Westport

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 41, 8 October 1903, Page 5

Westport

(From our own correspondent.) September 26.

His Grace Arohbishop Redwood celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the beautiful chapel of the new Convent of Mercy on Thursday morning last, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy. Mr. B. Ga'pper, the popular captain of the Westport football Club, was the recipient of a handsome dressing case and set of brushes on Friday evening. The presentations were made by the members of the club at the annual ball, which was held in the Victoria Theatre-. Mr. Gapper is the energetic and ever courteous secretary of the local branch of the Hibernian Society, and his many sterling qualities have earned for him unbounded popularity. r His Grace Archbishop Redwood administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Patrick's Church, Addison's Flat, last Tuesday morning. Thirteen children^ who were first communicants, were also confirmed. On Wednesday morning last his Grace the Archbishop visited Charleston for the purpose of administering Confirmation. Eleven children made their First Communion and were confirmed. His Grace complimented the people of Charleston on their beautiful little church. The Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, Provincial of the Marist Fathers, arrived in Westport en route for Reefton on Thursday night. The popular ATchdeacon, in company with the Very Rev. Dean Carew and the Rev. Fathers Hickson and McDonnell, left for Greymouth by the ' Mapourika ' early on Friday morning. A very enjoyable little entertainment in honor of his Grace the Archbishop and visiting and local clergy was given by the pupils of the Sisters of Mercy in St. Canice's Schoolroom on Thursday morning, the 24th inst. An interesting and entertaining programme, consisting of vocal and instrumental selections and recitations, was presented for the occasion. The junior pupils in their action song, ' Wild flowers,' and the boys in their humorous chorus were both entirely successful in their respective items. The Misses Winnie Struthers and Amy Lock gave much pleasure with their violin solos. Miss Lock had the honor of being singled out for distinction by the Archbishop. His Grace, who is> an accomplished performer on the violin, and an authority on all matters appertaining to the ' King of instruments,' expressed the opinion that this promising pupil of the Sisters of Mercy gave indication of becoming a talented performer on the instrument of her choice. Master Annibal also gave a violin solo. Miss Lily Stitt executed a pianoforte solo in her usual pleasing style, and little Miss Nora Doyle in a recitation entitled 'Lost at sea ' displayed remarkable elocutionary ability for one so young. Miss Doyle also contributed a humorous piece, w\hich caused much merriment. The senior and junior pupils in their descriptive chorus ' The gleaners ' were excellent, the performance being considerably enhanced by the picturesque costumes and dances incidental to the chorus. An address of welcome to his Grace was read by Miss Stella O'Neill. His Grace complimented the pupilson their efforts to entertain and amuise, and said that they would make apt pupils of Signor Borzoni, who is expected shortly in Westport to train them for the forthcoming grand carnival.