WEST COAST NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 42, 26 October 1922, Page 15

WEST COAST NOTES

(From our own correspondent,) / Greymouth, October 8. • An unprecedented spell of glorious weather prevails on the West Coast and after a wonderful, mild winter which could hardly have been equalled anywhere in New Zealand, every hope is entertained of a good summer. Signs of its . approach are not wanting, and the numbers, who throng the churches each morning during the October devotions find that the discharge of this spirtiual task is now attended by a minimum of physical irk. Greymouth has been favored lately with visits from several members of the clergy. First and foremost was the Rev. Father O’Sullivan, the zealous , advance guard of of the Catholic missions to Western Equitorial Africa and to Egypt. It was the venerable missionary’s third visit to these parts, his first being 29 years ago. He still retains pleasafnt memories of 'the reception accorded him on. those occasions, and was good enough to say that the . wonted hospitality of the people here showed no signs, of cooling. Father O’Sullivan’s lectures were really eloquent, • and in spite of the weight of the years he has spent in the most self-sacrificing, service in the service of God he . can still sway a congregation by the fire of his oratory and sacredness of his mission. The appeal in Greymouth was not direct, but netted £74, which, Father O’Sullivan informs me, is a Dominion record. In Hokitika and other parts of the Coast Father O’Sullivan met with the same happy response to his appeal, notwithstanding the depression resulting from the idleness of the timber and other industries. This depression, incidentally, is becoming more acute in parts, and the response of the loyal Catholic West Coasters to the call for help from lands far removed from the wooded hills and silver streams of proud, but poor, Westland, is edifying indeed. , Other clerical visitors were Rev. Fathers Heffernan, S.M. - (Blenheim), J. Herring, S.M. (Reefton), and McDonnell. • ' : ' By the time these notes appear 'Ahaura will be recovering from the excitement of a red letter day in the history of the district —the opening of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall and Library on Friday, October 13. The township has put its heart into the completion of the scheme, and? the finished article is a credit to ; the Ahaura people and an acquisition to the district. Mr. Ward, one of the prominent Catholic residents (who was recently married to Miss Mary Meates, of Greymouth) took a very important part in the work. There is another big day for Ahaura' in the near future. An energetic committee is, working hard in its preparations for a gigantic Catholic garden party, which will be capped off with a social the same evening. Father Fogarty has asked all interested to lend a hand, particularly those who were pupils of the old Ahaura College. Distance places no limitation on the willingness' of old Ahauraites to assist the grand cause of Catholic progress in the district. I understand that Mr. Rasmussen, who went from here to Rome some time ago to complete his studies for the priesthood, is to be ordained this month in Rome. The , .career of this brilliant young man is being eagerly followed by his friends at Home. St. Mary’s Church, Hokitika, will soon have the finishing touches placed on it by the' plasterer, and these- will, , no doubt, enhance the beauty of the edifice. . At present the Redemptorist Fathers are conducting missions in a southern district, and their campaign is proving successful in every way. . + , : V Once again the St.’ Columba Club 1 has received some shocks. Mr. L. J. Cronin, who represented the club ■ so well. in the debating sections of the competitions, resigned , his position as reporter on the Grey Ttiver Argus for a place on the staff of the Manawatu Evening Standard, and ' left to take lip his new duties. His loss will be keenly felt by life club, which could ill-afford , to spare him, and also by the M. 8.0.8. , Association, . pf.\whic^ 4 |hs. was a strong supporter' as -far . as his’ professional - duties;would ■ allow. The toemßdrt of the junior club, iff' whom he took

a special interest,presented. Mr;. Cronin with a .fountain pen. as r a : token of their esteem. Shock number, two is the nows , that . Mr. T. Barry, the popular president of the dub, has been transferred to the. Post. Office at Dannevirke. .There is a faint hope that Mr. Barry may be able to remain after all, and it will certainly be to the advantage of the club if he remains. . Mr. L. R. Higgins received notice the other day of his- appointment as deputy-registrar at the Supreme Court at. Grey mouth. \ ; A scheme is on foot to paint the churches at Ahaura, Ngahere, Nelson Creek, Totara Flat, and surrounding places. The money has been subscribed in some districts, in others it has yet to come. The church at Ngahere is such a neat little structure that it could well do with a coat of paint. Many improvements in the other churches await the magic finger of coins.