Gisborne

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLVI, Issue 18, 1 May 1919, Page 28

Gisborne

(From our own correspondent.)

April 22. Holy Thursday and Good Friday were observed with due solemnity at St. Mary’s Church. On Good Friday evening an impressive sermon on the Passion was delivered by Father Lane. The Altar of Repose for Holy Thursday, and the High Altar on Easter Sunday were beautifully adorned by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Large numbers approached the Holy Table at the early Mass on Easter Sunday. There was “Missa Cantata” at 10 o’clock,- Father Lane being celebrant. St. Mary’s Choir, conducted by Mr. John Vita, gave a good rendering of Van Bree’s Mass. The Children of St. Mary’s Schools were treated to their annual picnic on Easter Monday in the grounds of Mrs. Wheeler, Te Hapara, kindly lent for the occasion. Although the weather was somewhat cheerless an enjoyable time was spent. The school committee, and others, catered abundantly for the little ones. The annual Irish national social was held on Easter Monday evening in the New Assembly rooms, and proved most successful. The function was held under the auspices of the newly formed tennis club, and as a result the funds of the club will be considerably augmented. Messrs. J. H. Reidy and J. Corbett were supervisors. The supper, and the arrangements generally, were excellent. On the eve of his marriage, a presentation was made to Mr. A. Cassin, secretary to St. Mary’s School committee. In making the presentation of a cheque for a substantial amount Father Lane referred in eulo-

gistic terms to Mr. Cassin’s devoted services in the interests of St. Mary’s Church and schools. Mr. Cassin made suitable response.

April 27. Anzac Day was commemorated in Gisborne by a military parade of returned soldiers and other units of the defence force. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church by Father Lane for the repose of the souls of the soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice during the war. The incidental music was sung by St. Mary’s Choir under the direction of the organist (Miss O’Neill). At the conclusion of the impressive ceremony Handel’s “Dead March’’ from “Saul” was played by Mr. J. Vita (violin), Mrs. D. J. Parker (’cello), and Miss M.

O’Neill (organ). A mission, to be conducted by Fathers

McCarthy and Ainsworth, Marist Missioners, is to open on May 21, in St. Mary’s Church for the children of the parish. The mission for adults is to commence on the following Sunday, when probably a

larger building will have to be utilised.