DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 7, 13 February 1902, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH.

(From our own correspondent.) February 10. In the pro-Cathedral at Vespers on Sunday, Mr. Whitworth, late of Dunedin, gave a very fine rendering of ' Pro Peccatis' from Rossini's ' Stabat Mater.' As a prelude Mr. H. H. Loughnan rendered in a most efficient manner a 'cello solo. His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan, Bishop of Auckland ha? been the guest of his Lordship Dr. Grimes at the episcopal residence during the week. His Lordship visited the various points of interest in and about the city during his stay here. Sunday last was the first anniversary of laying the foundation stone of the new cathedral. Earnest appeals were made at all the Masses by the Very Rev. Dean Foley for additions to the building fund and payment of all promised donations. At Vespers in the evening his Lordship the Bishop read a pastoral bearing on the same subject. I have heard that at the late diocesan synod his Lordship Bishop Grimes, in urging the spread and perusal of sound Catholic literature, most forcibly advocated the claims of the N.Z. Tablet to the consideration of pastors and people alike. He eulogised in eloquent terms the magnificent work done and still being accomplished by the pre ent edi'tr. A preliminary meeting presided over by Mr. W. Hoban, followed by a larger one composed principally of Parliamentary representatives, at which Major Steward was chairman, was held during the week regarding the suitability of the Chatham Islands as a depot for Boer prisoners of war. The outcome of the meeting was that a deputation was appointed to interview the Premier on the subject. At a meeting of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations executive committee held on last Tuesday evening the amended sports programme was adopted and ordered to be printed and widely circulated. Canterbury Hall was secured for the concert, the tickets for same being distributed. Good progress was reported in all departments and several monetary contributions acknowledged. His Lordship the Bishop was present during the meeting at which the lay chairman, Mr. W. Hoban, presided. At the annual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board held last week, the chairman touched upon the periodically recuring topic of a canal from the sea to Christchurch with the formation of a second harbor at Sumner. The unduly heavy railway charges through the tunnel are mainly the cause of the subject or project being revived, and from what transpired it may not be unreasonable to suppose that in the near future expert opinion will be obtained regarding the cost of such a work. The idea of a canal to connect with the ocean is as old as the city itself, and the founders of the settlement, with characteristic foresight, reserved property along the projected route, which is for all time to be available for the purposes of a canal. Many are now of opinion that its construction, if undertaken at the time, would have been infinitely preferable to the railway tunnel. The choir of St. Mary's Church, Manchester street, at the half yearly meeting, held in the schoolroom on Thursday evening last, took the opportunity of presenting the late secretary, Mr. R. Beveridge, on severing his connection with the choir to join that of the Pro-Cathedral, with a gold Maltese cross suitably inscribed. The Rev. Father Marnane in making the presentation referred to the many services in musical matters Mr. Beveridge had rendered to the church during his long connection with the choir. Mr. Beveridge expressed his grateful appreciation of the act of kindness extended towards him by the choir, and the good feeling which prompted the valuable gift. Miss Grady was elected to the vacant position of secretary, and Misses Gardner and SJattery were added to the committee. It was decided to send a letter of thanks and appreciation to Mr. E. McNamara for past services on the occasion of his leaving, also to join the choir of the larger church. His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan occupied the pulpit at High Mass in the Pro- Cathedral on Sunday. Addressing the congregation he said : ' Although prepared to speak briefly to you

on the Gospel of the day, I am led from my purpose by the earnest appeal of our and your friend, Dean Foley, on b;half of that which is bo dear to hiß heart. The marvellous work which I have seen since coming here has filled me with surprise and pleasure. You are rapidly erecting here a temple worthy of God and of the Catholics of this fair city. We are reminded th*t to-day is the anniverBary of the inauguration of a great and glorious undertaking. I was not present, as you are fully aware, on that memorable occasion for reasons unavoidable and known to your revered Bishop. To him I owe much, not only for present hospitality, but for many favors in the past, and let me tell you we in Auckland love him as he is loved in Christchurch. At the consecration of your Cathedral I, however, hope to assist. Judging by the vast amount of work already done the building will assuredly be completed and consecrated within the stated time. I wish we had the assistance of a few Buoh earnest advocates to spare in Auckland as Dean Foley and we would be tempted to go in for a new cathedral ourselves. We gather from his remarks that at the opening you are to be honored by the presence not only of the most distinguished from among the hierarchy of the Commonwealth, but possibly by Bishops from Europe. I shall go away with iDtense surprise at the sight I have already witnessed. Our late dearly beloved Bishop, after laboring long to erect a splendid episcopal residence in Auckland, died after only three years' enjoyment of it. I hope and pray that your Bishop may long continue to enjoy the results of his incessant labors to the glory, power, and m..je->ty of God. Help and assist him always so that health may bekejit to him tor. joice in the accomplishment of his noble ta.-k for many years to come.' Bishop Lenihan occupi- d the episcopal throne and officiated at Vespers, imparting the episcopal blessing. Rev Fathers Galerne and McDonnell were deacons at the throve. His Lordship also gave Benediction of the Blesbed Sicraiufut, and at the conclusion, in full pontificals, went in procession through, the church and to the episcopal residence.