DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 42, 15 October 1903, Page 5

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 9. His Lordship Bishop G rimes presided at the annual meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held last week, and was subsequently named a vice-president of the society. Miss Amy Murphy and Mr. W. Densem, of Dunedin, have accepted engagements for leading parts in operas to be produced in connection with the ' Polyorama ' during Carnival week. The rehearsals for dancing and groupings have been entrusted to Mrs. Curtis of this city, a lady widely experienced in saioh work, and from whom the best results are anticipated. Mr. W. S. King and Mr. W. H. Corrigan will conduct different productions, whilst Mrs. A. Mead is training the various characters in a special musical entertainment. Now that the new entrance building to the Monastery of the Sacred Heart is completed, the wooden building which has done duty for many years as visitors*' reception rooms, etc., is to be removed, as' it somewhat impeded a view of the Cathedral. The new building, just erected by the Sisters of the Missions, is of two storeys, most conveniently designed, substantially constructed, and beautifully furnished. It is of brick and stone, with slate roof, and is fire proof so far as it is possible to make such a structure. Passing from under a spapious verandah, there is on the ground floor a wide entrance hall, flanked on either side with apartments for the portress and reception rooms ; from these doors lead into a large class room, music rooms, and parlors. Ascending a wide staircase of easy gradient, there is situated a splendid, large, and lofty dormitory. On the up- ■ stairs flat there are also a number of private rooms for the Sisters, bathroom, lavatories, etc., with hot and cold water connections. Gas- is laid on throughout the building, and apparently nothing has been omitted which would tend to the convenience of the Sisters and the very young children, for whom the fine new additions are mainly intended. It is detached from the main building, but later on it is proposed to have the two connected. During the devotion of the Forty Hours' Adoration in the Pro-Cathedral, the Rev, Father Ahem, of Darfield, preached on Monday evening an impressive discourse on v the Blessed Sacrament, to a large congregation. The Rev Fathers Price (Hawarderi), and Cooney (Lyttelton) were also in attendance, and with the Rev. Father Ahem occupied the places of the resident clergy. At the early Masses on the following morning large numbers approached the Holy Table, and at nine o'clock the devotion was brought to a close, when Solemn High Mass was sung by Father Uallais, Father McDonnell and Father Cooney being deacon and sub-deacon respectively. The Bishop assisted at the throne, having the VicarGeneral as assistant priest and Dean Foley and Father Price as deacons at the throne. Father O'Connell was master of ceremonies. At the close of the Mass there was a procession, after which the ' Te Deum ' was sung in thanksgiving, and concluded with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The choir was under the con-ductors-hip of Mr. H. H. Loughnan. Miss Katie Young was the organist. The altar was beautifully decorated by the ladies of the Altar Society, under the direction of Mr. Frank Geoheghan. On last Thursday evening a successful entertainment in aid of the Addington school was given in the local Oddfellows' Hall. The patronage extended was very satisfactory, and among those present were most of .the city clergy. A well-arranged programme was submitted,

to which were contributed selections by Messrs. Geoheghin's orchestra, songs by Mrs. A. Mead and Mrs. F. O'Brien, Misses A. Bryant, Grace Pender, Nancy Archer, W. Shanley, and Katie Crane, Messrs. G. J. Fama, W. McKaf, E. McNamara, J. Shanley, J. Foley, and H. Hobbs. Messrs. Elford, Cassin, and T. McFail appeared in items of a * variety ' nature, and there were several choruses by the company. Mrs. A. Mead accompanied, and Mr. Luke Hiokey capably discharged the duties of hon. secretary. The audience were well pleased at the efforts made to amuse and entertain, and look forward with expectancy to the next gathering of a similar nature. Most of those taking part went out from town for the purpose, and many from considerable distance, a kindness and generosity which received due appreciation.