This building, which is of ornate design, is built of Oamaru stone, with red-tiled roof, and occupies a site in close proximity to the convent. The Macarthy family donated the property on which the building is erected, which consisted of the original Teschemakers homestead and 50 acres of land. The homestead is used as a convent, and, in addition to the church, a commodious schoolroom has been added. The chapel, which was officially opened, was donated by Mrs Frances Grant, of Oamaru, at a cost of £2500.
The Bishop of Dunedin (Dr Verdon) blessed the buildings, and High Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Mackay, Rev. Father O’Connell being deacon, and Rev. Father Foley sub-deacon, the Bishop presiding. The occasional sermon was delivered by the Bishop of Christchurch (Dr Brodie), who preached from the words, "A little child shall lead them". The preacher stated that in New Zealand the Catholics had the maintenance and upkeep of 200 schools to provide for out of their slender means, but Catholics were determined that their children should be taught the Christian faith, cost what it may. The education of their children was costing the Roman Catholics in New Zealand nearly £100,000 per annum.
He congratulated Bishop Verdon on having such a magnificent temple erected free of debt in his diocese. Bishop Verdon in a brief address congratulated all those responsible for the erection of the chapel and schoolroom on the culmination of their efforts, and thanked the generous donors who had contributed towards the cost of their erection. The voluntary offerings for the day amounted to approximately £250.
• The action of the Sydney Returned Soldiers’ Association in promoting the formation of a Returned Soldiers’ Corps for active service again was the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Returned Soldiers’ Association last evening. A motion to the effect that the formation of such a corps be approved was moved and seconded.
In the discussion that followed it was made clear that, while those present were in full sympathy with the action of the Sydney Association as an effort to counteract the effect of the humiliating result of the referendum on the question of compulsory service, and to show that there was still some of the right spirit left in Australia, they felt that the returned soldiers should not go to the front again until the whole of the men in the First Division of the New Zealand Expeditionary Reserve has been sent. An amendment to that effect was carried unanimously. The opinion was expressed by the mover of the motion that returned soldiers should not have to go on service with conscripts.
• The Milford Sound track has just been opened by the guides for the present season. When the guides got through to the Sound they found that Mr and Mrs Sutherland, well known to tourists, were very ill, and had suffered severely during the months in which the accommodation house is isolated from the outside world. No doctor was within reach, but the information which has reached the Tourist Department (says the Dominion), indicates that the trouble now probably is not serious. Further information is being awaited. — ODT, 19.12.1916.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
