Town and Country News

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 13, 8 April 1925, Page 49

Town and Country News

REEFTON NOTES ' (From our own correspondent.) ' March 30. The results are now to hand of the Theory Examinations in connection with the Trinity College of Music, London, held last December. The list of successful candidates include the names of Miss Agnes Lee, who, in passing the theoretical portion of the examination, has secured her full certificate of A.T.C.L.; Miss Dora Farrell, who passed the theoretical section; Miss Maureen O'Brien, who obtained 80 marks in the intermediate honors division; and Miss Enid Humphries, who secured 86 marks in the junior honors division. All of the above are pupils of the Sisters of Mercy of the local convent, who are to be congratulated on the success of their musical tuition, AH AUK A NOTES (From our own correspondent.) March 31. On the morning of March 28, fifty-nine years ago, Mr. Dick Darcy walked from Paroa to the Twelvemile via Greymouth. On the long journey lie carried a swag weighing over lOOlbs, together with a gun an 1 ammunition. fie partook of some refreshment at Grevmouth and then head -d out for the Twelvemile, lying somewhe -e in the vicinity of the Arnold Bridge and Kamaku. He reached his destination son-'^ime about 7 o'clock the same evening, covered with mud, footsore, and weary. The hotel-keeper, a Mr. Wilson from Yankee-land, made him' very welcome; old Dick issures us that the said Mr. Wilson was a decent respectable man. Old Dick, now :n his t-.'th year, is still very active in mini and ins memory of former days is quite good. His understanding, looked at from, a physical point of view, may be weak, bo.', otherwise, to use his own expression, he is as good as gold. The vast majority of the people have entered completely into the spirit of the time. Goodly numbers attend morning Mass, the evening devotions, and the Stations. The Nelson Creek congregation is loyal to sacred traditions. Mr. and Mrs. J. Molloy are spending a little holiday at Ahaura. The concrete paths in course of construction in the vicinity of the Ahaura Church, will, when completed, compare favorably with those at Nelson Creek. Within recent times we buried Mary Anne Moore and John O'Shanassey.—May they rest in peace. NELSON NOTES (From our own correspondent.) March 30. Within the last few weeks the sanctuary of St. Mary's has been very tastefully renovated, and the stained oak pannelling presents a most pleasing sight to those entering the church. A further improvement is the installation of the electric light. The parish library is now in full swing, and for the modest sum cf 5/- per annum ono has an excellent range of . books , and •

magazines at one' disposal. The librarians (Miss G. Franks and Miss M. Franks) are in attendance on Sunday mornings after the late Mass and also after devotions on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The library has already over 60 subscribers and is proving a very popular institution.. It is proposed to commence the dances in St. Mary's hall again at an early date, and no doubt this fine dancing floor will prove a great attraction. The subscription which was recently taken up for the convent, has met with a ready response on all sides, and a goodly sum has been raised. The Altar Society, which has recently been re-established in the parish, has a large number of members and is in a very flourishing condition. Mr. Hargreaves, who has been transferred to the Wellington branch of the Railways, was the recipient of a fountain pen from the members of the choir, who wished him every success in his new sphere. The death of Mr. T. Hickey, which occurred on the 27th inst., came as a shock to his many friends, for although Mr. Hickey" has been in bad health it was not expected that, the end would come so quickly. Our late friend has resided in the district for many years and was widely esteemed and respected, and much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Hickey.—R.l.P. MASTERTON NOTES (From our own correspondent.) March 26. Rev. Father Morau, prior to his departure for Dannevirke, to which parish he has been transferred, was, on behalf of the parishioners, presented with a travelling rug as a. mark of esteem, and in appreciation of the good work he has done in the parish. Father Morau has been with us only a short time but he has won the hearts of all, and universal regret is expressed at his unexpected transfer. The mission given by the Redemptorist Fathers concluded last week. The whole of the exercises were well attended, while the fine and impressive preaching of the two Missioners (Fathers Gilmartin and McLoughlin) drew large congregations. The final day marked a, fitting conclusion to a most enthusiastic and sincere demonstration of faith by the parishioners of Masterton. First the morning Masses with their seemingly never-ending files of communicants, and then in the evening the huge congregation that more than filled the church for the devotions and the Papal blessing. Rev. Father McLoughlin preached a beautiful sermon on the occasion, swelling the hearts of his hearers with pride in the faith. Altogether the mission was a most memorable one, and the parishioners are grateful to these Fathers for their zeal and attention. At the last meeting of'the local branch of the Hibernian Society one member was initiated and two candidates proposed for admission. The annual Holy Communion took place on the Sunday preceeding St. Pat-

rick's Day, when the very satisfactory i number of twenty-six brothers were present. '-• HIBERNIAN SMOKE CONCERT. \ | The' great' night had arrived ! The result of some weeks' busy preparations by the energetic committee, consisting of Bros. M. McArley, O. O'Leary, A. L. Curry, and D. O'Loughlin—were to be placed before a large attendance of Hibernians and other parishioners. The ' •function was to have taken place in the Hibernian Hall, but the great number who had signified their intention of being present warranted accommodation in a much larger hall, and, therefore, the social', was held in. the Savage Club rooms. The president of the society (Bro. H. J. O'Leary) presided, at an attendance of over 70 and he was assisted by the secretary (Bro. A. L. Curry). The toast list was a very lengthy one, and the speakers concerned rose to the occasion and responded with some unexpected and remarkable displays of oratory. The proceedings were opened with the toast to the "Pope and the King," proposed by the president; and some of the other items on the list were "The Day We Celebrate,"' proposed by Bro. M. McArley and responded to by Bro. A. L. Curry; •'Kindred Societies," (Bros. J. Connors, F. Harrington, and L. Winhall);, "Diiil Eireann" (Bros. A. I/. Curry and D. O'Loughlin); "Hibernian Cricket Club" (Bros. J. Connors, D. McNulty); "Hibernian' Society" (Bros. J. Crosby, and H. J. O'Leary). . The toasts were interspersed with first-class musical and elocutionary items, very kindly contributed by Messrs. J. Leighton, H. Dibley, M. McArley, F. Treder, H. Peters, J. Crosby, J. Sullivan, .J. Charters, A. L. Curry, and C. Mills. An important toast was that of "The President," who had that day completed fifty, years as a Hibernian. Bro. O'Leary was president of the local branch at its formation thirty-seven years ago, and it was a matter of pride for himself and those present at the meeting that he was able once again to preside at the annual function. The programme was brought to a happy close with the singing of "God Save Ireland."

INGLEWOOD NOTES (From our own Correspondent.) March 30. The .social held in honor of St. Patrick's Day proved a great .success. The hall, tastefully decorated in green and gold was well filled, and. an enjoyable time .spent in dancing and card games. The proceeds, which were very satisfactory, are to be divided betweetn the church fund and the various queen candidates in connection with the forthcoming bazaar. With regard to this function, the supporters of the respective queen candidates are working hard at present as the date for opening the bazaar is drawing nearer, oUp to Saturday last the convent candidate held first place; since then the country queen is in the leading position, although there /is not -much , difference between the positions of all the candidates. With the bazaar in about a. month's time, tho municipal elections and later the general elections we shall have plenty to occupy thoughts and energy during a' large period of the year. •, ""■ M