The Hokitika Parish of the Roman Catholic Church extends from Arahura river on the north, to the Hokitika river on the south, and from the seaboard to the Central Alps. The principal church is known as St. Mary's, and is erected on part of a section of two and a quarter page 502 acres in extent, which fronts Stafford Street, Tancred Street, and Sewell Street. The building, which was erected in the year 1865, was probably the first church on the Coast, and it has accommodation for 400 persons. On the same section there is a primary school for boys, and also the presbytery. A large convent, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, stands on a fine site on the corner of Stafford Street and Sewell Street, and is referred to in another article. The Very Rev. Dean Martin is priest in charge, and is assisted by the Rev. Father Paul Aubrey.