"In the Days when the World was Wide"

It is well known to those conversant with the history of the Church in Otago that the pioneer Marist Missionary Fathers, and even Bishop Pompallier himself, extended their ministrations this far long before the era of European settlement proper. The Bishop tells us in his diary that he, accompanied by Father Comte and Pesant, S.M., in the Missionary schooner
Santa Maria, visited the hapus of the Natives and the whaling stations within and in the vicinity of Port Chalmers as early as 1840. Records which have been preserved show that in 1845 Father Scon, S.M., followed in the footsteps of Bishop Pompallier, and two or three years later Fathers Petitjean, S.M., and Seon again traversed these parts, and evidently renewed their visits periodically through the 'Fifties' of the last century. It is generally assumed that these intrepid shepherds of the widely scattered flock performed all their journeyings on foot, carrying their requisities for the offering of the Holy Sacrifice when a suitable opportunity occurred, and also their personal requirements; and thus they travelled the entire length of the island from Cook Strait to Foveaux Strait.

The first celebration of Holy Mass in Dunedin in the early stages of its settlement was offered in the home of Mr. Poppelwell, a small wooden house at the North-East Valley.

At the beginning of the 'Sixties Father Moreau, S.M., arrived, and with the increase in population consequent on the rush to the newly-discovered goldfields, was appointed parish priest of Dunedin, a position he occupied with wonderful zeal and far-reaching results until after the arrival of Bishop Moran. Father Moreau was assisted at various intervals by Father Belliard, Ecuyer, and Martin, S.M.

St Joseph's Church (the Cathedral Girls' Parish School) was opened by Father Martin, on July 23, 1862, and from that important event St Joseph's Choir entered upon its successful career in the musical world which won for it the high reputation it has enjoyed right down the long span of years, and, in its honoured prime, it now celebrates its

Diamond Jubilee as a Church Choir

As a musical combination the choir gave ample evidence of its rare artistic merit even in the early days.

Mrs. J. J. Connor, for many years a resident of North-East Valley, has supplied the present writer with the following brief but interesting recollections of the choir's early days: -

The members of the original choir of St. Joseph's numbered about eight, who sang to the accompaniment of a small harmonium. The choir rendered Mozart's Twelfth Mass for the Christmas of 59 years ago. The organ now in use at the Cathedral was bought by Father Moreau. The first organist (a harmonium then being used) was Mr. Merryweather, who later left for America. Mr. Flood next acted temporarily in that capacity followed by Mr. Sykes and Mrs Woods. Mr. Fleury was conductor during the later Sixties. Mrs. Connor alone survives among those who formed the original choir; Mr. Connor joined eighteen months after its formation. In her reminiscences of the early days, Mrs. Connor relates that to attend church they often took a short cut across country from what is now High Street, scrambling down the face of the hill where cows were depasturing and where the Bishop's Palace and Christian Brothers' residence now stand. Coming to the foot of the hill a stream was crossed on loose and often slippery planks.

Golden Jubliee of the Cathedral Choir

"On Sunday, February 19, 1871, Bishop Moran entered upon his episcopal duties at St Joseph's Church," so stated an old-time chronicler. Thus old St. Joseph's became the pro-Cathedral, and , as a consequence, the choir assumed the status of a Cathedral Choir. Hence as such, on its annual meeting held the other week, the choir attained its 50th year - its Golden Jubliee. Beside Fathers Coleman (who accompanied Bishop Moran to Dunedin) the priests we find mentioned as being attached to St Joseph's in 1873 were Revs. J. Lenihan, T. Crowley, and J. O'Connor. In July of that year Father O'Connor was appointed to the newly-established mission of Cromwell, and Father Lenihan to the newly-erected mission of Milton. All these names will be familiar to those who composed the choir at that time. Apart from the reminiscences mentioned above, there is practically nothing on record relating to the original choir's achievements. We may, however, infer from the recital of "recollections" by the old people still happily with us, that the choir of their day was unrivalled among similar musical bodies, and the class of music rendered was of a distinctly high (not to say ambitious) order. It will be of interest to many of the present time to know of the class of music rendered by the choir of 50 years ago, which may be taken as a fair indication of the standard reached in the preceding years. From its earliest days, St Joseph's has been fortunate in possessing a fine choir, and very many of the most notable artists who have toured this Dominion have deemed it a privilege to be allowed to assist at its musical renderings. This choir held the reputation of being amongst the best in Australasia, and, apart from the always available services of the most eminent professionals, these of the best local talent were always available. As far back as January, 1872, the full strength of Signor Cagli's Italian Opera Company, including its orchestra (then on tour) gave a magnificent rendering of Gounod's "Messe Solennelle." Father Coleman, who was celebrant on the occasion, was so impressed with the excellence of the singing that he gave a special discourse on Church music, showing what the Church had done for music through succeeding generations.

(1) FATHER MOREAU, First Parish Priest of Dunedin. (2) MR. CHARLES. SYKES, First Organist of St Joseph's, who recently celebrated his professional Diamond Jubliee. (3) The Historical Church of St Joseph's, a solid brick structure, the Parochial Girls' School. (4 and 5) MR. and MRS. J. J. CONNOR, earliest members of St. Joseph's Choir.

The N.Z. Tablet of August 30, 1873, stated: - "we understand that the members of St. Joseph's Choir intend to give a grand concert in about three weeks' time. Judging from the success of their former concerts, we have no doubt this will be no expection to this rule. Selections from Mozart's First Mass in C will constitute the first part of the programme, and the second part, as usual, will be a miscellaneous selection."

A report of a concert given by the choir on Friday, May 24, 1874, said: - "The programme was a well-selected and a most varied one, embracing ballads, glees, and recitations. Mr. Sykes (organist of St. Joseph's) presided at the piano, and was ably assisted by Mr. O'Connell on the violin, who kindly volunteered his services for the occasion. Those who contributed items were Miss Hesford (upon whom the principal burden of the evening fell), Messrs, Ennis, Lennon, Loughnan and Bunny."

Another concert was given in September of that year in aid of the school funds, after which the following appeared in the Tablet: - "The choir of St. Joseph's Church have kindly acceded to the request made to repeat the programme submitted at their late concert in the Masonic Hall. The object towards which they have now come forward is to aid in the erection of a church in Port Chalmers. The steamer Golden Age has been chartered for the conveyanhee of patrons from Dunedin" and with that attraction, and the additional one of the services of a brass band, whiich will accompany the steamer on her double trip, we have no fear but the entertainment will secure such an amount of patronage as will be a material aid to the most necessary work which it is desired to assist. According to announcement the steamer is to leave the Old Jetty on her downward trip at 6.30pm., accompanied by the Provincial Brass Band. . . The entertainment is under the patronage of thh Most Rev. Dr. Moran, who has signified his intention of presiding." Owing to unfavourable weather the Moonlight Excursion had to be postponed from week to week, and it was eventually held on Monday, October 26. "As had been announced: (so the report of the event read) "his Lordship the Bishop had graciously signified his intention of being present, together with Fathers Moore and Crowley; and a hope was generally entertained that the Calypso, on board which were the Rev. Fathers Walsh and O'Leary, would arrive in time to admit of their being also present on the occasion. Happily this wish has been realised, for the welcome intelligence reached town on Sunday evening that the vessel had been sighted from the Heads; and on Monday morning his Lordship, accompanied by Father Moore, repaired to the Port for the purpose of meeting and welcoming the reverend gentlemen. Business compelling his Lordship to return to town, the Rev. Father Moore remained in Port Chalmers to entertain the reverend gentlemen until evening, when the Bishop and Father Crowley arrived in a carriage and pair, which conveyed the party back to town at the close of the proceedings."

The steamer trip, it would appear, was not without incident. "Long before the appointed hour for sailing" (we are told) "streams of people were seen wending their way to the wharf, the little craft being eventually crowded from stem to stern, a number of late-comers being left on the jetty sorely disappointed. At each landing stage between town and the Port, stoppages were made, and at each place a considerable number were added to those already on board. When the lights of the town became visible, rockets were fired to apprise the town people of the approach of the steamer, and precisely one hour from the time of starting, the Golden Age touched the Old Pier. When the excursionists arrived at the Assembly Rooms, the building was already fully occupied by the local townspeople. The persons who were present at the former concert will find little difficulty in realising the success of Monday's evening's, when we mention the names of Mrs. Connor and Miss Hesford, Messers, Loughnan, Connor, Carroll, Griffin, Cornish, and Lennon as amongst those on the programme. We cannot refrain, however, from making special mention of the feeling manner in which Mrs. Connor rendered the pathetic song 'Constance,' and 'The Dear Little Shamrock' by Miss Hesford; as also the comic aria from Mozart's 'Le Nozze de Figaro' by Mr. Loughnan; but decidedly the gem of the evening was the duct 'The Wind and the Harp' between Mr. and Mrs. Connor. When we state that Mr. Sykes presided at the piano, our readers may rest assured that the entertainment was one of no ordinary character."

Another report published on December 20, 1873, said: "The musical service at St. Joseph's Church on Sunday last was most impressive. The singers were the Misses Rosina and Fannie Carandini, and Messrs. Gordon and Sherwin, assisted by a gentleman amateur, and the full choir of the Church, Mr. Sykes presiding at the organ. The 'Kyrie' was from Haydn's 3rd Mass; the 'Credo,' Sanctus,' and 'Benedictus' from Mozart's 12th Mass; and the remainder of the music was from Weber's Mass in G. The 'Quando Corpus' from Rossini's 'Stabat Mater,' was sung as an unaccompanied quartette during the service. At the conclusion of the Mass the 'Hallelujah Chorus' was magnificently given. The sermon was preached by his Lordship teh Bishop of Dunedin, and was heard with much attention, especially by many not members of the congregation, who had attended to listen to the grand music." (The above-named vocalists were members of an Operatic Concert Company then performing in Dunedin.)

The following was also noted in 1873: -"At the High Mass on Christma Day, the musical portion consisted of the 'Kyrie,' 'Gloria,' and 'Credo' from Haydn's 1st Mass; the 'Sanctus' and 'Benedictus' from Gounod's; and the 'Agnus Dei' from Mozart's 1st Mass. The 'Adeste Fidelis' was sung during the Mass, and the 'Hallelujah Chorus' at the conclusion."

In their day were heard at St. Joseph's, Miss Julia Matthews, Madame Ilma de Murska, the phenomenal Hungarian priima donna - the Tetrazzini of her day - and later (at the Cathedral) Mr. Charles Santley and Signor Foli, and within recent years Madame Antonia Dolores, Mr. Paul Dufault, and other professional artists, including individual members of practically every Opera Company that has visited Dunedin - Simonsen's, Montague-Turner, Musgrove's, and also many of the J. C. Williamson's Companies, Mr Charles Sykes was organist for the first choir, which had Mr. Leary as conductor. Other organists included Mr. Charles Waud (the noted 'cellist), and Mr. Towsey, Herr Benno Scherek, who was assisted by Madame Scherek in the work of the choir, and Miss Horan.

With reference to Miss Julia Mathews, the following pathetic announcement appeared in the N.Z. Tablet on July 7, 1876: - "The numerous friends of Miss Julia Matthews, who are readers of the Tablet, will learn with deep regret that news of the death of this much esteemed lady has been received from America. Miss Mathews was not only a star of the first magnitude in her profession, but was also in private life deservedly beloved and admired by all who were fortunte enough to be acquinted with her. To the Catholic congregation of Dunedin she had in many ways especially endeared herself, and her memory will long be held by them in regretful affection. -R.I..P."

A report on the occassion of Mdlle de Murska's singing (May, 1876) reads somwhat quaint at the present time. As a preliminary we are told: "Mdlle Ilma de Murska has consented to sing an 'Ave Maria' on Sunday next during Benediction at St. Joseph's Church. The music of the prayer has been expressly composed for the occasion by Mr. Hill. It is written in D flat, with cor anglais obbligato, and we have the best authority for stating it to be extremely beautiful. The door of the choir will be strictly guarded, and no strangers admitted there under any pretence whatever."

The event itself was thus described: - "Notwithstanding her recent indisposition and the sharpness of the atmosphere, Mdlle Ilma de Murska fulfilled her promise of singing at St. Joseph's Church on Sunday evening last. The music of the 'Ave Maria' composed by Maestro Strauss Iila is especially adapted for the display of her rare powers of vocalisation. The melody is well marked and highly expressive of devotion. The tremolo was introduced into her rendition of the music by the renowned cantatrice, and, executed as it was with the perfection of art regulated by an unerring and most delicate taste, it much enhanced the reverent expression of the composition, which fully realised the reputation which preceded it of being extremely beautiful and appropriate. The talented composer played the organ accompaniment with the utmost refinement and amply atoned by his skill for the omission of the cor anglais obbligato. The church was densely crowded; Mdlle de Murska's fame early attracted an overflowing congregation, so that some time prior to Vespers it was found necessary to close the doors, in order to prevent danger of accidents or commotion in the sacred building; hence a number of people were excluded, and amongst them, unfortunately, many of the regular Catholic attendants. This latter fact is much to be regretted, but, as may easily be seen, it was impossible to hit upon any plan by which places might have been reserved for them."

Referring to the first organist of St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Sydney Bulletin for June 15, says:- "Charles Sykes has been celebrating his diamond Jubilee as an Australasian organist. Born at Huddersfield, Yorkshire, in 1843, he took over the organ at the neighbouring Church at the mature age of 11, and when he landed at Dunedin in 1862 he was already a performer of some repute. After 16 years' of Maoriland he came to Melbourne and started to make music at St. Francis's Church, Lonsdale Street. Followed a period of 13 years at St. Patrick's Cathedral, during which he added further cubits to his musical stature, and then he went to St. George's, Carlton, where he is still accompanying at Masses with his old time skill. In 1880, he was one of the selected organists at Melbourne's exhibition, and for a while he officiated at the Town Hall."

Some years after St. Joseph's Cathedral was opened. Mr. A. Vallis (as organist) took charge of the choir, with Mr. W. T. Ward, and later Signor Squarise as conductor, Mr. Ward, who is the head of a brilliant musical family, has for many years been associated with Catholic choirs, doing excellent work latterly for St. Mary's Choir, Christchurch North. Mr. R. A. Loughnan was also mentioned as acting in the capacity of conductor in the rendering of the music for Christmas, 1874, when selections from Haydn's and Mozart's No. 1 Masses were produced. Eventually Signor Squarise resigned and was succeeded by Mr. O. Feil (now conducting one of the Catholic choirs of Melbourne). After the lapse of many years Signor Squarise again took up the conductorship. Mr. Vallis and Signor Squarise held their respective positions until last year, when Signor Squarise found it necessary to retire; Mr. Vallis the assumed the conductor's baton, and Mr. Fred Stokes entered upon the duties of organist, with results well in keeping with the best traditions of the choir.

VERY REV. FATHER LYNCH, C.SS.R., whose splendid work in the interests of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir is grateful remembered.

In the report of the solemn opening and dedication of St. Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday, February 14, 1886, by His Eminence Cardinal Moran, assisted by a number of Australia an New Zealand prelates, the following appeared regarding the musical arrangements: - "The music given both in the morning and in the evening was under the conductorship of Herr Scherek, who, for some time previous had been very diligent in training the choir. This consisted of a chorus of 65 voices, and an orchestra of 16, including a harpist. Solo singers being Miss Fosbery (now Lady Mills, wife of Sir James Mills), soprano; Mrs. Rose, alto; Dr. Lindo Ferguson and Mr. Izard - who kindly came from Christchurch to assist - tenors; and Messrs, Manning and Matthews, basses. Madame Scherek acted as organist. At the rehearsal preceding the functions, Rev. Father Lynch presented Herr Scherek with a conductor's baton to be used on the great occasion, beautifully carved by Mr. Godfrey in honeysuckle wood, and chastely mounted with New Zealand gold by Mr. Young. The inscription on the middle band was on one side 'Herr Benno Scherek,' and on the other 'A souvenir of the opening of St. Joseph's Cathedral, February 14, 1886,' and that on the band surrounding the end the words of the 'Lauda Sion' dscriptive of the qualities of sacred music, 'Sit lays plena, sit sonora, sit jucunda, sit decora,' A handsome case to contain this baton was of polished red pine and ribbon wood made by Mr. Pilkington. The music was quite equal to the degree of attention that had been bestowed upon it. In the morning, as the procession entered the Cathedral, the 'Ecce Sacerdos Magnus' was sung, and then followed Gounod's Messe Solennelle - a composition solemn as its name imports, devotional, and most appropriate to the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice. The Solos were given with excellent effect, and the harmonies, instrumentation, and organ accompaniments were perfect. The orchestral performance of a Largo of Handel's at the Offertory was also extremely delightful, and the Gregorian Chant of the 'Te Deum' in alternate verses, by the priests in the sanctuary were very fine. 'The War March of the Priests" from "Athalie' was the outgoing voluntary - splendidly played. In the evening, bessides the 'Ecce Sacerdos Magnus' and 'Te Deum' (sung as in the morning) the hymn 'Iste Confessor' and Mendelssohn's 'Lauda Sion' were sung (the latter stated to have been a noble performance). The usual Benediction music was rendered, and the outgoing voluntary was Meyerbeer's 'Coronation March.' The report concluded by saying: - "Herr Scherek is to be congratulated on the result of his labours: he has shown in his selection and rendering of the different items a thorough appreciation of the requirements of true ecclesiastical music Madame Scherek also, besides her masterly performance on the organ, did much to promote the happy results obtained, and deserves to share very fully in the honours of the day."

In the original choir, and down through the years, were many whose names were familiar in both local and Dominion musical circles. At some considerable pains the committee of the choir has collected the names of those who have from time to time been members, and the list is published in this Jubilee souvenir. Many visitors from aboard during the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition of 1889-1890 in Dunedin were greatly charmed by the high standard of music then rendered by the choir.

Subsequently the choir visited Christchurch, having entered a competition for choirs in connection with the Canterbury Jubilee Industrial Exhibition. This event, however, was abandoned, much to the disappointment of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, then probably at the most efficient stage in its career, which would probably have easily won the contest had it been held. While in the northern city, the choir rendered Mozart's Twelfth Mass at St. Mary's Church on the Sunday during its visit. On that occasion Mr. A. Vallis presided at the organ, and Mr. R. H. Rossiter conducted. Well deserving of mention is the very active interest taken in the choir by Rev. Father Lynch during his lengthy term of duty in connection with St. Joseph's Cathedral. Local Vocalists and musicians who, although not regular members, assisted the choir on special occasions during former years, including Mrs. H. Rose, Mr. J. Jago, Mr. F. L. Jones, Mr. J. Knox, and Mr. C. Umbers.

MR. R. A. LOUGHNAN

The Choir Fifty Years Ago
Mr R. A. Loughnan's Recollections

In response to a request for some of his valued reminiscences of the early days of St. Joseph's Choir, Mr. R. A. Loughnan (of Wellington) writes : -

The memory of my old Dunedin days is very warm, more especially those of the St. Joseph's Choir service. They were the first of my choir work of 51 years - an unbroken record of great privilege. Their memories are of pleasantest comradeship in assiduous practice, and there shine through them recollections of the good Bishop Moran of the benevolent face, and the wonderful Father Coleman of the thorough practical work. They were building the diocese on firm foundations, and the Cathedral, now such an ornament to the city, was beginning to grow under their careful hand. So was the Tablet. But heavy as the calls were upon their zeal and time, their recognition of the choir never failed in their encouragement of us for a single instant. You ask for a few of those recollections. I thankfully comply with the few lines herewith.

When I joined in 1871, the choir functioned in Old St. Joseph's, which I entered first in December, 1865, the month of my arrival from Melbourne. In the six years that followed there was great music often in the old church. Living up country, I could only hear it on occasional visits to Dunedin. On some of these I heard Julia Mathews, a delightful singer in light opera and musical comedy, who frequently visited Dunedin, and sang in the church with members of her company. Some great Masses of Mozart and Haydn they sang with the choir. Her voice was beautiful in these, and in motets at the Offertory it soared wonderfully. I was told of others - operatic stars and others - who used often to sing at High Mass, and of whose work I heard most glowing accounts from all and sundry. Thus when coming to live near Dunedin - at Green Island I joined the choir in 1871, I realised that I had become a member of a choir with a great traditional reputation.

Mr. Sykes was the organist and choirmaster, - an expectionally clever organist he was, - and he had an organ, small of course, but beautifully balanced, sonorous, with some fine stops, on which it was great to hear him play. All the great accompaniments - Mozart, Hadyn, Weber, and the rest of our not small repertory - he played like a master; his voluntaries were delightful, and we enjoyed the fine marches with which he played the congregation out. Of these the "Silver Trumpets," the March from "Eli," the Beethoven "Alleluia," I remember at a venture. And he was an accomplished and delightful exponent of the Gregorian at Vespers. Miss Hesford (Later Mrs. Angus) was our main soprano, with a glorious mezzo voice, who often took the greater contralto solo parts very effectively. Sometimes she was magnificent, as in Mozart's Twelfth, and her "Adeste" at Christmas was always simple, tender, noble, and full. Later Miss Murphy came into prominence as a soprano leader with a pure high voice. I distinctly remember her leading in the "Credo" of Hadyn's greatest inspirations of tumultuous thanksgiving.

Mr. Leary was for a time our chief basso - a great voice, very sonorous and powerful in the "Qui Tollis" of the Imperial it was, quite realising the master idea of the High Priest voicing the prayer of the people, with occasional interruptions by the faithful induced to join by sheer compulsion of the great strain. In the fine orchestral accompaniment of this - arranged for the organ - Mr. Sykes always rose to inspirational level. This is one of my best recollections of the good old days at St. Joseph's.

Another is of the performance of Gounod's "Messe Solennelle" by the entire force of Cagli's Opera Company, which delighted Dunedin in the early seventies with Italian opera. It was one of those companies common in Italy, of singers not of European reputation, but all very capable in artistry, for Italian audiences know their operas and tolerate nothing that is not really good. Singer Cagli on this occasion was good enough to send three principals -Signora Coy, soprano, a delightful light voice of great sympathy; Signor Coy, a liquid pure tenor; and Signor Dondi, a basso of enormous power and fine quality - and his whole chorus and orchestra under Herr Zimmerman. How we packed them all into the organ loft and found room for the choir which, knowing every note, was useful, I can hardly remember. But it was done, and the result was a performance of that great work such as has never been heard but that unforgottable once in New Zealand.

Another recollection is of a concert given by the choir, which, like all choirs of all times, required to supplement its library fund. It was a miscellaneous concert - First part, selections from Haydn's Imperial Mass; second part, songs, duets, etc. It was a new departure in Dunedin, rather ambitious. We were very excited, and I remember one of the great choruses of the Mass ran away with us, or we ran away with the chorus, put it how you like, and the Press was very good to us next day. I regret to add that the audience was not large. But it made up by kindness for lack of numbers. There was a Choral Society in those days which used to mass forces on the oratorio stage far beyond our power. But nobody made any comparisons, at all events not in cold print. So there was no harm done. And after all, dear sins, we didn't do so badly - and the benevolent smile on the faces of the good Bishop and his padres heartened us up a good bit.

What more can I say but that we went the even tenor of our way. Some Sundays we were brilliant, especially when some travelling professional came and helped with a motel - for example Mr. Amery, who used to give a rousing rendering on the concert platform of "Why Do the Nations," sang the sonorous "Ecce Deus" at the Offertory and led the bass in the Mass music - and some Sundays in winter when "coughing drowned the parson's saw" we were anything but brilliant. But we kept up our good repertory, and almost always attended practice - that was a joy worth the ride of seven miles in and out of from Green Island.

Early in 1875 (January) came the bitter day of parting from the choir.

Leaving for Christchurch to take up journalism, I took leave of my friends - Mr. Smith (who is still a member of St. Joseph's, I hear), a fellow veteran; Mr. Milner, the veteran of our day, who criticised us with comparisons of choir doings at Ushaw College what time he was a lusty young basso and we were babies, and taught us what tradition was, and who, alas, has joined the majority; and Mr. Cantwell, the exact, conscientious secretary, who did all our financing with rigorous punctuality and methodical exactness; the ladies aforesaid; and many more too numerous to mention. It was a sad parting. I have sung in choirs regularly since, in Christchurch, Wellington, Sydney, and again in Wellington, where still I enjoy the privilege. But never have I seen to hear the voices of the old days when the terror of a small solo on Sunday morning kept me awake with fright half the Saturday night.

MR. W. T. WARD

Mr W. T. Ward's Recollections

In response to a request for his Recollection of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, Mr. W. T. Ward, of Christchurch, a former valued member, very kindly supplied the following interesting narratives: -

Your letter came duly to hand, and I thank you for remembering me in connection with the forthcoming Jubilee. I fear I may not be able to provide anything of outstanding interest, but I will do what I can.

I arrived in Dunedin on transfer in the Department to which I belonged in December, 1885, and on the first Sunday thereafter at Vespers, I became aware that Father P. M. Lynch (now at the Philippines), who was the preacher, noticed my presence, and so I was not surprised when he intercepted me at the church door at the conclusion of Benediction. I had already met Father Lynch in Southland, where he was relieving various priests, and we had some pleasant musical meetings. He at once whisked me around to the choir loft, introduced me to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir, and there and then made me one of a body amongst the members of which I spent many happy years - covering nearly a quarter of a century. I still have my ticket of membership, dated December 17, 1885, and bearing the sign manual of one who was loved by the generations through which he lived, and the memory of whom will be recovered while St. Joseph's stands-
"+P. MORAN."

The choir loft was in a recess on the north side of the old St. Joseph's, and although members were limited in number, I recollect it was a tight squeeze when we were all there. I find it impossible to recall the names of all the members, after a lapse of nearly 40 years. "Labuntur Anni", and with them glide away into the recesses of the brain the recollections and impressions which at the time seemed unforgettable, but which will no more respond to my call than would the "spirits from the vastly deep" answer to the Welsh Wizard.

Amongst the number were a few who became distinguished vocalists, not only in the choir, but in musical circles outside - Miss L. Corrigan, Miss Walsh, Misses Walker and Carroll, and occasionally Miss Hereford, who afterwards, as Mrs. Angus, became a permanent member of the Cathedral Choir. Of the men I can only recall Mr. N. Smith and Mr. W. Cantwell. I believe the two first named ladies are still singing. Mr. Cantwell died after a long and most useful career, both as a vocalist and as secretary and the holder of other official positions in the choir. The organist was Mr. Michael Ennis.

Shortly after I joined, practice was commenced under the conductorship of Herr Benno Scherek for the music to be used at the opening of the Cathedral, which was to take place (and did) at an early date. The Mass, as you no doubt are aware, was Gounod's "Messe Solennelle," and for the evening Mendelssohn's "Lauda Sion." If I remember rightly the number of vocalists was about 70, and I can recall the terrific efforts, and accompanying "sotto roce" expletives (chiefly in German), of the distracted conductor, to knock the pronunciation of the Latin into his choir, the bulk of whom were outsiders, and as familiar with Latin as a Red Indian. The soloists were also, strange to say, outsiders.

In these day of Masses liturgically arranged and so considerably shortened, I marvel at the patience of the priests sitting through those lengthy works of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, and others, but I remember we were eventually brought to our bearings by the late Father Murphy: he and the boys simply walked out of the sanctuary while we were still going full tilt at the "Dona Nobis Pacem."

The Cathedral was opened shortly after I became a member - in the following February. I need not describe that tremendous function, at which nearly the whole of the Hierarchy of Australia, including Cardinal Moran, was present. The choir, and a small but efficient orchestra, was under the conductorship of Herr Scherek, with Madame Scherek at the organ. I sang amongst the basses in the Mass, but played with the first violins in "Laude Sion" in the evening. While the procession was coming from the Palace to the Cathedral in the morning, the Salvation Army came up Rattray Street in all its glory of drum, flags, and vocal display. Most people thought this bordered on rudeness, but my impressions was that they intended the intrusion as an honour.

After the opening of the Cathedral, the numerical strength of the choir was greatly increased. Mr. Ennis continued at the organ for some time, until Herr Scherek was appointed organist and choirmaster. The choir increased in strength and experience, but the want of a conductor to give the necessary steadiness was manifest. The Bishop and Father Lynch wanted me to take it on, but the minnow did not feel equal to the duct with the Triton. During Herr Scherek's term of office he organised a successful series of concerts to raise funds for adding two new stops to the organ. Several of those who are now veterans in the choir joined about this time, and the results were on the whole very satisfactory. Herr Scherek's professional engagements obliged him to resign after a not very long innings, and Miss D. Horan was appointed organist, and I was persuaded into the position of conductor, to my great perturbation. However, we got on very well together. The members took a great interest in the work, and the attendance was always very good. These were not the outside attractions or distractions in those days that in these degenerate days are such a drawback to choirs and kindred societies. Mrs. Angus was now a member, and her magnificent contralto was a great attraction.

St. Joseph's was very popular amongst vocalists and instrumentalists outside the Church, and as the Bishop and Father Lynch approved of and were fond of such incidental music, it was often availed of for Offertory or evening devotions. Frequently Masses were sung with full orchestral accompaniment; this was always the case at Christmas and Easter, and no opera company was allowed to pass through Dunedin without being laid under a contribution. Mr. Percy Kehoe, of Williamson and Musgrove's, was well known at St. Joseph's.

I cannot recall the length of Miss Horan's term as organist, but after a short interval she was succeeded by Mr. A. Vallis, who also took the position of choirmaster, and I still retained the position of conductor. We worked together for some years, and the choir reached a high degree of efficiency.

Owing to the nature of my offical duties, I was obliged to resign on the 2nd November, 1898. During Mr. Vallis's twelve months' trip to England a few years later I took charge of the choir, Mr. F. Stokes (the present organist) taking the organ.

In the period covered by my choir service, in addition to the stalwarts still in the choir, many have come and gone whose names will not easily be forgotten. Who that knew and heard her will ever forget Miss Kate Murphy, who took her sweet voice to the Angelic Choir. And besides those already mentioned there were Mrs. Angus, the sisters Rose and Kitty Blaney, and Miss Woods - there were indeed giants in those days. And amongst the men were Ford, Harris, Ben Stevens, William and Joseph Cantwell, both of whom were, alas, carried off at the very full tide of their usefulness. All will remember Mr. J. O. Feil, with his weird skull and crossbones tie-pin, and his uncanny gift of reading one's bump, and his highly strung musical enthusiasm. There are other great ones, but lapse of time has reduced them almost to phantoms.

I had the honor and pleasure of having some of the greater singers of the age under my baton, amongst them Mr. Santley, who sang the bass parts of Mozart's Twelfth Mass on Christmas Day, 1889; Trebelli, or Dolores, as she is now named; Signor Foli, and many others.

Amongst my proud possessions is a gold-mounted baton of honeysuckle wood, in a beautiful case, which was presented to me by Bishop Moran on Easter Sunday, 1889. Amongst other functions, I had the mournful honor of conducting the choir at the funeral obsequies of the late Bishop Moran, and I also wielded the baton at the installation of his successor, the late Bishop Verdon.

None who were members of the choir while Father P. Lynch was connected with it could turn their minds towards choir matters without having him in their thoughts. The Rev. Gentleman's musical enthusiasm and energy were simply marvellous; he was the friend of each and all of the members, and he left nothing undone to promote the well-being of the choir, and the members who were honored with his friendship will hold him in affectionate remembrance.

The celebration of these jubilees will be a great event in the history of the choir, and the meeting of , say Mr. N. Smith, the last minstrel of the old choir, and the latest addition to the present one, will be profoundly interesting.

I regret most deeply that the privilege of assisting at the function, and meeting choir associates, ranging from about the present choir back nearly 40 years, will not be mine, but I will be there, as far as one can be, in thought and spirit.

The Choir's Extended Influence

Mrs. Nolan (nee Miss C. Pearson), of Darfield, and her sister, Mrs Pringle (nee Miss R. Pearson), Mosgiel), relate an interesting phase of the choir's work in former days. This was in connection with St. Cecilia's Glee Club, which had a very useful career in the training of voices the possessors of which were later drafted into St. Joseph's Choir. Mrs. Nolan and her sister were juniors in St. Cecilia's. At Waitahuna for about eight years onwards from 1903. Mrs. Pringle did excellent work in training the voices of the local children of ages ranging from six to fourteen years, in Church music. The voices thus prepared subsequently formed the church choir, and from 1913 were for several years trained by Mrs. Nolan. "I just took my eye from Mr. Vallis to train my choir," said Mrs. Nolan, "and I was well rewarded for my trouble, I may mention that some of my girls are now singing in the Gore Catholic Choir. The Waitahuna Choir became so efficient as to receive the warm commendation of the then pastor (Monsignor O'Leary) and the encomiums of visiting clergy. The Masses of Bordese, Concone, and other composers were produced, although as leader Mrs. Nolan had to write the whole of the parts from a single copy - a work of very considerable magnitude, but cheerfully undertaken because of her intense love of Church music. These feets were related to the present writer to show the wide influence exerted by St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, and the thorough training the members received.

ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL CHOIR, 1922
(Absent) - Miss A. McCready, Miss M. Rodgers, Miss E. Knott, Miss A. Tarleton, Mr. T. J. Hussey

REV. J. FOLEY, ADMINISTRATOR.,
President of the Choir in the Jubilee Year.

Successful Jubilee Celebration

St. Joseph's Hall, Rattray St, Dunedin, bore quite a gala appearance on Thursday night, October 12, on the occasion of a reunion of past and present members of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir to celebrate a double event in its history - the Diamond Jubilee of its formation as a church choir and its Golden Jubliee as a Cathedral one. Amongst those present were Very Rev. C. Morkane (rector) and Rev. Brother Bowler, principal of the Christian Brothers' School, Dunedin. Since the celebration was decided upon some weeks ago, the utmost enthusiasm has been manifested in the movement, with the result that a remarkably successful function was achieved, and a gathering that was in many ways unique established a record that will go down in the history of the Church in this Dominion. The decorations of the hall were on an elaborate scale, and reflected the greatest possible credit on the taste and industry of those who brought about such a transformation from the otherwise plain and commonplace surroundings. Flags, drapings, palms, pot plants, and vases of flowers were requisitioned for decorative purposes, and were certainly used to the most effective advantage. A large joybell hung from the ceiling in the centre, and similar symbols were suspended from every light around the hall. That the occasion was one of joyousness was evident on all sides, and the greetings among those who had not met for many years were sincere and heartfelt. Strange as it may appear, the very latest recruit to the choir had the happiness, along with the whole company, to hear Mrs. J. J. Connor, one of the very first choristers of 60 years ago, again on the concert stage (and very sweetly she sang, too); also the veteran singer of the 'sixties, Mr. N. Smith; Mrs. J. Hamer (nee Miss Fuller) of later date and well-remembered artistry, who still sings with all the charm and true talent which gained her such popularity; and such old-timers as Mr. J. Coughlan and Mr. J. Deaker.

THE LATE RIGHT REV. MICHAEL VERDON, D.D.,
Second Bishop of Dunedin

In opening the proceedings, Rev. Father Foley, Adm. (who presided in the unavoidable absence of his Lordship the Bishop), expressed the pleasure it gave him to undertake the duty of presiding at a function of such historic interest. The history of St. Joseph's Choir formed part of that of St. Joseph's parish and of the diocese, and the present celebration was one of peculiar interest and pleasure by the fact that associated that night with the choir as now constituted was Mrs. J. J. Connor, Mrs. Wise, and others of the old-timers who in their day rendered the music of the Church with so much devition and artistic merit. The choir was rich in tradition - a tradition set by the pioneers and well maintained right down the long years to our own time. We owe much to the pioneer Bishop and priests for the whole-hearted interest they ever displayed in choir work. In later times, too, Bishop Verdon, of revered memory, did much to foster Church music. His cultured voice heard in the glorious ceremonies of Holy Church deeply impressed all hearers, and left an undying remembrance. No less an interest is being manifested by our present beloved Bishop, Right Rev. Dr. Whyte, who, though compelled through an important engagement to be absent, wrote the following before his departure for Australia: -

RIGHT REV. JAMES WHYTE, D.D.,
Bishop of Dunedin

I keenly regret that I shall be absent from your jubilee celebrations. If I were present, it would afford me great pleasure to testify to the high standard of musical taste, that I have learned to associate with the Cathedral choir. Its long and honourable career makes the present members justly proud of it; and, if it ever attained to a higher degree of musical perfection than it displays now, all praise to the cultural musicians that left behind them such a high ideal to stimulate the talented vocalists of today.

I am unwilling, however, to admit that the rendering of Mass and Vespers and Benediction in hygone days displayed more exquisite taste than we are favoured with today. You and your associates are to be commended not only for your musical attainments, but also for the enthusiasm and unselfishness which you bring to the meritorious work of singing the praises of God.

I regret that I cannot be with you to assure you again of the keen delight with with I always listen to your devotional and cultural rendering of our sacred music.

With my best thanks and my hearty congratulations to every members of St. Joseph's choir.

Yours faithfully,
+ J. WHYTE.

His Lordship's letter was received with great applause. Concluding his remarks, Father Foley very warmly congratulated the choir on the attainment of its jubilee, and cordially wished it a continuance of the same high place in the musical world it has for so long and so honourably filled. He eulogised the services of Mr. Vallis as choirmaster, and trusted he may be long spared to carry on the great work for which he is so admirably fitted. Tributes were also paid to the long and distinguished services of Signor Squarise as conductor; to Mrs. Sandys, whose artistic vocalisation has been a feature over many years; Mr. P. Carolin, one of the finest singers and most energetic members of former days; Mr. W. G. Rossiter, who first joined the choir 37 years ago, and still takes his place with all his accustomed musical ability; and Mr. J. McGrath, one of the most valued members of any period. There are others, too, deserving of special mention did space permit.

Mr. H. K. Poppelwell (secretary to the celebration committee) read the following letter from the Right Rev. Dr. Liston, Coadjutor Bishop of Auckland: -

I wish it were possible to accept the kind invitation to be present at the St. Joseph's Choir celebrations on October 12, but alas! I can only send my greetings and my warm good wishes for the future.

RIGHT REV. J. M. LISTON, D.D.,
Co-Adjutor Bishop of Auckland

St Joseph's Cathedral is my bit of Heaven on earth. I made my first Confession and Communion there, was confirmed, served Mass, was ordained, preached, administered the Sacraments, and last of all consecrated. Father and mother worshipped there, and in my memory the Cathedral will always be associated with the ministrations of Dr. Moran and Father Lynch (both of whom sent me to study for the priesthood), Father Murphy, my saintly Bishop, Dr. Verdon, my closest friend, Father Coffey, and my brother and your Bishop, Dr. Whyte. The Cathedral choir is intimately bound up in the hearts of all of us Dunedinites with the tender associations that cling round St. Joseph's, for during all these years the choir has, by its splendid service of divine praise, made the Cathedral a truly sacred place.

As an old parishioner I thank you one and all, especially faithful Mr. Vallis, for your fine work in St. Joseph's and I join with your beloved Bishop in wishing you every blessing.

Yours faithfully and sincerely,

+JAMES M. LISTON,
Coadjutor-Bishop of Auckland

Letters were also read from Mr. W. T. Ward (Christchurch), Mr. J. McKennah (Timaru), Mr. J. O. Feil (Melbourne), Mr. Therold Waters (Melbourne), and Mr. W. J. Brookes (Wellington). Herr Scherek cabled greetings and congraluations from Melbourne. Telegrams of congraluations were received from Rev. Father O'Reilly (Port Chalmers), Mrs Lynch (Timaru), Mr. W. F. Corrigan (Christchurch), and Miss Gwen Wilson (Wellington), and letters from Mrs. Goulter (nee Miss M. C. Callan), Marlborough; Mrs. Angus, Wanganui; Mrs. Armit, Wellington; Mrs Costelloe (nee Miss Kitty Blaney), Wellington; Mr. J. Swanson, Timaru; Mr. J. McGrath, Christchurch; Mr. and Mrs J. J. Connor, jun., Wellington; Mr. T. O'Donnell, Te Kuiti; Christian Brothers, Dunedin; also Mrs. D. Columb, Miss Millea, Miss Fraser, Mr. J. J. Connor, Mrs L. J. Woods, and Miss M. Murphy (all of Dunedin).

Mr. T. J. Hussey, who said he had been asked to address a few words to the assemblage on the present joyous occasion in place of Mr. P. Carolin, a much-valued past member of the choir, who unfortunately was prevented from illness from attending, spoke in reminiscent vein, and described what he termed the three periods of the choir's career. It was especially gratifying to have Mrs. Connor, one of the very first members, present, and the speaker voice the regret of all that others of the family were unable to be there. Mr. Hussey related many interesting incidents which were appreciated by his hearers, and referred to the part taken by the late Mr. Charles Santley in the Tenebrae at St Joseph's during his visit to Dunedin, and to the charming character and vocalisation of Miss Rose Blaney, who was such an asset to the choir 21 years ago. He paid a tribute to the brave-hearted pioneers who had set such a high standard of faith and devotion, and in conclusion eulogised the fine work done and being done in choir matters by Mr. Vallis.

ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL IN 1897.

Mr. Poppelwell (secretary) mentioned that old members present, other than thoe spoke of in other connections, included Miss Mace, Wellington; Mrs. Catherine Wise, Oamaru; Mr. M. Curran, Clinton; Mrs. Constance Nolan, Darfield (Canterbury); Mrs. Fraher, Naseby; Mrs. Pringle, Mosgiel; Mrs. Garvey, Waikaia; Miss K. Grave, Oamaru; Mrs Nyhon, Pukehiki; Miss D. Comyns, Temuka. He apologised for the absence of Mr. F. Stoke (organist), whose professional engagements prevented his attendance. All were pleased to see, among others, Signor Squarise at the gathering. Sincerest thanks were due to Miss Heley and the other members of the ladies' committee for their fine work in decorationg the hall (assisted by Mr. J. Woods, who had spent the whole day at the task, and deserved special recognition), and for supplying supper on so sumptuous a scale. The following musical programme was rendered: -

Songs - "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," Mr. D. Fogarty; "Sapphie Ode," Mrs. F. Woods; "Ora Pro Nobis" (encored), Mrs. J. J. Connor' "Home They Brought Her Warrior Dead" (encored), Mr. J. Coughlan; "Convien Partir," Miss F. Gardner; "When Other Lips" (encore, "Dear Little Shamrock"), Mr. N. Smith; "Twas April" (encored, "Just a Wreath of Roses"), Mrs. Hamer; "The Sea Road" (encore, "Hybrias the Cretan"), Mr. F. Woods; humorous song, Mr. J. Deaker; duet, "Watchman! What of the Night?" Messers. H. Poppelwell and F. Heley; recitation, "My Sweetheart." Mr. J. Flynn, Mrs. J. D. Woods and Mr. A. Vallis acted as accompanists.

Before dispersing, Father Foley thanked the performers for the delightful entertainment they had provided, and Mr. J. Flynn expressed the gratitude of the choir as a whole to the secretary for the manner in which he had organised the celebration, and to others who had rendered much valued services. The choir desires to sincerely thank Messrs. C. Begg and Co. for supplying piano; Mr. D. Tannock (Botanical Gardens) and Mr. J. J. Salmon (Dunedin Fire Brigade) for kindly supplying pot-plants and flags respectively.

Observance of the Jubilee at St. Joseph's Cathedral.

The choir's jubilee was fittingly observed at St. Joseph's Cathedral at the eleven o'clock Mass on Sunday, when a fine discourse on "Church Music" was delievered by Rev. Dr. Buxton, of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, who in the course of his remarks referred to the choir's great record, and to the spirit in which the present celebration was being entered into by the whole congregation. Rev. Father Foley was celebrant, and the music, splendidly rendered by a choir of 45 voices, was Weber's Mass in G. There was a large congregation.

In the evening the Cathedral was crowded to capacity, when the choir gave a recital of sacred music. The vocalists were at their best, and the recital will be long regarded with pleasure, marking at it did the closing feature of a memorable event. The evening's devotions were commenced with the Holy Rosary and after the recital Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given.

Following was the programme: -Organ solo, "Grande Offertoire" (Batiste), Mr. A. Vallis; chorus, "Kyrie and Gloria" (Mozart's 12th Mass), choir; solo, "O Rest in the Lord" (Mendelssohn), Mrs. F. Woods; motel, "Cor Jesu" (J. S. Smith), Mrs. Fraher and choir; solo, "Like as the Hart Desireth" (Allitsen), Mr. F. Woods; solo "If With All Your Hearts" (Mendelosshn), Mr. D. Fogarty; solo, "O Divine Redeemer" (Gounod), Miss F. Gardner; male chorus, "Per Signum Crucis"; solo, "Panis Angelius" (Cesar Franck), Miss B. Vallis; solo and chorus, "Pater Noster" (Niedermeyer), Mr. H. Poppelwell and choir; solo, "Ave Maria" (Mascagni), Miss K. Carter; "Hallelujah Chorus" (Messiah), choir. The music at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was-"O Salutaris" (Rossiter), Mrs. Fraher; "Te Deum" (cantor, Mr. F. Heley) choir; "Tantum Ergo" (M. Hadyn), "Divine Praises" (A. Vallis), "Adoremus" (Barratt), choir. Owing to Mr. F. Stokes' anavoidable absence,
Mr. A Valllis presided at the organ and Mr. T. J. Hussey conducted.

THE LATE VERY REV. FATHER MURPHY,
Former Administrator at St. Joseph's Cathedral

RIGHT REV. MGR. COFFEY,
Whose term of office as Administrator at St. Joseph's Cathedral extended over fifteen years.

Some further references.

Writing from Ross (Westland), under date October 16, 1922, to the Editor of the N.Z. Tablet, Mr. A. P. Sharkey refers thus to the choir: -

Sir,- The article in connection with St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir brings back to memory my childhood days, and though only a very small boy in 1864 and 1865, I remember going to school in old St. Joseph's Church. It was certained off down the centre - one side for the boys and the other side for the girls. Mr. Shepherd was the master's name, a veritable ogre in my sight, a martinet of the old school, and he used to likc me well occasionally for my delinquencies, which I well deserved. Miss Campion was the teacher on the girls' side, and in my boyish mind was the most beautiful girl in the world, and all the girls seemed to adore her, my sisters particularly. I remembered the first Midnight Mass sung by the choir, and also the first Vespers and Benediction, and the church seemed like heaven to me, being gorgeously decorated and lit up with cut-glass chandeliers which were sparkling like thousands of diamonds and all the congregation standing up and singing with the choir "Ave Maria Stella"; that hymn and the "Adeste Fideles" have been retained above all others in my memory ever since. And that dear old French priest, Father Moreau; he loved us boys and used to often come on to the playground and give us gaily coloured footballs, bats, marbles, etc. He spoke very broken English, and I could not understand him or Father Martin either, but they were so kind and good to us all. Just before my father left Dunedin for the Hokitika rush, a very large bell arrived for the church, and was set up temporarily on the playground; it was so large that we often took shelter under it when it came on to rain. I suppose you have got it yet. There are two sisters (twins) in Hokitika who used to sing in the first St .Joseph's Choir when first formed.

Their names were Jane and Emma Fitzsimmons; one is now Mrs. Harvey. One had a soprano and the other a contralto voice, and for 25 years they were the finest amateur singers on the West Coast, and their name on any concert programme was sure to draw a crowded house. Mr. Thos Fitsimmons, their brother, and a schoolmate of mine, is a general dealer in Greymouth at present, and we often have a crack about the early days in Dunedin.

*

While the advance pages of this souvenir were in the press, the sad news was received of the death of Mr. W. T. Ward, of Christchurch. Pathetic interest is therefore attached to these pages by the fact that they contain a beautifully written contribution from the pen of Mr. Ward, whose death will be sincerely lamented by every member of the choir.-R.I.P.

Sistine Choir Soloists Join with St. Joseph's Choir

A notable incident in connection with St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir was the visit, in the jubilee year, of the Sistine Choir Soloists, who sang at St. Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday evening, November 5, 1922. The soloists included Signor Paganelli (lyrie tenor), Signor Sarti (lyric tenor), Signor Pasinati (lyric tenor), Signor Facchini (robust tenor), Signor Gatti (robust tenor), Signor Rasponi (baritone), Signor Belli (bass), Signor Constantini (bass), and Maestro Casolari (conductor and accompanist). The Cathedral was densely crowded on the occasion. The Soloists as a whole assisted the choir in the rendition of the "Tantum Ergo," "Divine Praises," and "Adoremus" at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and other numbers were given as follows: Duet, "Crucifix" (Fauré), Signors Facchini and Rasponi; solo, "Ave Maria" (Luzzi), Signor Paganelli; "O Salutaris" (Perosi), combined Soloists, under the conductorship of Maestro Cosolari (unaccompanied). The visiting artists also assisted the choir at the eleven o'clock Mass, the music being Weber's Mass in G, with the "Ave Verum" (Mozart) at the Offertory. Mr T. J. Hussey conducting. Mr. Fred Stokes presided at the organ morning and evening. At the evening devotions Rev. Father Morkane, Rector of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, preached a fine discourse on "The Church and Arts," making special reference to the glorious music of the Church, and to the presence of the Sistine Soloists. In conclusion Father Morkane addressed the distinguished visitors in their own language.

After devotions a reception was accorded the Soloists by the members of the choir in St. Joseph's Hall. The choir, accompanied by the organist (Mr. F. Stokes), sang the "Kyrie" and "Gloria" from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, and, with Mrs. Sandys as soloist, the "Inflammatus" from Rossini's "Stabat Mater." A vocal solo was also sung by Mr. F. Woods, and a duet by Messers. H. Poppelwell and F. Heley. Rev. Father Morkane welcomed the Soloists in Italian, Maestro Casolari replying in English.

Past and Present Personnel of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir

Life Members:
Blaney, Miss Rose (elected 1921); Carolin, Mr. P. (elected prior to 1911); Feil, Mr. Otto (elected prior to 1911); Squarise, Signor R. (elected 1921); Smith, Mr. Nicholas (elected 1921); McGrath, Mr. John (elected 1921); Ward, Mr. W. T. (elected prior to 1911).

Honorary Members:
Wilson, Mr. J.J. (elected 1922) .

Members:

Angus, Mrs. Wm.; Angus, Mr. Wm.; Anderson, Mr. Peter; Baber, Mr.; Blood,, Miss Bunbury, Miss; Brookes, Mr. M. J..; Blaney, Miss Rose (Mrs. Capt. Irvine, life member, 1921); Blaney, Miss Kitty (Mrs. Costello); Blaney, Miss Mary (Mrs J. J. Connor, jun.); Bryant, Miss M. (Mrs. Comer, member 1922); Bryant, Miss Lily; Bradshaw, Miss Lena; Brady, Miss Alice (member 1922); Byrne, Mr. (R.I.P.); Blandford, Miss (member 1922); Burke, Miss M. (R.I.P); Byrne, Miss; Byrne, Miss Kath; Byrne, Miss Mary; Brown, Mr. W. J. (member 1922); Banbury, Miss (member 1922); Black, Miss Jessie; Brobery, Mrs.; Behan, Mr. Patk.; Bush, Miss (Mrs. E. H. Eagar); Connor, Mrs. J. J. (1863); Connor, Mr. J. J. (secretary 1864); Cantwell, Joseph (R.I.P.); Cantwell, Willliam (R.I.P.); Corliss, Mr. Paul (R.I.P); Corrigan, Miss Emily; Corrigan, Mr. Albert A.; Corrigan, Mr. W. H.; Corrigan, Miss Lena (Mrs. Fennell); Carroll, Miss Ellen Jane; Conway, Miss Ada (Mrs. Neave); Carolin, Mr P. (life member); Clark, Mr. Wm. (R.I.P.); Chiaroni, Mr. A.; Carroll, Mr. T.; Clancy, Mr. Ed.; Columb, Mr. Chas.; Columb, Mr. R. (R.I.P.); Columb, Miss Lily (member 1922); Cantwell, Mrs. Wm.; Crenan, Mr. (2); Connor, Mr. J. J. jun,; Colville, Mr. J. (R.I.P.); Callan, Miss M. (Mrs. Goulter, organist); Callan, Mr. J. B.; Coughlan, Mr. J. (1877); Comyns, Miss Daisy; Curran, Mr. Mat (ex-secretary); Coughlan, Mr. Maurice (secretary, member 1922); Coughlan, Mr. Leonard (member 1922); Crisp, Miss Teresa; Connor, Miss Lucy (Mrs. Cotter); Carr, Miss (Mrs. J. B. Flynn, member 1922); Clark, Miss (R.I.P.); Campbell, Miss (Mrs. D. Fogarty); Cassidy, Mr. J. (member 1922); Craig, Miss; Carter, Miss; Carter, Miss K. (member 1922); Cahill, Mr. (R.I.P.); Coffey, Monsignor J, (President); Crawford, Miss Elizabeth (mrs. A. Vallis, member 1922); Chapman, Miss Lucy (Mrs. Oxpring); Driscoll, Miss; Deehan, Mr. T.; Dunne, Mr. R. A.; Dunne, Mr. Ed.; Drumm, Miss M. (member 1922); Drumm, Miss Rebecca; Drumm, Mr. John; Drumm, Mr. Thos; Delan, Mr.; Deaker, Mr. J.; Daniels, Mr. P. F.; Devaney, Mr. R. (member 1922); Davis, Miss; Doyle, Miss; Drury, Miss; Dunnn, Miss; Donaldson, Miss; Dillon, Miss Clare (member 1922); Dunne, Mr. Jas; Ennis, Mr. T. ; Eagar, Mr. E. H.; Eagar, Mr. Chas. F. (member 1922); Eccles, Mr. Hugh (member 1922); Fleury, Mr.; Ferguson, Mrs. (Dr.). R.I.P.; Fagan, Miss Mary; Fleming, Mr. R. (organist); Fleming, Miss; Fottrell, Mr. Chris.; Feil, Mr. Otto (conductor, life member); Fennell, Mr. C.; Fitzpatrick, Miss; Farrell, Miss H.; Flynn, Miss Marion; Flynn, Miss Teresa; Flynn, Mr. J. B. (ex-secretary, member 1922); Fraser, Miss Violet (Mrs. E. T. Mee); Fraser, Miss Effie; Fraser, Mr. J. J.; Francy, Miss; Fogarty, Mr. Daniel (member 1922); Fogarty, Mr. Frank (member 1922); Fogarty, Mr. Len (member 1922); Falconer, Miss Kate (Mrs. M. McGrath); Fitzgerald, Mr.; Flood, Mr. (second organist); Fitzpatrick, Miss; Fuller, Mr. John, sen.,; Flynn, Miss E. (Mrs. J. B. Eager); Foley, Very Rev. Father (President, member 1922); Fitzsimmons, Miss Jane (Mrs. Tetrazzini); Fitzsimmons, Miss Emma (Mrs. Catalani); Griffey, Mr. J. (R.I.P.); Graham, Miss (Mrs. Wise); Graham, Mr. A. F.; Geerin, Mr. John; Grave, Miss K.; Gardner, Miss F. (member 1922); Higgins, Mr. T.; Hutcheson, Miss; Horan, Miss Dorinda (organist, R.I.P.); Horan, Miss Kate (R.I.P.); Hegarty, Miss (Mrs. C. Todd); Hegarty, Miss K.; Hesford, Miss M.; Hesford, Mr. G., jun.; Healey, Mr.; Hill, Miss (Mrs. King); Heley, Miss Addie (member 1922); Heley, Miss Julie (Mrs Herbert); Heley, Mr. Frank (member 1922); Hall, Miss Nellie (Mrs. R. Columb); Hastings, Miss L.; Hastings, Miss M.; Heffernan, Miss M. (Mrs. McGuigan, R.I.P.); Holden, Miss L. (member 1922); Holden, Miss A. (member 1922); Higgins, Mr. J.; Hannigan, Miss K. (Mrs. de Courcey); Hussey, Mr. T. J. (conductor, member 1922); Hally, Mr. John (member 1922); Hally, Mrs. John (member); Hally, Mr. Thos.; Hughes, Miss Clara; Hughes, Mr. Harry; Hughes, Mr. Thos.(member 1922); Hallans, Mr.; Hayes, Miss Kate; Hawke, Miss; Hall, Mr. Wm.; Hamer, Mrs.; Hughes, Miss K. (Sister Mary Xavier); Harris, Mr. J. T.; Harris, Mr. A. (R.I.P.); Jones, Mr. F. L.; Johnstone, Miss Maria (Mrs. H.C. Garvey); Johnstone, Miss (Mrs. Nyhon); Jackson, Mrs. M. A.; Jackson, Mr. (R.I.P.); Jago, Mr. James (R.I.P.); Jones, Miss Margaret (Mrs Carroll); Kehoe, Mr. Percy; King, Miss (Mrs. Alan Young); Kennedy, Miss Freda; Kelly, Mr. Patk. (member 1922); Knott, Miss N. (member 1922); Keligher, Mr. P. (R.I.P.); Lynch, Rev. Father P. M., C.SS.R.; Lemon, Mr. Paul; Leary, Mr. T. J. (conductor); Leary, Miss H. (Mrs. M. Flannery); Loughnan, Mr. R. H.; Lemon, Mrs. Paul; Loughlan, Mr. J (R.I.P.); Leahy (Mr. Thos. F. (ex-secretary); Little, Mrs. R. (accompanist 1922); Leonard, Miss Elvira; Laffey, Miss I. (Mrs. A. Macdonald); Lyons, Miss (Mrs. H. C. Muggleton); Lawlor, Miss K.; Leyburn, Mr. Wm. (R.I.P.); L'Estrange, Miss; Lennon, Mr. R.; Morrison, Miss Mary (Mrs. Baxter); Miller, Mr. Michael; Manning, Mr. Wm.; Merriweather, Mr. (first organist, R.I.P.); Meade, Mrs. (R.I.P.); Murphy, Mr. Arthur; Mills, Miss M. (Mrs Greenslade); Mills, Miss Rose (member 1922); Milner, Mr. J.; Murphy, Mrs . M. (R.I.P.); Murphy, Miss K.; Murphy, Miss E. (Mrs. L. Woods); Monk, Mr.; Moloney, Miss Polly (Mary); Moloney, Miss Kate; Moloney, Miss Lena; Moloney, Miss Doris; Mee, Mr. E. J.; Murdoch, Mr.; Miles, Mr. Hugh; Mace, Miss; Millea, Miss Annie; Millea, Miss Maggie; Mowat, Mr.; Meenan, Miss G. (Mrs. Hall); Meyer, Mr.; Moran, His Lordship Bishop (R.I.P); Marshall, Miss; Moloney, Miss Polly (Mrs. O'Brien); McDonald, Mr. Dennis (R.I.P.); McRory, Miss; McCosker, Mr. T. J.; McKenna, Mr. John; McEvoy, Mr. Wm.; McLaren, Miss; McGrath, Miss; McGrath, Mr. John (elected life member 1921); McKenzie, Miss (Mrs. Burke, jun.); McKersey, Miss (Mrs Hannigan); McNamara, Mr. Neil; McLachlan, Miss Kate (Mrs Henley); McCombie, Mr.; McKearney, Mr. (R.I.P); McGuire, Miss; McCready, Miss A. (member 1922); Newman, Miss (Mrs. Geary); Norman, Mr. Alf.; Norman, Mr. Chas.; Norman, Miss Alice; Noonan, Miss (2); Neilson, Mr. W.; Neilson, Mrs. W.; O'Leary, Mr.; O'Driscoll, Miss; O'Reilly, Rev, Father; O'Sullivan, Miss.N.; O'Connell, Mr. Thos.; O'Brien, Miss (Mrs. Gibbs); O'Gorman, Miss; O'Keefe, Miss (Mrs. W. Murphy); Poppelwell, Miss Polly (Mrs Dempster); Poppelwell, Miss L. F. (Mrs Ginn); Poppelwell, Mr. Colin; Pearson, Miss Connie (Mrs. Nolan); Pearson, Miss Ruth (Mrs Pringle); Phillips, Mr. Richard; Power, Mrs. R. A.; Power, Mr. R. A.; Pound; Miss May (Mrs. Fraher), Paget; Miss (member 1922); Pollock, Miss (member 1922); Pollard, Miss; Quirk, Miss; Rossiter, Mr. Walter (1885, member 1922); Reany, Miss Mary (Mrs. Bulter); Reany, Miss (Mrs. Burton); Reid, Miss; Rattigan, Miss (Mrs. J. D. McCurdy); Rattigan, Miss; Ryan, Mr. Stephen; Rodgers, Miss (members 1922); Roach, Miss (member 1922); Sykes, Mr. Charles (organist); Scherek, Herr Benno (conductor and organist); Scherek, Mrs. B; Smith, Mr. Nicholas (1869, life member, elected 1921); Staunton, Miss; Shepherd, Mr. W. G.; Stephens, Mr. Ben G. (ex-secretary); Smith, Mr. Percy, Smith, Miss Maria; Sheedy, Miss; Scanlan, Miss; Sandys, Mr. (R.I.P); Sandys, Mr. E; Sandys, Miss Mavis (accompanist); Sandy, Mrs. (member 1922); Squarise, Signor R. (conductor. life member); Sligo, Mrs. W. F.; Swanson, Mr. Joseph; Swanson, Mr. O.; Schoen, Miss E.; Sullivan, Miss Kathleen (Mrs. F. Woods, member 1922); Sullivan, Miss; Sweeney, Miss Ruth (Mrs. R. Connell); Sweeney, Miss I. (member 1922); Sims, Mr. J.; Slater (Schluter), Mr. Percy; Stent, Mr. G.; Sykes, Miss Daisy; Staunton, Mrs.; Stokes, Mr. Fred (organist, meber 1922); Sweeney, Miss Hannah (Mrs. M. Keating); Towsey, Mr. (organist); Turnbull, Miss (2); Tohill, Mr.; Trinder, Miss N.; Tarleton, Mr. J. (R.I.P.); Tarleton, Miss (member 1922); Treston, Mr. J. (R.I.P.); Treston, Miss Amy (member 1922); Treahy, Miss L. Thompson, Miss E.; Thomas, Miss; Taylor, Mrs.; Vallis, Mr. Albert (organist and conductor, member 1922); Vallis, Miss E. A. (member 1922); Vallis, Mr. S. S. (member 1922); Verdon, His Lordship Bishop (R.I.P.); Wand, Mr. Chas. (organist); Ward, Mr. W. T. (conductor, life member); Woods, Mr. J. J.; Mrs. J. J (R.I.P); Woods, Mr. Wm. (R.I.P.); Woods, Mr. J. D. (member 1922); Woods, Mrs. J. D. (organist and accompanist); Woods, Miss Annie (Mrs. Murray); Woods, Mr. Fred (member 1922); Woods, Mr. Frank; Woods, Mr. Les.; Woods, Mr. Chas.; Walker, Miss (Mrs. Kelly); Wilkie, Mr. Ed.; Whelan, Miss Hannah (member 1922); Wilson, Mr. Bert.; Watters. Mr. Thoreld; Walsh, Miss K. (Mrs. T. Lynch); Wilson, Miss G.; Whyte, Mr. Walter; Wilson, Mr. J. J. (honorary member, elected 1922); Whyte, His Lordship Bishop (Patron); Yule, Mr. Frank.

Name of Persons who have lent valuable assistance, the same not being members;

Alby, Miss Julia; Beehan, Mr. P.; Caron, M. Leon; Cesaroni, Signor; Castles, Miss Amy; Crighton, Miss Enriquetta; Dolores, Mdlle. Antonia; Dufault, Mr. Paul; Egan. Rev. Dr.; Eugenem, Mr. Max; Foli, Signor; Fosbery, Miss (Lady Mill.); Ferguson, Dr. Lindo; Kehoe, Mr. Percy; Knox, Mr. J.; Lauceley, Miss Carrie; Lyding, Mr. George; Lee, Mr. Harcourt; May, Miss Elsa; Mackenzie, Mr. H.; Meade, Mrs. N.; Neilson, Mr. W.; Noel, Lady Nonah; O'Hara, Dr.; Packer, Mr. C.; Page, Mr. Bernard; Rose, Mrs. H.; Rossiter, Mr. R. H.; Ryan, Mr. Jay; Santley, Mr. Charles; Umbers, Mr. Charles; Venesta, Signora; Verona, Miss Gladys; Whyte, Mr. Wlater; Gooley, Miss Claire.

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