The Journey

ARMIDALE
(From A Correspondent)

SCHOOLS ö I have seen a copy of the Very. Rev. M. OâSullivanâs annual report of the Primary schools of the diocese, and judging from the very high percentage obtained in each case, and particularly in the essential subjects, the work done in the schools for the past year cannot be surpassed in excellence in any part of the colony.  All the Primary schools are taught by religious teachers.  The Armidale girlsâ school, conducted by the Ursuline Nuns, and the boysâ school, by the Brothers of st. Patrick, hold prominent place on the list.

St Patrickâs re-opens on Tuesday, 27th inst., when Brother Eugene, the President of the college, is certain to have a splendid ãmusterä.  St Patrickâs , now only commencing the third year of its existence, has already earned for itself, as an educational establishment, a reputation that attracts to its halls students not only from the diocese of Armidale, but from also from other dioceses and other colonies.  the liberal course of studies, the quality of the education imparted, and the almost marvellous success of the college during the two years of its existence have brought home to the minds of parents that it is no longer necessary for them to send their children away to the establishments of the metrolpolis to enjoy the advantages of higher education.

BAZAAR ö A grand drawing of prizes and bazaar, which is to be opened in the new Town Hall on the 3rd prox. by his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Torreggiani, in aid of St. Patrickâs building fund, promises to be a great success.  The interest taken in it by Dean OâConnor and the Catholic ladies of the town is a sure pledge of a grand financial result.

TEMPERANCE ö The heavy rains prevented a large meeting of the members of the Temperance society on Friday last.  The meeting, which was summoned by the Dean, who is an untiring apostle of temperance, is to come off on Friday next in St. Maryâs Hall.

THE ARMIDALE COLLEGE
Visit of Sir Patrick Jennings

For the past two weeks work has been in full swing at St. Patrickâs College, Armidale.  New pupils have swelled the ranks of the students.  On Tuesday Sir Patrick Jennings, accompanied by his Lordship Dr. Torreggiani and Mr. Kickham, paid a visit to the College.  After being introduced by the President, Rev. Bro. Eugene, to the different classrooms, Sir Patrick made a short speech, congratulating the Brothers of St Patrick on the success of the college during the short time it has been established, and urging the boys to not let slip the opportunities of education which St. Patrickâs afforded.  The announcement of a holiday called forth ringing cheers for Sir Patrick and his Lordship.

ARMIDALE
(From Our Correspondent)

BAZAAR ö The bazaar in aid of St Patrickâs College building fund was opened on Tuesday afternoon last, by his Lorship Dr. Torreggiani.  His Lordship complimented the lady stall-holders on the excellent display of goods, and cordially thanked them for their efforts, which trusted the public would second with generous subscriptions.  The stalls were arranged on each side of the new Town hall, one side being under the management of Mrs, Kearney and Miss Mallam, and the other side under the management of Desdames W. Miller, J.P. and J.F. McKinley.  In addition to the stalls there were shooting galleries, fish ponds, a post office, and sundry other amusments to entice the visitor into an investment.  The bazaar was brought to a close on Saturday night, and on the whole a substantial result in anticipated.  The art union in aid of the same purpose will not be drawn until the show time ö early in March ö when it is proposed to hold a supplementary bazaar to dispose of the remaining articles.

The bazaar in aid of St. Patrickâs College Building Fund (writes our Armidale, correspondent) was held in the Columbia Skating rink, gratuitously lent by Messrs.  Meollin and Plumstead, Mining Brokers.  There was a good attendance each night, and considerable business was done by the lady stallholders.  The drawing of prizes in connection with the art-union took place on Friday night last in the presence of the local press representatives and a number of prominent Armidale citizens.  The results will appear in your journal.  The bazaar terminated with a dance.

We learn from Armidale that two new professors have been secured at the College Mr. D. Danaher, M.A., of the Royal University of Ireland, and Mr. R. Ronald, Instructor of Drawing and Painting.  both, we are informed, are highly qualified men, and will no doubt be of great service to the institution.

Paying a visit to the Catholic College, I was very much gratified by the healthy happy appearance of the young collegians and their proficiency in the various subjects in which they are being instructed by the different professors to whose care they are confided.

Brother Eugene Ryan when speaking of the young gentlemen who assisted him so efficiently in his arduous duties informed me that one of them (Mr. Boyne) is about to commence a college in Tamworth.  During the evening I had the pleasure of hearing the music teacher of the college, Professor Forster, play several pieces.  I very naturally asked myself the question, ãAre the children of to-day better instructed than they were then?ä and many of your readers will agree with me in the conclusion arrived a that things are being made a great deal too easy for the youth of the colony.

BROTHER Eugene, the Superior of St. Patrickâs College, Armidale, has written to the clergy of the diocese requesting them to be so kind as to preside at a competitive examination to be held in the Catholic schools within their missions, on Friday, the 20th November, for three half bursaries of the value of 20 guineas each.  The subjects in which the candidates are to compete are English, arithmetic, geography, history and Euclid.

ST. Patrickâs College, Armidale, started under great financial difficulties, and at a time when the establishment of necessary schools and convents had exhausted the resources of the diocese, is a splendid testimony of the venerable Dr. Torreggianiâs zeal in the cause of higher Catholic education.  The selection of the Patrician Brothers to manage the institution was a most felicitous choice, upon which his Lordship and the Catholics of the diocese have reason to congratulate themselves.  The curriculum of studies include all the subjects prescribed for the University examinations, but a special feature of the college is the particular attention given to modern languages and technical subjects.  The college is fortunate in possessing the services of very efficient masters of music, drawing, painting and phonography.  the system of discipline adopted by the Patrician Brothers is well adapted to inspire the students with an attachment for the institution and a love of collegelife.  The object of the Superior seems to be to combine the advantages of a moral and intellectual training with the comforts and salutary influence of home life; and his system of management, we learn, has been attended with gratifying results.  During recreation every facility and encouragement are given the pupils to indulge in sports and amusements; and no reasonable request consistent with proper discipline is ever refusedthem.  A healthier, manlier, and better conducted set of youths it would be impossible to find in any institution.  It is evident that religion forms the foundation of the intellectual superstructure reared by the Parician Brothers; and an institution in which the teaching and spirit of the Church are thus infused into the hearts of its pupils cannot fail in imparting those truly Catholic principles which the Church has defined to be the main object and end of her colleges and schools.  Undoubtedly, his Lordship Dr. Torreggiani could not have conferred a greater benefit upon the sparsely scattered Catholics of his extensive diocese than the establishment of St. Patrickâs College.

The college itself is well situated.  Build upon rising ground and surrounded by open country, it is sufficiently close to the town for all practical purposes, while its secluded position is naturally conducive to a scholastic life.  Through want of funds, the building could not be completed according to the original design; but when the present debt is paid off and the left wing added it will be a beautiful, commodious, substantial structure.

JUNIOR EXAMINATION ö At the recent Junior Public Examination no less than 24 candidates from the local schools were successful.  A pupil of the Ladiesâ College succeeded in winning a medal for Botany.  St. Patrickâs College passed nine out of 11 candidates sent up.

Having finished a really good yearâs work, the Patrician Brothers and the students of St. Patrickâs Armidale, threw themselves heartily into the annual college sports, which were in every respect a success.  The weather was perfect, and the gathering was brightened by the presence of a number of ladies.  The events were got off well, chiefly through the energy of the secretay, Mr. D. Danaher, who worked assiduously, assisted by Bro. Andrews and the committee ö Masters J. Fitzgerald, J. Bowman, C. Larkins, and P. Britten.  Bishop Torreggiani and the Brothers of the College were present and were indefatigable in their exertions.  Mr. S. Kearney made a capital starter, and Mr R. Ronald gave every satisfaction as judge, while the close finishes in the various events showed that the handicapping had been in good hands.

On the day following the sports (Thursday) a concert was held in the new Town Hall and was largely attended.  The various numbers were rendered at the college in a way that reflected very great credit on their instructor, Prof. Foster.  As a fitting close to a thoroughly enjoyable programme a farce, :The Cantab,ä was acted, in which the characters were well sustained ö Mr. Boodle, Jaa Curley, Mrs. Boodle, J. Fitzgerald, Chs, Chedder, Thos. Egan, Hannah.  A. Giilis, Berlino, J. McHugh.  The marked success of this section of the programme is mainly due to the Rev. Father M Cormick, to whose able direction it had been entrusted.  Prior to the distribution of prizes the annual report of the college was read by Bro. Eugene.  We make the following extracts:- ãThe progress of the boys has been fairly shown by the results of the recent Junior Examinations, in which nine passed, bringing nine first class passes and twenty-seven second classes ö six first and three second in geology, seven second in arithmetic, seven second in Euclid, two second in English, three first and five second in geography, two second in history and one second in drawing ö averaging one first and three second for each boy.  Of the two who were unsuccessful, one passed in the following four subjects: - Arithmetic, geography, geology, and drawing; the other in geography and geology.  One failed in the preliminary.  During the year there were thirty-six boarders and forty-six day pupils enrolled; total, eighty-one ö the daily average being twenty-eight boarders, and thirty-five day boys.  Two new teachers have been added to the College staff ö Mr D. Danaher, B.A., as assistant; and Mr R. Ronald as professor of drawing and painting, both of whom are highly accomplished in their respective branches, and under whose tuition they boys have done remarkably well.  I am glad to see the gymnasium so well patronized.  I have to specially thank his Lordship and the clergy of this diocese for their generosity in granting two half bursaries for next year.  The College has given another, so there are three half bursaries to be competed for next month, timely notice of which will be given to the parochial schools of the diocese.  I must not forget to thank two generous aldermen of this town, Messra. G. R. Meallin and C.G. Wilson, not only from myself, but also on behalf of the boys.ä

His Lordship Dr. Torreggiani, Bishop of Armidale, then distributed the prizes, after which his Lordship thanked the public for their attendance that evening, and also for their generosity in helping the College.  He had been pleased with the results of the examinations at St Patrickâs College last year, but he was still more pleased with this yearâs results.  He hoped next year would be more successful still.  They would not be satisfied until they had reached the highest stage.  He returned thanks to the president of the College, Bro. Eugene (applause), who had worked with great zeal.  His Lordship then detailed the circumstances leading to the establishment of the college and the taking up of the work by the Brothers of St. Patrick.

His Worship the Mayor, thanked the Brothers and the pupils for the very pleasant entertainment they had given.  He referred in eulogistic terms to the work done by Bishop Torreggiani in educational matters, and to the excellence of St. Patrickâs College under the presidency of Bro. Eugene.

Mr C. Wilson also spoke in laudatory terms of the college and teaching staff.

Bro. Eugene then called upon the students to gave three cheers for his Lordship Dr. Torreggiani, his Worship the Mayor, and the public who had attended the entertainment.  The boys responded vociferously, and the entertainment was thus brought to a close.

The students were entertained at a supper afterwards by Aldermen G. R. Meallin and C. G. Wilson, and the last term of 1891 was thus brought to a close.

The result of the recent Junior University Examinations (writes our Armidale correspondent) has just been published, and I am pleased to be in a position to chronicle that Armidale has once more proved her claim to the title of a gret educational centre.  Of the 30 candidates who submitted themselves for examination 28 have passed, and passed in a most creditable manner.  St. Patrickâs College in a few years has proved itself quite capable of maintaining its own against all educational establishments of the same standing.  From St. Patricks little band of scholars ten were successful at the Junior Examinations; while one out of these has matriculated.  Bravo. St. Patrickâs boys! Bravo, Brother Eugene!  May each succeeding year find St. Patrickâs College more powerful and more popular.  On behalf, then, of ;my Catholic friends I take the liberty of congratulting Brother Eugene and his victorious contingent.  We are quite pleased and proud of their success and of the very excellent work done by them during the past yea.r  Considering that nearly 25 per cent of the total number attending the college have passed this test examination, we Catholics of Armidale have every reason to be satisfied.  There is no doubt in a very short time St. Patrickâs will contain within its walls a large number of boys from many parts of the colony and from Queensland.

I have just heard that several additional Brothers are on their way to the colony to strengthen the present teaching staff.  So I feel confident that at the end of Î93 we shall hear of St Patrickâs taking a leading place amongst the educational establishments of the colony.

By some clever means our Anglican friends have been able to secure the endowment of 14,000 pound for their new college in Armidale on condition that they should raise six thousand by shares of 50 pound each, which they have successfully and patriotically done.  The building is now in course of erection, and before its completion I feel confident the sum of 16,000 pound will be expended oni t.  It will stand in the centre of a beautiful block of fifteen acres of land, within three-quarters of a mile of the city and facing the racecourse, so that we shall have the two rival colleges on either side of the racecourse, beautifully and healthily situated, and in the future sending out young men to take up honourable positions in society.  When I consider the amount of money which our Anglican friends have been able to secure towards the erection of this beautiful and imposing structure.  I cannot help feeling a little envious, for we have experienced great difficulties in the erection of our pretty St Patrickâs College.  Some thousands have already been paid on it, while yet a large debt hangs over the place.  But from what has been done here in the past in paying off debts I feel sure when a movement is set on foot towards its liquidation it will soon be effaced.  The Mortuary Chapel and other works had to be attended to recently.  So I dare say we shall soon hear of a movement towards paying the debt on the college.

One of the topics of conversation during the past week amongst many of our people (write our correspondent) was the breaking up of St. Patrickâs College.  On that occasion we were all treated to a high-class concert and further entertained with a well-acted play.  To commemorate the breaking-up of the college some of the friends, patrons, and benefactors of the college provided a dayâs sports for the boys, and need I say how well and gratefully did the young fellows relish and enjoy the day?  The weather was everything that could be desired, the number of prizes large, and their quality tempting, so it was truly peasant to witness the vigour and energy of the lads as they contended for the different trophies so generously given by their many Armidal friends.  Besides the college staff and the friends of the boys there were gathered together in the evening a large number of prominent citizens, including his Lordship Dr. Torreggiani and the cathedral clergy, to cheer on the lads by their presence.

On the following evening the new Town Hall was filled from the platform to the door by an enthusiastic and sympathetic audience, who were brought together to witness the distribution of prizes to the worthy boys after the yearâs hard work.  The performance was opened by a high-class concert given by the pupils of the college under their musical instructor, Miss Kearney, whose talents as a violinist and pianist are very great.  The choruses, solos and duets were well and correctly rendered, while the performances both on the piano and violin did much credit not only to the youthful players, but also to their accomplished instructors.

The second part of the programme was devoted to a drama in two acts entitled ãStepped in the Captainâs Shoes,ä which was written expressly for the occasion, and cleverly localized by one of the college staff.  It is a really clever thing, abounding in bright sayings and humorous scenes, and greatly amused the audience.  The character of Pat Malone, a sterling youth from Erinâs Isle, was so ably and cleverly sustained by Master Barrett that the palm of merit must be awared to him.  Rarely indeed have we found a youth of tender years enter so heartily into his work, and portray so faithfully and so ably the clever young Irish lad who is one of the chief characters of the piece.  The acting of Master Barrett was simply splendid, while his brogue, says a local paper, should be worth 100 pound to any enterprising actor.  The other parts were well sustained, and the whole thing passed off a merrily as a marriage bell.

When the curtain dropped and the stage was cleared, Bro. Eugene read a long and thoroughly satisfactory report of the yearâs work.  During the reading of the report, the genial nd popular Brother was frequently applauded.  In looking to the future he saw bright and glorious days for St Patrickâs College.  Two more Brothers would in the course of a few weeks be added to the teaching staff, so with this increase in the number of teachers, it will, said he, be possible to make a better division of labour, which must necessarily be conducive to the better progress of the students, and so he could look forward with every confidence to better results in the coming than even those obtained in the present year.

After the distribution of prizes, which were numerous and varied, consisting of books, medals and other useful articles, his Lordship Dr. Torreggiani, delivered a very practical and encouraging address.  He expressed much satisfaction at the result of the yearâs work, and with Bro. Eugene he looked forward with the utmost confidence to a brighter and still more fruitful year to come.  He offered his grateful thanks to the people of Armidale for their continued interest and support of St. Patrickâs College, and the other Catholic educational establishments in Armidale.

Mr Drew, the popular Mayor of Armidale, also spoke in the most flattering terms of St. Patrickâs, and expressed the fond hope that as years passed over, it would continue to extend its sphere of usefulness, and train up the youth af Armidale to take honourable positions in society.

Brother Eugene, the headmaster of the Patrician Brothersâ College at Armidale, paid a flying visit to Sydney during the past week, and it should go without saying that his happy face and cheerful manner secure him a warm welcome among old friends and new acquaintances.  Brother Eugene dropped into the Freeman office, and when asked, admitted with charming frankness that the college was ãdoing splendidly.ä  The Patricians went into the Diocese of Armidale as ãprospectors,ä but we have Brother Eugeneâs assurance that they have struck ãgood goldä.  There are now in the college 70 boys - all hard workers, and some of them exceedingly bright and clever.  To secure ample ground Brother Eugene lateley purchased 11 additional acres, so that the college property now covers 23 acres - not bad for a town allotment.  Three bursaries have been established, one by his Lordship dr. Torreggiani, the second by the diocesan clergy, and the third by the Brothers themselves.  The subscribers to the ãpriestsâ Bursaryä include the Very Rev. Dean OâConnor, the Very Rev. Dean Flanagan, Fr. John Gibbone, Fr. J. Kelly, Fr. M. OâSullivan, Fr. P.D. Ryan and Fr. P. J. McGuinness.

Up Armidale way they do not take their pleasures sadly, and that was why they ãbreak-upä at St. Patrickâs College, Armidale, was preceded by sports on the show ground.  There was a large attendance of friends and visitors, and everything passed off smoothly.  Refreshments were provided by Mesdames Trim and Kearney, who were to the fore in looking after the comfort of the boys all day long, while the Misses Trim, Kearney, and McDonald took good care that all wants were supplied.  There was some remarkably good form shown in the athletic contests of the day, with Messrs, Boyne and Bowman as the judges.

In the evening at the college the presentation of prizes took place. His Lordship Bishop Torreggiani occupied the chair.

Brother Eugene, the popular rector of the college, addressed the crowded audience on the work of education carried on in the colony by the Catholic Church, without the sympathy and support of the state.  They had had a fight against the State-aided secular systema nd had triumphed, and now the competition was increased by the abolitiono f school fees in the Government schools.  Was it the hope of their opponents who had now fallen back on the Îpeuper principleä that this latest move would deal a fatal blow to the Catholic schools?  If such be their aim, we may confidently tell them that the realization of their expectations will be quite as remote as was that of the framers of the original measure, whose designs were entirely frustrated, and to whom the goal for which they were aiming must now seem as the mirage, or to have altogether vanished in intermediate space.  (Applause) Thanks to the energy and zeal of the clergy, and the unswerving faith of her people, the Church stands to-day in the colony the proud possessor of schools and colleges unrivalled in their proportions, equipment, and scholastic achievements.  (Applause)

Referring to their own college Brother Eugene said: - This year is one to be remembered int he annual of the College, for with the addition of four new brothers - all certificated teachers - came an increase in the number of students, totalling about 70 for the first half of the year, which was so encouraging that the services of another professor, in the person of E. W. Fitzgerald, B.A., were engaged immediatley after mid winter vacation.  (Applause)  The result of the last Technical Examination held in Armidale placed eight passes in drawing and six in phonography to the credit of the college.  (Applause)  In addition to the three half-bursaries already founded by the Bishop and clergy, a well-known gentleman has been good enough to establish a scholarship, to be clompeted for, according to his wish, by boys attending the public and private primary schools of the district.  This entitles the winner to a free place in the College for one year.  Our thanks are due to the many kind ladies and gentlemen who subscribed to the boysâ sports, and also to the following who donated towards the scholastic work:- His Lordship the Bishop, prize in books, awarded to J. Histon as the Dux; Very Rev. Dean OâConnor, prize in books; Mr P.J. Boyne, gold medal for the best junior pass, awarded to J. Britton; Mr W. M. Robins, silver medal for best conduct, awarded to H. Susson; Mr. B. Weaver, for best kept books, awarded to Chas Britton;; Mr H. Mallam, prize for good conduct, awarded to D. Donoghue; Bro. E. We. Fitzgerald, B. A., prize for well-kept books, awarded to Bernard Fuchs.

The following, for University Junior passes, are in receipt of silver medals: John Britton, Joseph Histon, Joseph Aher, Timothy Kearney, John Scanlon and Henry Dunkin.

His Lordship the Bishop then presented the prizes which were awarded in the order named in the report.

Mr T.J. Kearney warmly congratulated the Patrician Brothers on the yearâs brilliant work.  Bishop Torreggianiâs efforts in the cause of education throughout the district were also dwelt on, Mr. Kearney paying a graceful tribute to the venerable prelateâs work.

The Bishop that after hearing the contents of the report and Mr. Kearneyâs eloquent speech he could not say much, but he might speak of the pleasure he flet at being present during the day.  The boys had satisfied him by their work during the year, but he hoped and expected, they would more than satisfy him during the coming year, and be a credit to their college and town.

Cheers were then given for the Bishop, Brother Eugene, and the teachers, and the pleasant evening terminated.

Many of our readers (says the Armidale Express) will regreat to hear that Bro. Eugene, the popular principal of St. Patrickâs College, will leave Armidale the is week.  His departure is due to promotion, and his numerous friends in this destrict will not envy him the preferment, as it robs them of the presence of one whom they had hoped to retain here for many years to com.  Bro. Eugene has been connected with the college since 1888, during which time hea has riased the establishment to a high standard - as hown by the University examinations - and as a proof of his ability to impart knowledge, we can point to the increase in the number of scholars at St. Ptrickâs College.  In attributing the success of the college to his tact and skill, we feel we are only giving him just due, and those hwo know him best are aware how thoroughly he enters into the work of education.  Bro. Eugene now takes the rank of Second Assistant Provincial in the Order of the Brothers of St. Patrick.  We may state that the work of the Order in Australia is directed by a Provincial and four assistants, so it will be seen that Bro. Eugeneâs position is now a very important one, and the occupancy of the office necessitates his presence in Sydney, to attend the deliberations of the Council.  Probably he will be located in either Redfern or Ryde.  Bro. Laurence Ryan, who was a schoolmate of Bro. Eugene, is his successor in the college.  The two were boys together, received their education in the same seminary, and came to Australia together.  Bro. Laurenceâs attainments are of a high order, and he has already distinguised himself in teaching, so it is certain that the prestige of the college will not suffer under his control.  As a proof of Brother Eugeneâs good management, it is only necessary to state that the college is now in possession of no less than 46 choice allotments, embracing 23 acres.  It is proposed to ask Brother Eugeneâs acceptance of an address and testimonial.  The presentation will take place in about a monthâs time.

The Armidale Chronicle in the course of a long notice says:-
Armidale is already assuming the position of chief provincial education centre in New South Wales, and when the history of its struggles for the supremacy is related, St. Patrickâs College must occupy a foremost position.  Started under difficulties sufficient to deter even the most determined, it has steadily progressed until now its future position seems to be assured - and the chief factor towards that imporant end was Brother Eugene, whose departure it is now our regretful duty to chronicle.  It is over five years since Bro. Eugene came to Armidale to take charge of then then newly-inaugurated college.  Without money and without friends - at that time - he, accompanied by Brother Ambrose, another member of the Order of St. Patrick, came to armidale to initiate scholastic operations under the patronage of that energetic and far-seeing divine, his Lordship Bishop Torreggiani.  At that time the college consisted merely of the Bishopâs old residence beyond the show gound, but his Lordship, with shrewd prophetic instincts, saw the potentialities which existed in that section for continually improving and extending the operations of the college, and his first step after the initiation of the college was to commence building operations, so as to provide a fitting institution in which to dispense that learning which is so eagerly sought in this nineteenth century.  As showing the work of the college we may mention that during the four years of its existence Brother Eugene secured for his pupils 35 passes in University examinations, 20 in subjects under the Technical Education Department, besides a large number of its prizes at the P. and A. Associationâs Exhibition.  Brother Eugene will leave Armidale next week for Sydney.  His departure is due to promotion in the Order to which he belongs, as he now takes the rank of Second Assistant Provincial in the Order of St. Patrick.

Brother Eugene is still quite young.  He was born in 1864 in the well-known county of Tipperary, Ireland, and was educated at the Mount Rath College.  At twenty years of age he came to Australia. He is a man of most varied accomplishments - in languages particularly he is fluent as most Irishmen are in their own.  The success which has attendedthe college must be attributed in a great degree to Brother Eugenâs talent and tact, and he is a loss which every parent whose children are attending the colelge must deplore.  As a proof of his popularity it may be said that numerous petitions have been prepared both in Armidale andoutside districts, asking for his retention here, but the behests of the Order are paramount to personal considerations.

A correspondent asks where was Bishop Torreggiani born, and when consecrated?ä  The Right Rev. Wlzear Torreggiani was born at Porto di Rocanati, near Loretto, Italy, on the 28th of May, 1830.  He was consecrated Bishop of Armidale at Peckham, England, on the 25th of March, 1879.  The Torreggianis, one of the most ancient and most honoured families of Central Italy, have always been celebrated for their attachment to the Holy See and their devotion to Our Blessed Lady.

A very large and enthusiastic meeting of the Catholics of Armidale assembled at St. Maryâs schoolroom on Thursday evening to devise means of liquidating a debt of over 600 pound, which still hangs over St. patrickâs College.  The meeting was unanimous in its resolve to face the trouble at one, and to again test the weekly collection, which could be carred on, while concerts, socials, bazaars, etc should not be overlooked.  On Sunday, at the 8 and 11 oâclock Masses, Dean OâConnor explained to the congregations the conclusion at which the meeting arrived, and referred to the practical proof of its earnestness by the generous promises of weekly subscriptions which wer made.  He then exhorted the congregations to make a little sacrifice for a short time, and the difficulty would soon be a thing of the past.  The times are undoubtedly hard andmoney us unquestionably scarce, still I have very little doubt but the appeal so warmly and yet so humbly made has not been made in vain.  I have every reason to belive there will be united action in the matter, and we all know where a pastor and his people are closely and warmly united, what happy and great results are to be expected.  In this case I feel confident the movement which has been initiated will have the practical sympathy of all the people, and consequently I hope are long to able to chronicle that the debt has been wiped away.

A good number of visitors came lately to enjoy the beautiful summer lcimate of Armidale and New England.  Our visitors are charmed with the district.  They are loud in praise of its climate and its romantic natural beauty.  A larger influx may be expected next season.

The Rev. Brother Delany, Superior of the Patrician Brothers in Australia, is at present in Armidale making his official visitation of the Brothers, their schools, and their college.  He is much pleased with the place, and sees a great future in it in the educational department when the people become more acquainted with the local advantages.

On Sunday last, after the 11 oâclock Mass, celebrated by his Lordship the Bishop, the Rev. Father OâSullivan gave a beautiful lecture on the Catholic Church and her works.  He also gave Benediction at 4pm., and preached in the eveing, after the Rosary, at 7.30pm, and gave Benediction.

There is Holy Mass here every morning at 7.30am, and Devotions every evening at 7.15pm.  The schools are in full operation; teachers and pupils look very happy.

At the invitation of Dean OâConnor, a large meeting of the congregation was held in the schoolroom on Sunday evening after Benediction, to listen to a financial statement in connection with the debt on St. Patrickâs College.  The statement was a most satisfactory one, and was listened to with the greatest pleasure.  It showed how from the large amount of 1600 pound it has been safely and surely brought down to 345 pound.  It was then considered what could and might be done to liquidate that amount, and so be rid of it altogether.  On this point very forcible and eloquent speeches were delivered by his Lordship the Bishop, who was present, and by Messrs, Donnelly and Kearney.  A committee of ladies was appointed to give the matter serious consideration, and to hold a meeting on Tuesday evening to formulate a plan of campaign for the future.

Following up what I stated in my last letter with regard to the action of the Catholics of this city towards the remaining portion of the debt still on the college premises, I may state that a most enthusiastic meeting was held on Sunday last.  The large number present seemed to be actuated only with one desire, and that was to initiate some bold effectual means of wiping out the debt.  It was deemed advisable to go on with the system of weekly payments for at least another year.  The persevering collectors, who for over twelve months have not failed to bring up at the monthly meetings the result of their monthâs begging, were warmly and gratefully thanked for their disinterested labours, and fond hopes were expressed that they would continue their valuable labours in the good cause for the ensuing year.  Then followed a consideration on the best, the easiest, and most effective way of raising money to assist the weekly collection.  Many schemes were brought forward to have their merits and demertis criticized.  At last an art-union was deemed the most practical under the existing circumstances, and the heart of the meeting went with it.  It was further deemed advisable to hold a ãnaval Fairä about February next, when the ãdrawing of prizesä would take place.  Two large and representative committes were appointed, and, judging from the tone of the meeting and the enthusiasm displayed throughout, we may indeed look forward to a most successful undertaking, and, what is earnetly and fondly to be hoped, a most happy and pleasurable one.

The college for which these interesting ventures are organized is a building erected for the benefit of the diocese, and, as the Bishop so confidently said is one of his neat, happy, and pleasant speeches, the whole diocese will certainly interest itself in the art-union.  He said that a regular appeal had never been made throughout the diocese for an object that unquesionably is intended for the diocese, and he felt confident that now, when an opportunity would be given to those outside of Armidale to help in the liquidation of the debt contracted, they would avail themselves of it.