DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 30 March 1916, Page 26

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From ' our own correspondent.) - '' ' • , The people of Southbridge . observed , St. ~\ Patrick's Day as a full holiday, when a■■ fete was held to assist the Patriotic Fund. An Irish flag was auctioned and realised the .sum of £l4l. >, , . ;.; ~-:"., Speaking at an executive committee meeting of the Leeston Beautifying. and Township Improvement Association last week, the president (Mr. John Barrett) said that he was exceedingly pleased to learn that the Very Rev. Dean Hills was returning to reside in Leeston. "When living in the district some years ago Dean Hills had -been one of the association's strongest supporters, besides being a willing worker and keen enthusiast.; On Thursday afternoon, March 16, his Lordship Bishop Brodie paid his first official visit to the Marist Brothers' School. After a song of welcome from the pupils, the Superior (Rev. Brother Palladia's) in a few well-chosen remarks, welcomed the Bishop to the school. The following programme was then presented by the pupils:—Violin solo, The harp that once (Moore), Master F. Banfield; character recital, ' Wolsey's soliloquy' (Shakespeare), Master-Ray Wilson; musical monologue, 'Crossing the bar' (Tennyson), Master Gordon Daly; vocal solo, 'Meeting of the waters (Moore), Master E. Campbell; recitation, 'What's the difference,' Master T. McKendry; chorus, 'Erin the tear ' (Moore), pupils. At the conclusion of the programme his Lordship addressed the boys, and congratulated them on the excellence of the programme submitted. .. He also stated his intention of visiting the school frequently to encourage both masters and pupils. His Lordship asked that, if he did not call in at least once a month he should receive a scolding. As his Lordship left the school the pupils gave three ringing cheers.

/. Christchurch North ■■'•■' ■':'.--! ■'■■ ■■■■. ; ' March 27. . The Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., who has been appointed to take charge of St. Mary's parish, arrived on Saturday from Wellington. The annual meeting of the Catholic Girls' Club will take place next Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. His Lordship Bishop Brodie will preside. PRESENTATIONS TO DEAN HILLS, S.M. The Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., who has been parish priest of St. Mary's for nearly five years, and who has been transferred to Leeston, was not allowed to take his departure without the parishioners. showing the love and high esteem in which he is held. He was tendered an At . home ' in the St. Mary's j Schoolroom On Monday evening, the 20th inst., when there was a crowded attendance. •■•-:. On behalf of the parishioners Mr. F. Holley asked the Dean's acceptance of a gold watch and chain, - suitably inscribed, and, in so doing, said he r was proud to be asked to represent the parishioners in bidding the Dean an affectionate good-bye. , , He also spoke of the great work done by the Dean in. the parish, and of which be had every reason to be proud, and could always look back ; to a record of a very high order. The position of Vicar-General of the diocese, and later, as Administrator, since the death of the late Bishop, necessitated a great deal of extra work, and the manner in Which the onerous duties had been carried - out testified to the Dean's capabilities. The Dean was going; back to old friends and. associations,; and he . (Mr. Holley) could speak ~of the warm v reception the Dean would receive from the people of Leeston. He assured him -of the wealth of good I wishes accompanying the gift, and the regret of St. Mary's parishioners at losing him, J and hoped ; he would be long spared to wear their keepsake. •*: >•;.--!; js.sfe: -Yg%&-, . c-a-V- Sir ■ Geo. ? Clifford also spoke of the Dean's good works in I the parish.- He admired the j Dean's personality, and expressed his admiration and respect for him. " 's ' ~

.'- Mr. F. Q. Delany, on behalf ' of the St. \ Vincent ! de Paul,, Society, presented the Dean with a case of Loewe pipes and silver match box, and briefly outlined the progress the society had made under the Dean's guidance. - -*- .' - '■' - . ■ r ; -"■ .>•;'.;. The Rev. : Father 'jHoare^ S.M., as assistant priest, said he must pay a small tribute of appreciation. He had always found the Dean a true friend. He-thanked those present for having shown their appreciation by coming in such large numbers to do honor to the Dean.".'"';*' i; '';.'".'''..,/" : ' " ' ;: '-- : '- T ' '--y yl- ,, Very' Rev. Dean Hills, in reply, • said he scarcely knew what to say. , He certainly appreciated the gifts and the kind thoughts that prompted them. He could not recognise himself, in the"glowing portraits which they had drawn of him that night. He thanked them for all the kindnesses they had shown him, and expressed his regret at leaving them. He would always remember them in a particular manner in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. * He also thanked the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Rev. Father Hoare for their appreciation; wished all every prosperity and happiness, and concluded by saying it would give him very great pleasure to welcome any of St. Mary's people to his home in Leeston. ■ - . ,- A musical programme, which was very much enjoyed, was contributed to by the following:—Violin and piano selection, Misses Mina and Mary Ward and Mr. W. T. Ward; songs, Mrs. Frank O'Brien and Miss. Dolly Goggin, Messrs G. C. Hayward and C. Goggin; pianoforte ! solo, Miss A. Lawlor; comic song and recitations, Mr. F. Rowe. The Rev. Father Hoare contributed to the evening's amusement by some conjuring tricks, which were followed with keen interest. Mrs. Cronin and Mrs. C. Goggin' acted as accompanists. A light supper was handed round, which was provided by the ladies of the parish. . , . - On Wednesday morning the Very Rev. Dean, who has always been a, general favorite with the school children, was asked to attend at the school, where a surprise awaited him in the way of a presentation of a silver fish-slice, fish-knives and forks, suitably inscribed, from all the children of the parish. Miss Bernadette Holley made the presentation, and Miss F. Campbell read an address. The Dean suitably responded, and told his young friends how much he would miss them. He thanked them for their gift, and said that whatever he forgot in going away from the parish it certainly would not be their present, which He would always treasure in remembrance of them.