DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 23 October 1913, Page 23

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) October 20. The Hon. L. F. Heydon, M.L.C., of Sydney, president of the Superior Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Australasia, is likely to make a tour of the Dominion at an early date. Messrs. M. O'Brien and Co., of Dundas street, Christchurch, have just manufactured a pair of men's 15i- boots for a client who is reputed to stand 6ft Bin in his socks. The editorial reference to the remarkable success of the venture in reducing the price and increasing the size of the Tablet was read with keen gratification by readers generally. The universal wish is expressed that this is but the beginning of an era of great prosperity for our splendid Catholic newspaper.

At the opening of the Diocesan Synod on Tuesday Bishop Julius introduced to the Synod the Rev. Father Rees, a visiting priest of the Church of England. At yesterday's sitting (stated the Lyttelton Times) Mr. F. Z. D. Ferriman asked the Bishop how this clergyman obtained the title of ' Father/ and by whom and when it was conferred. He expressed the opinion that any male member of the Church who was a parent had ■as much right to such a title as the reverend gentleman who had assumed it. The Bishop, in reply, said that the Rev. Father Rees was introduced to Synod under that title and accepted under that title. He could" not see his way to alter the minutes recording that title.

The annual meeting of the Cathedral Tennis Club was held on Saturday, October 11, Mr. J- R. Hayward presiding over a large attendance of members. The balance sheet, which showed a credit balance in hand of £9 13s 2d., was read -and adopted. The president, in moving its adoption, congratulated the members on the close of a very successful year, and urged them to continue their interest in the club. He also wished to congratulate the relieving ■ secretary, Mr. J. B. Murphy, on the admirable manner in which he had carried out his duties. His Lordship the Bishop and Sir George Clifford, Bart., are patrons of the club, and Very Rev. Chaivcellor Price, A dm., honorary vice-president. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. E. L. McKeon; honorary vice-presidents Mrs. T. Cahill, Mrs. J. R. Hayward, Messrs. 11. 11. Loughnan, J. R. Hayward,

and E. T. Harper vice-presidents—-Messrs. J. Cronin and B. O'Connor; secretary, Mr. C. Williams; treasurer and club captain, Mr. J. R. ward; hon. auditor, Mr. G. Dobbs; committee—Misses Meachem, Canavan, and Donneil, Messrs. P. McNamara and Reilly. ' '• ' As the time draws near for the opening of the grand Oriental Carnival, interest is increasing, and much is being done to ensure the success of the great enterprise. His Lordship the Bishop is expected, to arrive back in Christchurch a few weeks after the close of the carnival, and it is felt that no greeting he will, receive would prove more welcome should the promoters be in the position to state that by the energy and enthusiasm of pastor and people the existing liabilities on the Cathedral were reduced by at least, one-half. For years this heavy burden has weighed our venerable prelate down, and without a doubt there is not one in the whole diocese but whose heartfelt desire it is to aid in the crowning joy of a long • and remarkably prolific episcopate being attainedthe consecration of the noble Cathedral in the lifetime of him, to whom this diocese is indebted to a degree almost unprecedented. The time of the carnival has been selected when the city will be teeming with holiday-makers, among whom a very fair percentage will be our coreligionists. Months and months of anxious thought and arduous toil have been given by the city people to the great task before them, and they feel assured that their friends from everywhere will rally to their assistance. This, as has been stated before, is to be a supreme effort, and the promoters trust the result will prove what Catholics can achieve when put to the test. ••* ■! I had the pleasure recently of being shown over the splendid new building of St. Mary's Collegiate School, the property of the Sisters of Mercy, Colombo street. The convent is flanked on each end with two exceptionally beautiful buildings, the chapel (previously described) and the educational edifice (now under notice). The school is a lofty structure, solidly constructed in blue stone. It is divided into three large, thoroughly well appointed class-rooms, with up-to-date lighting, heating, and ventilation, and designed and erected (as was the chapel) by Messrs. Luttrell Bros. Some years ago an adjoining large residence and grounds were acquired by the Sisters, and their whole property thrown into one—now a spacious, well-laid-out, and particularly fine one —the house being used as a musical academy and art study. The new school building has been in occupation 'during the year. Christchurch North The mission for the women of St. Mary's parish closed.on Sunday afternoon, and the ceremony was a fitting termination to a mission that will be remembered for a long time by those who were privileged to participate in it. The Very Rev. Father O'Connell, S.M., and Rev. Father McCarthy, S.M., were the missionaries, and they were gratified to find all of the exercises numerously attended, with a large number of daily communicant's. During the week there had been over 2000 Communions, and a general Communion of over 400 women took place at the 7 o'clock Mass on Sunday morning. The renewal of Baptismal vows and. the Papal Blessing closed the mission. The mission for men opened on Sunday evening at 7 o'clock, when there was a large congregation. Rev. Father McCarthy preached an eloquent sermon on the 'Value of the soul.' Arrangements are well in hand for the general Communion breakfast for. men, to be held next Sunday morning after the 7 o'clock Mass, when it is expected there will be a large .attendance. As a result of the mission the arch-confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament will be inaugurated next Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. On next Sunday, October 26, a mission will be opened at Hornby at 10 o'clock, and on the following Sunday, November 2, at Papanui.

Mr. Ryan, representative of the Tablet /is at present making an active canvass of St. Mary's parish, and is meeting with great encouragement.