ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, 24 February 1921, Page 19

ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON

(From our own correspondent.) -r;' ! - : • ' February 19. Through the munificent generosity of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Gibbes, of Portland Crescent, the sanctuary of- the Sacred Heart Basilica is being embellished with a handsome mosaic floor and dado. The mosaic pattern has been designed by one of the Marist Fathers in Wellington who does not wish to have his identity disclosed. The estimated cost is £IOOO, so that the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Oibbes is no ordinary one. The mosaic was made by the Henry Richard Tile Co., and laid down by Mr, Forbes, late of E. W. Mills and Co. The general pattern is a cream stone-colored, fan-shaped background, relieved by fleurs-de-lys at regular intervals. The central figure is Christ under the symbol of the Paschal Lamb lying on the seven-sealed book, with the legend Ecce Agnus Dei (Behold the Lamb of God). This central figure is framed in a cross-shaped floral design of white lilies and foliage. On each side are diamond-shaped panels with monograms of Christ and Mary respectively, also framed in floral design. Along the walls and the Communion rails runs a broad band combining all the colors of the scheme in parallel strips with central red and green scroll ornament. The color scheme is designed to match, in slightly deeper shades, the present coloring of the wall and ceiling. The steps of the altars, of the Communion rails, as well as the rails themselves, are to be covered with Carrara marble. The predella has a mat of mosaic embodying the fleur-de-lys and general ornamentation of the floor pattern. Besides the floor, the walls and pillars of the sanctuary and side-altars are to be covered with mosaic to a height of three feet, the pattern being an alternating design of monograms and cross-shaped ornaments. At the base of the pillars supporting the sanctuary arch will be placed the coats of arms of his Grace Archbishop Redwood and of the Society of Mary, with their respective mottoes.

Great improvements are being effected at the Marist Brothers' residence and school grounds, Thorndon. The house has been renovated at a cost of £l5O, and made much more comfortable. A handball alley and additional grounds have all been added to the school at a cost of several hundreds of pounds. Great credit is due to the Rev. Father Smyth, S.M., Adm., for his efforts on behalf of the Brothers and their pupils. The well-known figure of Kevin Sarsfield Dillon, the popular national elocutionist, will no longer be seen at our St. Patrick's Night concerts, as God in Bis own inscrutable ways has called him to Himself. A sudden attack of illness which was not regarded as serious. ended the career of this popular artist. Death occurred last Monday in the Public Hospital, where he was conveyed on Sunday last for an operation. The interment took place on Wednesday morning, Requiem Mass being celebrated by the Very Rev. Dean McKenna at St. Anne's. The Ven. Archdeacon Devoy was in the sanctuary, and Rev. Fathers Gondringer, S.M., M.A., McDonnell,* S.M., M. Devoy, S.M., and Sweeney were also present, also Rev. Brother Lewis with the classmates of Mr. Dillon's son, the

Sisters of. Compassion, Sisters of Mercy, and the pupils. of St. Joseph's Convent and St.. Anne's School. The service at the graveside was conducted by the ,Ver.y Rev.' Dean McKenna, assisted' by Rev. Father M. Devoy, S.M. The deceased gentleman, who, was born in Australia, leaves a widow and four children. . Rev. Mother ' Dillon, : of the Sacred Heart Convent, Island Bay, is a sister.R.4.P..'•;•.' ;' I regret to record the death of one of the oldest and, most respected members of the Hibernian Society (St. \ Patrick's branch) in.the person of , Mr. Matthew Hanrahan, of Newtown. The deceased was born in Co. \ Clare, Ireland, and came to this country when a young man. He was married in Wellington to Miss Johanna O'Meara, of Limerick, and is survived by his widow and two grownup children—Mr. Hanrahan and Miss Hanrahan, —the latter a well-known worker in the Children of Mary and St. Anne's Altar Society. The deceased gentleman was attended in his last .illness by Rev. Father Sweeney, the interment taking place this morning after the Requiem Mass.—R.l.P. "'*'•;■;;..'■■"

A bazaar for the purpose of raising funds, to provide additional accommodation for St. Joseph's Convent, Newtown, will be held during the last week in September at St. Anne's Hall. An energetic committee of ladies have formed themselves into a band of workers and helpers to the Rev. Sister Aloysius and the. good Sisters of Newtown to aid them in providing greater facilities for Catholic education in Wellington South.

Wanganui • (From our own correspondent.) February 16. The half-yearly meeting of St. Mary’s branch of the Hibernian Society was held on January 12. and"was largely attended. Bro. S. J. Barry presided, and the following officers were elected for the year; —President, Bro. A. E. Abeam ; vice-president, Bro. J. L. Hartley; treasurer, Bro. W. McTubbs; assistant secretary, Sister- K. Broome; wardens, Bros. E. Taunton and H. McDona; guardian, Bro. W. Louisson; delegate to Friendly Societies’ Dispensary Board of Management, Bro. President A. E. Ahearn; auditors, Bros. J. F. Stratford and H. McDonald; medical attendants, Drs. Robertson, Douglas Wilson, and J. H. Reid. No delegates were elected for the forthcoming meeting at Christchurch owing to non-receipt of official papers from Auckland. Fnnal arrangements were made for the annual picnic. Since the above was written, the weather is dead against us, but, nothing daunted,-we are going to hold the picnic at Matarawa on Saturday, March 12. All members of this branch now pay their subscriptions in advance. Clearances were granted to Bros. 0. Lloyd and ,P. F. Dalton, to Gisborne. The annual Communion breakfast will be held on Sunday, March 13, at Aramoho. Arrangements are well in hand for St. Patrick’s Night concert. It is hoped to be able to start a juvenile branch of the Hibernian Society in, this. town soon.

The monthly. meeting of the parish Federation committee took place on Thursday, February 10. . There was a good attendance of members, and Mr. Luxford gave a very interesting report of the Wellington conference. Other business also was transacted, and among items to be discussed was the advisability of the distribution on a . large

scale of Catholic Truth Society pamphlets. A committee, consisting of Rev. .Father O'Connell, Messrs. Luxford and Lloyd, was set up to procure tho most suitable of these booklets and to arrange for their sale by local booksellers. Some of the members are most enthusiastic, and as this is undoubtedly the age of pamphlets and paper-backs, it, will do no harm for the C.T.S. publications to have a place on the booksellers' counters, if they will have them. Since the above report of the Hibernian Society was handed in, the picnic, postponed from Anniversary Day, eventuated, and was quite a success in every way. It was really the first annual outing of the Hibernian Society, and it was held at Matarawa under ideal conditions on grounds kindly lent by Mr. Bland. The first train left town at 9 a.m. and carried a big crowd of adults and Children to the grounds. Arrived there, everyone set out to find a nice. little nook to place his luggage in (not corkscrews but eatables),, whilst tho men in charge got to work on the sports, etc. The advance guard, Bros. O'Brien and J. Cronin, had steam well up, indicating that boiling water was ready for tea. Most people, however, went for a stroll through the beautiful bush on the property, while others enjoyed the games and sports. A very good programme was got off, on both sides of the luncheon adjournment of from 12 o'clock to one—union principles here—and before the next eating event a big business was done -in soft drinks and sweets. More people came out by the afternoon tram, Saturday being the half-holiday 1 jolly day was spent till about 5 o'clock, when the tents were taken down, baskets and children collected, and the picnickers wended their way to the railway line. The train was well packed, but, owing to the good care of everyone a. good watch was kept after the children, who got 'home again all safely. Town was reached at somewhere about fa.oO, the 'East-own, Aramoho, and St. John's passengershaving dropped off at their respective destinations The .committee has every reason to be proud of this their first venture into picmc-dom, and with the experience gained will go on improving from year to vear. The careful wav " in which the children were handled and brought home safely was in itself a work of art, and speaks volumes for those m charge. The following donations are gratefully acknowledged: Rev. Father O'Connell, L.'E Bridges C Spillane, the D. 1.0 the -Paragon," Kernohan and Co.,' Luxford and Co. A. E. Ahern, P. Hartshorn, and others. Mr. J J. Wilson (sub-editor of the Tablet) and daughter Miss Eunice, are holidaying in the North Island and just now are visiting Mr. and Miss Wilson, Wanganui

MARIST BROTHERS' SCHOOLS, WANGANUI. The Marist Brothers and boys of the Wanganui school were favored recently with a visit from the Rev. Brother Columbanus, one of the eight Assistants who share with Rev Brother Superior-General (Brother Diogene) the work ?L innnoff the -i 6 °°? ?u ro - ther l of the Congregation,, with the 100,000 pupils of their schools throughout the world. Brother Columbanus's particular province embraces Ireland and the British Empire except Canada. He has comKJ"*?' ? f . Australia, and after doing New Zealand and the Pacific Islands will return by South Africa, where he will inspect the schools in that extensive area where he labored so successfully for manv years Accompanied by the Brother"'Provincial (Brother Denis) the Brother Assistant arrived in Wanganui on Friday night. He was received most cordially by the Brothers, and next day by the Very Rev. Father O'Connell and the local clergy. Through the kindness of Mr. E O'Meari the two.'Brothers were enabled to enjoy an extensive view of the surrounding country in a motor trip on Saturday afternoon. : Brother Columbanus examined the school on Monday, and although the boys have only just entered on the years work they showed by their "intelligent answering tha*. they are intelligent and energetic At half-past two all the classes assembled in one room, and the Rev Brother was agreeably surprised to find that the boys had prepared an entertainment in his honor. Three songs- God Defend New Zealand," "Ireland, BeauS 1 I i IV 1 ' i and A Donnell Aboo"-were sweetly rendered by the boys. After the songs Leonard Mather reWh Xo ™\ lo Dee in Canadian Woods We Met ) and latere Gordon McDonald gave a New Zealand reoitabion. At-the conclusion of the programme Patrick S ad m S°od style an address to the distinguished visitor. Brother Columbanus thanked the boys for their fw ! if tai^ lent i d J OT tho kind wishes expressed n the address. They had the privilige of-being the first boys in the Dominion to be officially visited by him, and he was more impressed by, their conduct and intelligence. He was delighted to know from their concert and their, address that they were sympathising with dear old Ireland, the land of their fathers, the most £ Catholic nation in the world. He urged them to pray that

Erin might soon be freed from 'the cruel persecution she is now .suffering. Brother Columbanus made reference v to the efforts that 'the Brothers are making to establish "a college where young New Zealanders may be educated for the religious life. He expressed the hope that before long -Waiiganui may follow the good example of other towns and have some of its boys enjoying the meritorious and happy even if sometimes difficult life of • a religious brother. The granting of a holiday in honor of .the visit was thanked by the boys by three rousing cheers for Brother Columbanus, who, in saying good-bye, promised on his return to Italy to convey their good-wishes to the Brother Superior General, and to treasure for life the book of views of Wanganui's magnificent scenery which they had presented to him. •