DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7, 15 February 1906, Page 6

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) February 12. His Lordship the Bishop intends leaving for Rome immediately after Easter, and expects to return to the diocese about the end of the year. The Rev. Father C. Graham, S.M., who has been on a trip to Australia, passed his B.A. degree 'with honors, and has rejoined the staff of St. Patrick's College' Wellington.

The Particular Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul,. met at St. Mary's Presbytery, Manchester street, on last Tuesday. The president stated that all. reports and details of New Zealand Conferences were now in the hands of the officers of the Superior Council, Sydney, for inclusion in the annual report to be issued shortly. By rotation, the next meeting will be held at the Cathedral on Tuesday, March 6. Whilst giving evidence at the Waltham Orphanage inquiry—' I remember,' said the secretary of the Charitable Aid Board, ' getting two boys from the Orphanage into the Royal Navy. They turned out very well, very well indeed. One of them died, and the other is, I think, still in the Navy.' Amid the laughter of those around him, the secretary hastened 10 make his meaning clear by saying that one of the boys had turned out very well, and the other had been a model until he died. The Cathedral girls' school renovation committee met on last Thursday evening week, when the secretary (Mr. M. O'Reilly) presented a balance sheet showing receipts and expenditure to date. Since taking up the work last July the committee have expended £114 8s 2d, the receipts being derived from the following sources : Collected at doors of Cathedral, £41 ; collected by members of the committee amf school children £31 15s ; proceeds of ' Festa Oriental,' £2(J 3s 9d ; discount, etc., £1 4s 2d. A debit balance is thus shown of about £11,., which the committee intend clearing off before continuing the general scheme of improvement. This latter includes renewing the windows with more suitable glass for school purposes, extending the partitions of the various class-rooms with glass frames to the ceiling, and renewing the school furniture with more up-to-date appliances (new desks, etc ). The pretty little tennis court* at the 'Grove' Brougham street, Sydenham (formerly part of the property lately acquired by the Sisters of Nazareth, who kindly granted the exclusive use of it to the Christchurch Catholic Club), was formally opened on last Saturday afternoon week by his Lordship Bishop Grimes in the presence of about 100 enthusiasts (members and friends). Several clubmen were early on the scene perfecting arrangements. Arriving on "the grounds, his Lordship, accompanied by the Rev. Father O'Connell was greeted with three hearty cheers by the gathering.' In opening the court, the Bishop expressed pleasure at the duty he had accepted. He. was pleased at the scene which was presented, and believed the members and their lady friends would spend many a pleasant hour in such an admirable playground. (iood sport and recreation, such as tennis, tended in the right direction, and in the pursuit of such pleasant pastimes their lady friends could participate with social and physical adwantage. Afternoon tea was provided by Mr. J. R Hay ward, president of the Club, and dispensed by Mrs Hay ward, Mrs. G. Dobbs, assisted by Miss McGill, Miss Ciomn, and Miss M. Cromn. Members of the Club prominent in attending to the eii|oyment of the visitors were Messrs. O'Reilly, Ilaydon, Canavan, Hallins Kane D. Carey, T. and D. O'Connell, and J. Mahar. Several photographs were obtained by Mr. J. Hilary, and the weather being perfect a very enjoyable afternoon was spent by players and onlookers. Quite a number of new members were enrolled on the ground. At the close of the proceedings Mr. G. Dobbs, on behalf of the Club cordially thanked Mr. Hay ward for the excellent arranl gements carried out under his supervision. His remarks were followed by cheers for the president and Mrs. II ay ward.