DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 36, 3 September 1903, Page 4

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) August 31. Two pupils of the Sisters of Mercy attending the Lyttelton Convent High School, Misses Hilda Carpenter, and May Gardiner, have just received Sir Isaac Pitman's certificate for shorthand (theory). There was a crowded and select audience at the Alexandra Hall on last Tuesday evening, the occasion of a social gathering organised by the St. Mary's Church committee in aid of parochial requirements It was hoped that the Very Rev. Father Marnane would have been present, and the intention was to extend him a suitable reception, in which event he will, no doubt, accept the will for the deed. The Rev. Fathers Gallais and O'Connell were among the company part of the evening, local matters preventing the attendance of others of the clergy. A most pleasant evening was passed with a varied and attractive programme

His Lordship the Bishop, who is expected to reach Christchurch on Wednesday evening next, after an arduous "visitation to Westland, will, on his return, observe a marked difference in the aspect of the Cathedral Outwardly the walls have been raised considerably, and a vast amount of work has been done in the interior The beautifully carved arches of the sanctuaiy are in place with a gradual inclination towards the rising of ihe great dome. With the present rate of progress it may reasonably be assumed that before many months are over a commencement will be made with the loof Already the Cathedral is one of the most conspicuous objects in the city and universally admned Hopes are freely expressed that the one thing necessary— funds for its completion — will not be lacking, and that within the period predicted we will have in our midst an aiclutectural triumph, a perpetual joy to the Catholics of the diocese, and a pride to the whole Colony