DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1914, Page 35

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.). February 23. His Lordship the Bishop and .' Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Adm., were among the invited guests at a garden party given by his Excellency the Governor and Lady Liverpool, at Elmwood, the temporary Vice-regal residence, on Saturday last. - The Theatre Royal has been engaged for the St. Patrick's Day celebration, which, as in previous years, will take the form of a grand national concert: The event is being promoted to assist the Nursing Sisters of the Little Company of Mary to establish themselves in Christchurch ; and as the initial expense of this important diocesan undertaking is considerable, our people are relied upon to < make the celebration an outstanding financial success. Ladies of the Cathedral and St. Mary's congregations, the Hibernian Society; and other patriotic helpers, have the sale, of tickets in hand; and they trust that the cause will receive the support it undoubtedly deserves. The programme will prove everything, to be desired and as all those participating , are generously giving their _ services, a crowded house is expected, as the best compliment we can pay them, and the only reward they seek. Quite one of the events of the week in Christchurch, was the , arrival of i the Invercargill Hibernian Band, after their.; successful performances at the Auckland contest. From the Railway Station through the city to their hotel, -the band played a march, in : fine style, a large, crowd lining the sidewalk and. following the performers. - In the evening , the band , gave over , an hour's performance in the Rotunda, ; Victoria Square, in the presence of a very, large crowd. The 'splendid playing . of the band was exceedingly ■, enjoyable, and favorably^epmmented, ; upon ;; upon; ; all sides. % At an interval, the Mayor (Mr. ; H. !, Holland) formally , welcomed the. band on behalf ; of the citizens, complimented them on their artistic and spirited playing, and warmly thanked them for the undoubted treat they ,had afforded the large concourse '. of listeners. Mr. , Holland also con-

gratulated the band on their well-deserved success at the contest in Auckland, an achievement, coupled with that of the Timaru Band, as most creditable to . the South Island. Especially praiseworthy, continued Mr, Holland, was the , performance of Master Wills, son of .the conductor, the talented young cornetist, - Who although suffering from a broken lip, played his part manfully at the contest, rather than the band : should be at a disadvantage. In a few happy remarks, Mr. Wills expressed the band’s appreciation of the cordial welcome extended to them by the citizens of Christchurch, and the kind congratulations tendered them on their success.

x . In the Hibernian Hall on last Wednesday evening, the members of the H.A.C.B. 'Society tendered a very hearty welcome to the Invercargill Hibernian Band on their return from the Auckland Exhibition Band Contest, where they have been successful in winning the B grade competition, as well as annexing about £l4O in prizes. There was a very large attendance of members and friends, amongst those present being Rev. Fathers Long, Murphy, 8.A., Cronin, Graham, S.M., M.A., Quinn, S.M., O’Connell, S.M., and Kelly (Kaikoura). Bro. H. A. Sloan, 8.P., presided, and in welcoming the guests of the evening, said that the success of the band was a splendid advertisement, not Only for themselves, but for Catholics throughout the Dominion, and he was shre that he was voicing the feelings of those present, when he hoped - that their talented leader, Conductor Wills, would be long spared to pilot them to further victories. The usual complimentary toasts were proposed, and the proceedings throughout were 7. most enthusiastic. 1 Next morning the band resumed their homeward journey by the midday express, playing their way to the Railway Station through another crowd. Last Thursday, several members of the Invercarcargill Hibernian Band visited the Marist Brothers’ School during their stay in Christchurch. They were loudly cheered by the boys on entering the school. The Brother Director welcomed them, and said he was sure the boys would be glad to know that of those present, all but two were old boys of the Marist Brothers in Invercargill. My. Rex Wills and his brother Robert then played a duet on their cornets, greatly to the delight of the boys, who demanded an encore, which was willingly and generously given. The Rev. Father Murphy, the Rev. Father Long, and Mr. H. Sloane, president of the Hibernian Society, were among those present.

Christchurch North

February 23. The Very Rev. Dean Binsfield, S.M., left for Waimate on Monday last. The attendance at the women’s meeting of the Arch-Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, held last Thursday evening, was very encouraging, nearly -200 being present. The new banners which mark off the various circles were made by the Sisters of Mercy, Colombo street, and are artistically executed. The Vicar-General, the Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., visited Leeston on Monday, the 16th inst., to officiate at the funeral of 4 Sister Mary St. Florentine (of the Sisters of the Mission).