DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 5 August 1915, Page 26

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.) August 1. Mr. C. Spencer Compton, the recently appointed organist to the Cathedral, commenced his duties on Sunday last. There was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral on Sunday from the 11 o’clock Mass, followed by the usual procession and Benediction after Vespers. The parishioners of Rangiora held a successful social gathering in the local Drill Hall on last Friday evening. There was a large attendance, and the event was greatly enjoyed. On last Wednesday evening at the Catholic Girls’ Club and Hostel, Cranmer square, another of the enjoyable social gatherings, which have become a feature of the institution, was held with conspicuous success. A large number of friends and well-wishers were present. At the Oddfellows’ Hall, Woolston, on last Thursday evening, the third of a series of socials in aid of the funds of St. Ann’s School-church was given, and proved as successful as the previous ones held for the same object. Everything possible was done by the committee for the enjoyment of the numerous patrons. The attention of ladies about to visit Christchurch is directed to the fact that suitable accommodation during their stay may be obtained at the Catholic Girls’ Club and Hostel, 34 Cranmer square. The institution is under the auspices of the Catholic "Federation, and, being centrally situated and efficiently managed, possesses advantages that will be appreciated. Applications by wire nr letter should be made to the matron. Certificates for Pitman’s shorthand have been received from the Phonetic Institute, Bath, by the following pupils of the Sisters of Notre Dame ties Missions, Lower High street; —First class speed certificates—--150 words per minute, A. M. O’Meara : 130, M. Naismith : 100, Mary St routs, May O’Donoghue ; 60, Nellie Murphy, Cecilia Farrell. Theoretical examination— Hilda Hayden, Cecilia Farrell, Sarah Gill. Elementary examination—Jean Mills, Gert : e Clarkson, Olga Wacked, Mary Wilson, Gloria Reade, Cissy Mullins. The first three names are in order of merit. Recently, states the Akaroa Mail, Mr. Etevonneau, of Wellington, paid a visit to Akaroa to see his parents, M. and Madame Etevenneau, who, with Mr. Libeau, of Duva.uchelle, remain the sole survivors of the Comte de Paris, the French emigrant ship which arrived in Akaroa in August, 1840. Mr. Etevenneau a. day or two after his arrival, met Messrs. George and Joseph Armstrong. The three had been at school together, and it was the first meeting after a term of forty-five years. Mr. Etevenneau has resided in Wellington for many years, carrying on his trade as a carpenter. A most successful concert, arranged by Mr. R. A. Horne (manager of the Bristol Piano Co.) was given, on last Wednesday evening, in.the Catholic Schoolroom at Addington in aid of the funds of a projected bazaar for parochial purposes. All the available accommodation was occupied, and the audience were very appreciative, all the performers receiving recalls. Those contributing to the programme were:—Misses Edmonds (2), and Hemus (instrumental trio), Mrs. R. A. Horne, Miss Gertie Edmonds, Messrs. Rennell, H. Gill, and C. Joll (songs), Miss Lalla Hemus (’cello solo), Mr. Frank McDonald and Mr. Dillon (recitations), and Mr. Jones (humorous songs). The accompanists were Miss Edmonds, Mr. R. A. Horne (who was also musical director), and Mr. P. C. Augarde. At the interval, the Rev. Father Murphy, 8.A., appropriately thanked the performers for presenting and contributing to such an attractive programme, and the parishioners for attending in such large numbers, thus showing their sympathy with the necessary undertaking, of which the present event was but a prelude. * Ladies’ evening ’ at the Christchurch Catholic Club was the programme event for last Tuesday, and

proved one of the most successful functions yet recorded. The president (Dr. A. B. O’Brien) presided. The Rev. Father Murphy, 8.A., was present, and there was a large and appreciative audience. An excellent programme of vocal and instrumental items was contributed by the following:—Songs, Misses D. Grant and O. Wacked, and Mr. B. Rennell (with violin obligato by Mr. R. Clark); recitations, Miss M. Higgins and Miss A. Donnell ; musical monologue, Mr. F. Cordery ; violin solo, Mr. R. Clark ; piano solo (Chopin’s Funeral March in memory of the fallen soldiers), Mr. P. C. Augarde. Guessing competitions were held during the evening. These combined the features- of originality and entertainment. Mr. and Mrs. E. L. McKeon were the prize-winners on each side. After light refreshments were served, the president cordially thanked the performers for the excellent and enjoyable programme they had contributed. He also expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the club members, of the large number who had responded to the invitation to be present. ■ The quarterly general’ meeting of the conferences of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the circumscription of the Particular Council of Christchurch was held on last Monday evening (the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul), in the meeting room of the Cathedral confraternity of Diocesan Ladies of Charity. The Rev. Father Murphy, 8.A., presided, and there was a large and representative gathering. Excellent reports were submitted by the several conferences of the society and confraternities of the Ladies of Charily. The Rev. Father Murphy spoke approvingly and encouragingly of the work of the society. It was (he said) a great pleasure for him to listen to the excellent reports, and to realise the eminently satisfactory way in which the essential aims and objects of the society and of the confraternity were being observed. The work was a noble one, and he wished those engaged therein every blessing. He was gratified to know that St. Mary’s conference was a numerically strong one, and also that the Cathedral conference was greatly extending its work. Whilst pleased at the work of the general conference, he hoped the Addington portion of the parish would soon form a branch of the society.