DIOCESE OP CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 16 October 1913, Page 24

DIOCESE OP CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) ' October 13. Mrs Arthur Mead, of Christchurch, has been engaged for the leading soprano role in the Wellington Choral Society’s production of the oratorio, ‘ Judas Maccabeus,’ next month. This week the H.A.C.B. Society are giving another ‘ social evening ’ to aid in the accumulation of funds for furnishing their stall at the Cathedral carnival. A similar entertainment is being arranged for next week in the. Oddfellows’ Hall by the Children of Mary and Ladies of Charity, to help in a similar object. St. Mary’s Tennis Club met last week preparatory to the present playing season. The Rev. Father Hoare, S.M., presided over a good attendance of members. Mr. J. Devonport was elected secretary, and other offices were also filled. The asphalt court has been greatly improved, and is now in a good condition.

The Marist Missionaries—Very Rev. Father O'Connell (Superior) and Rev. Fathers McCarthy and Herring-are now engaged preaching missions at St. Mary's Church, Manchester street. A children's mission was begun on last Wednesday, and concluded with the usual ceremonies on Sunday afternoon. \ At the 11 o'clock Mass on last Sunday, the mission for women was begun. A social gathering, successful in every respect, was held in the Art Gallery on last Tuesday evening. The event was promoted by Mrs. W. Hayward, jun., and Miss Johnston, stallholders representing St. Mary's at the projected carnival in aid of the Cathedral fund. All sections of the building were thrown open, the large crowd being entertained in a variety of ways. Progressive euchre occupied attention at the outset, and an excellent supper was served. Among those present was the Rev. Father O'Boyle of the Cathedral.

Among diploma winners at the recent arts and crafts exhibition in connection with the Canterbury Art Society were several talented pupils of the Sisters of Mercy, of St. Mary's Convent, Colombo street. These include Misses Winnie Barcock, Vera Wilson, and Kathleen O'Donohue. A press descriptive note stated: A special little stand shows the fine and varied work of Miss W. Barcock, a centrepiece in fawn and blue, and two exquisitely-worked collars in point lace holding the place of honor. The practical side of dress embroidery is displayed at the adjacent table. Miss V. Wilson shows a prettily-worked silk blouse. Miss K. O'Donohue's drawn-thread tablecloth is worth inspection, as are pillow-shams worked in Mountmellick by Miss W. Barcock.

A really fine entertainment, organised by Mr. Frank McDonald, was given in the rooms of the Christchurch Catholic Club on last Monday evening. The promoters were fortunate in securing the" best local amateur talent for the occasion. The object was to help the club to furnish, its stall at the Cathedral carnival, each patron being expected to donate a gift for the purpose. There was quite a large and appreciative audience, and the response was a generous one. The concert programme included a pianoforte solo by "Mr. A. Weir, songs by Messrs. Greig Russell, B. Pannell, Gladstone Ward, V. Rodgers, T. Charters, Misses Marjorie Saunders, and Stella Murray; recitations, monologues, or dramatic scenes by Miss Alice Saunders, Messrs. Lyon, McD. Vincent, Frank McDonald; violin solo by Mr. J. Mercer, and. conjuring by Mrs. Les. Cookson. At the conclusion the performers were heartily thanked for their efforts, and entertained by the club.