DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1913, Page 25

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) March 3. A week's retreat to the inmates of Mount Magdala, conducted by the Rev. Father Taylor, Marist missioner, was concluded on Sunday last. The mission for children conducted in the Cathedral during the week by Very Rev. Father O'Connell and Rev. Father McCarthy, Marist missioners, proved eminently successful, upwards of six hundred children being present at all the exercises. Early in the week the whole of these approached the Holy Table, and nearly the whole received Holy Communion daily. The children's mission was brought to a close on Sunday afternoon, when, in glorious weather, there was a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin around the grounds of the Cathedral and episcopal residence. Banners were carried, by the children* and a statue of the Blessed Virgin, appropriately adorned, was borne in procession. The sight was a most edifying and impressive one. On the return of the procession to the Cathedral, there were Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, renewal of Baptismal Vows, Consecration to the Holy Mother of God, and St. Joseph, and finally the Papal Blessing, imparted by the Very Rev. Father O'Connell. In the closing ceremonies of the children's mission, the Very Rev. Father Price, D.C., Adm., and the Cathedral clergy assisted, and each child was given a nice souvenir of the mission. A general mission for adults was commenced in the Cathedral at the 11 o'clock Mass on last Sunday, when the opening sermon was preached by the Very Rev. Father O'Connell, S.M. In the evening there were the usual exercises, and mission sermon by the Rev. Father ' McCarthy. The very large congregation taxed the spacious Cathedral to its utmost capacity. Each week-day morning there will be Mass at 6,7, and 9 o'clock with instructions at 6.30 and 9.30. There will be devotions and mission sermon each evening, commencing at 7.30 o'clock. The programme committee of the national entertainment on St. Patrick's Night have been very successful in securing a number of prominent vocalists and instrumentalists, with the result that the popular event promises to attain quite an exceptional degree of excellence. Among those to take part are Miss Segrief (Wellington), Misses Barker and Livingstone-, Messrs A. L. Cropp, R. Vincent, and Moloney (vocal soloists), Mr. Alfred Bunz (piano soloist and accompanist), the Christchurch Banjo Band, Messrs Millar, March, Vincent, and Cookson (vocal quartet), and Mr W. Densem (monologue entertainer). There is, too, the promise of other assistance if required, and everything is to be of a truly national character. As a recognised and eminently suitable celebration, the fixture never fails to receive adequate support, whilst the object to "be benefited, as on former occasions, appeals to all, so there is every reason to expect that the efforts of the promoters will be rewarded with a crowded house.

. FAREWELL TO INSPECTOR M'GRATH. . Prior to his departure for Auckland, having been promoted to the office of Inspector of police district from Sub-Inspector at Christchurch, Inspector McGrath was farewelled by the local force last week. Superintendent Kiely (who has just been promoted to that higher office from Inspector) presided at a formal gathering, and voiced in appropriate terms the sentiments of all those most intimately associated with Inspector McGrath. He concluded by asking his acceptance of a parting gift for Mrs. McGrath. Inspector McGrath, in acknowledging the gifts, said he had spent four very happy years in Christchurch, and had always been glad that his relations with both his senior officers and those under him had been so cordial. He could assure them that both Mrs. McGrath and himself would value the handsome gifts made to them. At the Magistrate's Court opportunity was taken by Mr. T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., and members of the Bar to say good-bye to Inspector McGrath. His Worship referred to the careful way in which the Inspector always prepared his cases and attended to inquiries. He had always been absolutely fair in the conduct of his cases, and his work was characterised by great ability. Wherever possible he had been most lenient and helpful to the unfortunate people who came under his notice, and he had in all cases said anything that he could in a prisoner's favor, and where he thought it advisable suggested that another chance should be given. All this he has done without it interfering in any way with his duty as prosecutor. They were sorry that he had to go, though they congratulated him on his promotion. His departure would be a great loss. On behalf of the Bench, he congratulated Mr. McGrath on his promotion, and expressed the opinion that he would always be equally successful wherever his duties took him. Mr. Donnelly, on behalf of the Bar, stated that he echoed all that had been said by Mr. Bailey. He had seen a great deal of Court procedure in his work as a journalist and a practitioner, and he considered that Mr. McGrath was one of the finest police officers he had ever come into contact with. He was the best examiner he had ever met in the police force, and conducted his cases with great ability. He heartily agreed that Mr, McGrath had an imperturbable temper, which had often served him well. They all had no doubt that he would attain the greatest eminence in his profession. Mr. Cassidy also spoke in high terms of the Inspector, and paid particular, attention to his sense of fairness and the excellence of his temper. Regarding a knowledge of the criminal law, Mr. McGrath was one of the best officers that he had met. He wished Mr. McGrath every success in his new work. Inspector McGrath thanked those present for their good wishes and for the praise that had been bestowed on him. It was very gratifying to hear that he had given satisfaction, and he was very grateful for the consideration that had been shown him by the officials of the Court and members of the Bar.