Timaru

New Zealand Tablet, 1 February 1917, Page 36

Timaru

(From our own correspondent.) . January 29. The schools of the parish resume work on Monday next, Febuary 5. The convent boarding-school reopens on Tuesday, February 13. On Tuesday morning last at 9 o’clock a Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated here for the repose of the soul of Rev. Father Lezer, S.M., who died recently at Napier. There was a very large congregation, testifying to the love and respect in which the deceased priest was held; for although he had labored but a short time in Timaru, he had endeared himself to every member of the congregation by his kindly disposition and the zeal he displayed in all the works of the parish. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Aubry, S.M., of Waimate, assisted by Rev. Father Farrell as deacon. Rev. Father Cullen subdeacon (both of St. Patrick’s College, Wellington). Rev. Father Herbert was master of ceremonies. The music of the Mass was rendered in a solemn and devotional manner by a choir of priests, all the priests of South Canterbury being present as well as visiting priests from other parts of New Zealand. Mr. Gordon O’Meeghan presided at the organ and after the Absolution at the catafalque had been given the ‘ Dead March ’ was played, the members of the congregation standing.