DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

New Zealand Tablet, 9 March 1922, Page 22

DIOCESE OF CHRISTCHURCH

(From our own correspondent.)

March 1.

The Rev. Father Eccleton, S.M. has just concluded missions at oolston and Sumner. They 'were marked by faithful attendances at the exercises, piety, and earnestness. The large congregations approaching the Holy Table must have been a source of consolation to the zealous missioner. At Woolston, Rev. Father Gallagher (on behalf of the parish) extended hearty thanks to Father Eccleton. Many of the people remarked that, the mission was . all too short, and happy memories of it will remain.

The general committee in connection with the St. I atnek s night concert, met in the Hibernian Hall on Sunday evening, after devotions. Mr. M. Grimes, presiding. _ The Secretary (Mr. P. O’Connell) reviewed the organising and' programme work and expressed satisfaction at the accommodation to be arranged in the King Edward lacks. On the programme, will be included an interesting innovation this year—an oration on Ireland by Mr. E. Casey. Reserves arc at the Bristol.

The Celtic Club held its annual outing at Diamond Harbor, and about 150 members and friends spent, in ideal weather, a splendid day. Bathing, games, and children’s sports were indulged in. The supply of toys, etc., for the little ones was abundant, thanks to the energy of Mr, J. Maguire. Mr. H. Nevin (president) and V. Toomey (secretary), and committee are to be complimented on the success attending their efforts.

Rev. Mother Xavier (Provincial of the Lewisham Nursing Sisters, Sydney) is at present in Christchurch. A grand garden fete will be held in the Lewisham Hospital grounds on Saturday next in preparation for the carnival being organised for August next. Patrons are assured of a good afternoon and evening display. The Childlren of Mary Sodality, Cathedral parish, had a most enjoyable social in the Hibernian Hall on Wednesday evening, and the 60 odd couples attending are looking forward to a repeat. The arrangements were complete in every detail, and excellent music was provided by Miss E. Tillyshort s orchestra. This was perhaps the most successful social to the record of the sodality, and the committee responsible for the venture are grateful for the generous support accorded.

Tfrnaru

(From our own correspondent.)

February 27. ( We have in this district what is known as the Hurdley Shield Competition a prize for the best kept school garden. Our Marist Brothers, on behalf of the school boys were amongst the competitors. Seven months ago they made a start laying out plots to comply with the regulations of the competitions. When you enter the monastery grounds on the north side some beautiful flowering shrubs first, catch your eye, also two nicely constructed rockeries with their profusion of lovely little alpine flowers-a sight to be remembered. There are 12 beds with nicely arranged paths: the first is the fodder plot with several varieties; a portion is manured with lime and phosphate, and another partly limed. The effect shows a marked difference in the growth and goes to prove what a gold mine we have in our lime deposits. The farmers will, no doubt, gradually learn the Value of lime, especially for clovers, which show a wonderful growth. There are no less than 15 different kinds of fodder plants, the drills going right across each bed. All are named by label, and a note is kept

of their growth and germination. This is indeed a good study for our boys, so far as our grasses are concerned, and after looking at the beds one wonders why our farmer friends do not go in for something similar. V Then there are the young trees which supply practice in grafting and budding, and when the trees are ready the boys are allowed to take them home to plant in their own gardens. In looking over the vegetable plots, you will find onions loins in circumference and many other products of equal merit. It is difficult to judge the influence for good that such a garden has on the future life of the boys, who are encouraged to go in for gardening as a life’s work. The above garden has been judged by experts who have been pleased with the success attained, especially from an educational point of view. It is stated that the person who has not tasted the sweets of cultivation has lost one of the greatest joys of life. It is only fair to mention that Mr. William Cunningham has, at various times, given the boys useful and valuable advice, which the Brothers and boys deeply appreciate.

Temuka

(From our own correspondent.)

March 1.

Collections taken up at the Catholic churches in the Temuka parish in aid of the fund for the Starving Children in Europe, resulted as follows:—St. Joseph’s (Temuka), £SB 16s 3d; St. Joseph’s (Pleasant Point), £ll 3s 9d; making a total of £7oa very creditable amount.

A meeting of ladies, convened by Rev. Dr. Kennedy, S.M., was held recently to form a branch of the Ladies of Charity in the parish. The objects were explained by Rev. Dr. Kennedy and Rev. Father McCarthy (Marist missioner), and those present—to the number of thirty—signified their intention of membership. Officers elected were as follows; President, Mrs. T. F. McGarva; vice-presidents, Mrs. P. Wareing and Mrs, Thompson; secretary, Mrs. T. Knight; treasurer, Miss K. McShane; wardrobe-keeper, Miss Breen. It was decided to meet every Thursday afternoon and to make a general canvass for both active and honorary members. •

Qreymouth

(From our own correspondent.)

February 24. Six lives were lost in the surf when the Reef ton people came to Greymouth recently for their annual picnic. Among the dead were several Catholics. In the relief fund, opened to assist the relatives of the lost, the Greymouth branch of the St. Vincent de Paul Society donated £5 ss.

• . Father Madden, a new arrival from the Emerald Isle, has commenced work in this parish.

The Greymouth Marist Brothers’ Old Boys are to get together on the sth of next month. The association’s financial position is excellent, so a picnic at Camerons has been decided on. The association hopes that the Wellington M.8.0.8.A. will not forget to include the West Coast in its Easter Rugby tour.

Greymouth Convent pupils have once again given the lie to Sir Robert Stout’s nonsensical twaddle which would lead us to believe that Catholic scholarships are nonexistent. Miss D. Daly won the Senior National Scholarship, and her sister (Miss M. Daly) won the Junior National Scholarship and Seddon Medal. Since 1917 no State school girl has been able to wrest the Seddon Medal from the convent representative. The Daly sisters, however, will receive nothing whatever from the Massey Government as long as .they remain at the convent. But our motto: “Every Catholic child in a Catholic school” is well known.

Religious education, far from weakening our manhood, confirms it' in what is most manly, makes us better men, fitter for life’s battles, and more trustworthy citizens of the State. It is, therefore, a matter of the first importance both to individual and State, that the unalterable objective of parental ambition should be a sound Catholic education.