern improvements. The arrangement of the house is perfect in every way, and does the architects (Messrs. Collins and Harman, of Christchurch) very great credit. The house has been built by Mr. William Waters, of Geraldine, at the cost of £696, exclusive of extras. The grounds adjoining the presbytery have been artistically laid out by Mr. John Joyce, of Papanui. Amongst those who assisted at the opening were the Very Rev, Father Le Menant des Cheanaia, S.M., V G. ; Rev. Father Marnane, S.M. (St. Mary's), Very Rev. Dean Foley (Pro-Cathedral), Rev. W. Hyland (Rangiora), Mr. J. J. Collins, etc. After inspecting the new presbytery Rev. Father Price entertained his guests at lunch. When the good things Bupplied had been discussed the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais proposed the health of their host. In the course of his speech he thanked the Rev. Father Price in the name of all present for bis kind invitation to be present on such a happy occasion, and congratulated him moat heartily on his successful work in the parish since his arrival. In a suitable reply the Rev. Father Prioe thanked them for responding to his invitation, and expressed the hope that they would often revisit Hawarden. He disclaimed all praise for the erection of his new presbytery, stating that although the work had cost him a certain amount of anxiety, it could never have been accomplished but for the generosity with which the people of the parish had responded to his appeals. The church at Hawarden, now undergoing extensive alterations, will be solemnly re-opened on Sunday, November 25, by his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, S.M. The event is looked forward to with much satisfaction and interest.