WESTPORT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 22, 28 May 1903, Page 4

WESTPORT.

(From an occasional correspondent.) May 20

The month of May devotions are held every evening at St Canice's Chuich by Yen Archpriest Walshe and Rev Father Malloy The Rosary and Litany are recited and beautiful Distinctions given each evening

'I he social held in the Victoria Theatre last month in aid ol the Altar Societ- realised £21 odd. "The Yen. Aichpnest Walshe, speaking from the altar, complimented the ladies on the gratifying result of their efforts.

A word of piaise is i\[w to the following ladies who woi keel so well and successiullv to ensuie the success of the social held in the "Victoria Theatre on the 16th ult Mesdamcs Roach, Hennessey, Fain, I' Connell, and Miss Ready

Fhe (Misses Lily Radford and Teresa Povle, two youthful pupils of the Sisters of Mercy were most successiul at the inati lculat ion examination held in December last Both young ladies succeeded in gaining the Sohcitois' General Knowledge pass, their Latin work being exceptionally good The high honors obtained by those pupils is a striking testimony to the excellent education impatted by the Sisters of the Convent of Meicv The pupils are to be congratulated on their succ ess

Colonel Hell "the silver-tongued orator of the Pacific, ' delivered two lectures at the Victoria Theatre on Fi idav and Satuidav evenings Those who were present en toyed a great tieat For brilliant eloquence, quaint humor, and knowledne ol his subieet, this gifted Ameiican has few equals The first lectuie was 'The Game of \Yo,vld-w inning,' the audience at times being completely carried avvnv with the lecturer's wondet f>il display of eloquence The concluding lectuie, entitled ' M\ Irish Campaign, in Ihe 'B<>'s," again demonstrated Colonel Bell's exceptional gifts as an orator During^ his s)a\ in \\(stport the geni.il Colonel called at thci" presbytery to pay his iesi>ects to the Yen Archpriest Wai she

A grand fancy f<u'r and cat nival, in aid of tho new convent building fund, will lie held at the Victoria Theatie during Christmas week. Signor Boivoni, whose

reputation for producing magnificent national spectacular displays is so well known in the chief towns of the Colony, has been specially engaged for the occasion. He has selected ' The Birth of the Empire ' for production in Westport, and those who have been privileged to witness this beautiful patriotic representation know that it is highly attractive and will be a novelty on tho West Coast. Over 150 performers will take part in this production, and costumes, scenery, music, and all the other accessories incidental to a successful performance will be on a lavish scale. The object in view is a most praiseworthy one, and it is to be earnestly hoped that the enterpiise displayed by the promoters in engaging Signor Borzoni will be rewaided by crowded houses during Cat nival Week.

The first annual meeting of the subscribers of St. Canice's Catholic library was held in the schoolroom on the 15th inst. The Yen. Arch/priest Walshe presided, the Rev. Father Malloy being also present. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Slowey, the retiring librarian and secretary. Mr. Slowey was a most energetic and courteous librarian, and his enforced retirement from office will be much felt by subscribers. The appointment of a new librarian and secretary resulted in Mr. Swanie being elected to the position. At present the list of subscribers is small, and contrasts most unfavorably with the liberal support accorded such institutions in many of our smaller centres. Apart from the mental enjoyment derived in leisure hours, it is of the very utmost importance that our Catholic youth should be well grounded in the teachings of the Church, more especially nowadays, when numbers of books are circulated for the one vile purpose of assailing our holy religion.