DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 40, 2 October 1902, Page 3

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

September 29.

The dootrine of hell and eternal punishment, as promulgated by the principals of the Torrey-Alexander mission, did not meet with the approval of a very numerous seotion of their hearers, and raised a storm of denials in the columns of the local papers. As a climax to the controversy there appeared in laet Wednesday's Press from the pen of the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M., V.G., one of those learned pronouncements for which he is so eminently noted.

At a meeting in the presbytery on Sunday afternoon, convened for the purpose of reorganising the Society, and infusing fresh life and vigor into the devotion of the Sacred Heart, the Rev. Father O'Connell was appointed director. The Very Rev. Vicar-General, in addressing those assembled, spoke in laudatory terms of Father O'Connell s industry and zeal in the cause of religion elsewhere, and predicted that the energy he would expend on the new duties just imposed upon him would manifestly change the spiritual aspect of affairs in the Pro-Cathedral parish. Some time ago his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes offered, in connection with the Christchurch Catholic Club, a prize for the best esßay on 'What Christianity has done for Woman.' Several papers were entered for the competition, and the reading of these formed the programme at the ordinary weekly meeting held last Tuesday. The first place was allotted to a member writing over the pen name of ' Percy- Vere.' The other papers were excellently written, the contributors exhibiting a very intelligent knowledge of the subject. The Rev. Father McDonnell, who presided in hia new capacity for the first time, was tendered the siccere appreciation of the members on his assuming control of the weekly meetings, thoße present pledging themselves to do everything possible to ensure a pleasant and profitable time of office. The rev. chairman made an appropriate reply. It was decided that the business of the next meeting should be the formation of a cricket team to enter for the competitions of the incoming season.

Those renowned Irish comedians and pipers, Messrs Callahan and Mack, being visitors at the Catholic Club's rooms, offered to devote their leisure part of an evening to the entertainment of the members. Realising that so rare and unique a performance would be wasted on a comparatively small number of persons, the club wisely arranged to enlist the services of some musical friends and transform the Marist Brothers' schoolroom into a concert hall and give a public entertainment. This took place on last Thursday evening, when the building was filled to overflowing, among those present being the Very Rev. Vicar-General, Rev, Fathers Marnane, Cooney, McDonnell, and O'Connell. Messrs Geohegan's orchestra played the overtures of the first and second part of the programme in a capable style. Mr G. J. Fama sang • Bird in a gilded cage,' and as an encore ' Stroke of the pen.' Mr E Aitken gave a fine rendering of 'The Irish Emigrant.' Mr McKinney's banjo band were very popular in several well-rendered numbers. Mr R. PeterBen's contributions were, as usual, well received, and he had to respond twice. Miss May Stewart sang very sweetly ' Life's lullaby, 1 and as an encore ' Queen of Angels.' Mr G. Johnston sang 'To etr is human, to forgive divine,' acceptably ; whilst Mr W. MoKay's fine tenor voice was heard to advantage in ' Star of Bethlehem.' Miss Ada Carter sang remarkably well ' Beloved, it is morn,' and in response to an emphatic encore bowed her acknowledgments. Mr Fred Evana was encored for his song ' To-morrow will be Friday.' Mr H. Schwartz sang ' Queen of the earth,' and was recalled. Mr F. Woledge gave his unique tin whistle solo, accompanying himself on the piano, and received an enthusiastic enoore. The programme

was conoluded by the appearance of Messrs Callahan and Mack They were greeted with a veritable storm of applause, and their clever act of humor and pathos, their dancing and their performance on the Irish pipes oreated a soene of the utmost enthusiasm among the paoked audience and earned quite an ovation The duties of accompanists were divided between Mrs H. Schwartz and Mr H. Rossiter. Mr J. F. Shanley organised the entertainment within a few days and is deserving of the greatest credit The proceeds are to be divided between the aohool and club funds.