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The Beauty of your house – The Nelson Catholic Parish 1844–1994

By Anthony Harris. 203p. soft covers $20 P O Box 37, Nelson

Although described as a history that must be factually correct and comprehensive, it is more a celebration of 150 years of the Catholic Church in Nelson. This does not mean to say it has no value to historians, for it contains a good summary of the church and those associated with it.

As well as the priests and sisters, there are details of many of Nelson's Catholic families, both those of high standing in the wider community and the more humble. Later chapters give details of the wide ranging activities of the church, such as education and the various schools it ran. In addition there are contributions by a number of people, mostly concerning their families. There is also an excellent account of Antoine Garin, that humble and devoted man who made a huge impact on both the church and the Nelson region from 1850 to 1889. It was under his guidance that the present St Mary's church was built, following a fire in 1881 that partly destroyed the original building. However the two pages devoted to the digging up and opening of his coffin is ghoulish and appears to serve no useful purpose.

There are a number of criticisms, some major, others minor. There is no index and with time this will prove an increasing hindrance for readers and researchers. Compiling a worthwhile index is a tedious job and in this case would have been a large, and perhaps costly exercise, considering the great many names mentioned.

Nevertheless an index would have been a valuable addition. Another point of serious concern is the reasons given for the difficulties at the Stoke Orphanage at the turn of the century. This is attributed to increasing antagonism between Catholic and Protestant in the Nelson community. While it is understandable that a book of this type should not dwell on the less memorable incidents, there is no excuse for refusing to acknowledge the real reason and perpetuating an untruth. It would have been better, and also acceptable, to simply have stated that due to difficulties the management of the orphanage changed. There are a number of other irritating aspects, such as the hanging of the Maungatapu murderers being described as the last public execution in New Zealand. Newspaper columns are reproduced, but a number have no date or even their source.

Nevertheless those involved in its writing and compilation have produced a worthwhile publication available at minimal charge. It also contains a number of photographs that would have otherwise remained largely unknown. While it may not be of the same value to historians as H.F. Ault's church histories, the efforts of Anthony Harris and his co-authors will be much appreciated by those seeking information on the Catholic Church in Nelson.