The physical difference between the massive frame of Bishop Verdon and the slight figure of Bishop Moran was hardly less marked than other points of difference between them. While Bishop Moran’s mental activity, nervous energy, and fiery eloquence brought him repeatedly into notice in the community, in which, indeed, he filled a prominent part, Bishop Verdon, on the other hand, shunned publicity to such an extent that, outside the circle of his own denomination, he can hardly be said to have been widely known in his own diocese even after a residence of more than twenty years in it. He devoted himself, however, faithfully and diligently to the promotion of the interests of his Church in Otago and Southland, and a proof of the successful zeal with which he prosecuted his plans for the extension of the activities of Roman Catholicism may be found in the establishment by him not only of several new churches in the diocese, but also — and more particularly — in the increased provision that was made, under his direction, for the spread of Catholic education and for the exercise of philanthropic effort under Catholic auspices. Under Bishop Verdon’s guidance the diocese of Dunedin has grown in numbers and in works. Thirty-five priests now minister in 65 churches and 54 stations. Ten religious brothers and 200 nuns hold in their charge 40 schools, in which 2400 children are receiving a Catholic education.
Dunedin Hospital busy
Two more busy days were experienced at the Dunedin Hospital on Saturday and Sunday, although the position cannot be said to be any more acute than it was on Friday. The admissions yesterday numbered 34, practically all of which were pneumonic. As an indication of the grip the malady has got, it is only necessary to mention that the original nursing staff has almost reached vanishing point, one after another having contracted it until very few remain on duty. Out of five house surgeons only one remains on duty; but the places of those laid up have been taken up by two senior medical students. We are requested to mention that the voluntary male workers — hefty men — would be very acceptable at the Bachelor Ward. The notifications to the Public Health Department on Saturday morning from the whole area from Waitaki to Bluff numbered 88, an increase of 37 as compared with the previous day. The increase in the Otago Hospital district is from 45 to 51. It is expected that the climax as far as the malady is concerned will not be reached until to-day or to-morrow.
Army horse disposal
The disposal of army horses at the end of the war is one of the problems that is perplexing the experts at the Reconstruction Ministry. The distribution for civil purposes of buildings, stores, and materials is a comparatively simple matter, because there will be an enormous demand for every kind of raw material, and everything will be made use of. The explosives in unused shells, for instance, can be extracted and converted into fertilisers. There is a special difficulty in regard to the horse. To sell all the army horses at once would have a disastrous effect upon the market. On the other hand, it would be a very costly business to keep the horses eating their heads off in military establishments. — ODT 25.11.1918
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