NEW ZEALAND : GENERAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 2, 10 January 1901, Page 19

NEW ZEALAND : GENERAL.

We reciprocate the ' century greetings ' of the literary staff of the New Zealand Times and Mail, We have to thank Messrs. Whi taker Brothers, booksellers, of Wellington and Greymouth, for a neat pocket calendar. We understand that hia Grace the Archbiahop of Melbourne will preach at Vespers in the Pro-Cathedral, Christcharch, on the second Sunday in February — the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the new Cathedral. A postal note for 10a from Waimate, and a postal order for 11s from Inveroargill have been received at this office, the senders in both cases forgetting to send their names. The manager would be pleased to hear from the Benders as soon as possible. Mr. T. Fergus, of Dunedin, who has just returned from a trip to Europe, sayß wiih regard to the Royal Society's Horse Show at Dublin that it was excellent. 'It was,' he says, ' an exhibition of nearly all heavy hautere, weight carrying hacks, and blood horses. There were over 1200 entries, and certainly it was an eye-opener to one from the colonies. In this department Ireland is certainly far ahead of either England or Scotland. 1 believe the show is one of the biggest in the world.' THa Rev. James Kennedy, of Greymonth, was ordained for the Christohurch diocese by the Cardinal- Vicar at Rome on All Saints' Day. Father Kennedy's first Mass at the Tomb of the Apostle* in St. Peter's was served by his companion, Mr. Buckley, of Dunedin, and by Mr. James Liston, also of Dunedin, a former class-fellow of his at Manly College. After visiting Lourdes, Paris, Brussels, and

the principal oities of th« Continent and England and Ireland, Father Kennedy joins the s.s. Ophir at Naples on January 28, and will reaoh New Zealand some time in Maroh. Wb have to thank the Postoaaster-General for a seasonable card marking: the introduction of the universal penny postage scheme in New Zealand. In an accompanying note the Hon. Mr. Ward B*7B :— ' In Bending for your acceptance this, one of the first articles pasted nnder the universal penny postage scheme, and date stamped as the bells are ringing in the new century, I offer you the season's greetings, and trust that the year which brings New Zealand within the ofrHe of the penny pout miy he one of happiness and prosperity to you and yours.' It is unnecessary for us to say that we reciprocate the kindly sentiment* of th« Po-rtma«ter-General. and trait that his good wishes will be realised. THB Matata correspondent of the Opotiki Herald, who was present at the breaking-up ceremony at St. Joseph's Convent School, writes in very complimentary terms of the talent displayed. He ■ays : — The performance of all the pupils, both Pakeha and Maori, reflected the utmost oredit on the Sisters of the convent, to whom the highest praise must be awarded by all who had the pleasure of being present. The musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, was very good by such young performers, and the Sisters ought to feel proud of their pupils. I must also say the needlework and drawings were very creditable and showed how painstaking and patient the Sister must be who undertakes the arduous task of teaching children how to use the needle. Mb. JAMBS Shiel of the firm of Nimmo and Blair. Dunedin, has just returned to the Colony after an absence of eight months daring which time he visited various parts of the world. In the coarse of a conversation with a Press representative he said : •On arrival in Queenstown we took train for Dublin, The country over which we travelled was a picture of absolute beauty. With its plantations dotted all over it, and with its grass so green and so very plentiful, we were greatly impressed with its grazing capabilities. Farming in Ireland at the present time is very prosperous.' Mr. Shiel visited the Dublin Horse Show and was much impressed with what he saw. He says : 'We were greatly struck with the perfect management, and also with the beautiful show grounds, whioh cover many acres. The horses exhibited at this annual show cannot be surpassed in any part of the world. The jumping would be an object lesson to Colonial agricultural societies' shows. The attendance averaged 24,000 a day during the four days it was open. The style and the dress of the people, being in accordance with the most modern fashions, comprised a sight in itself/ Regarding the electric tram service he considered the overhead system in Dublin the most perfect he had seen anywhere, and pays handsomely, and if properly managed a similar service in Dunedin would pay the oitizens financially and in the matter of comfort.