PRESENTATIONS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8259, 27 December 1911, Page 5

PRESENTATIONS.

The Very Rev. Dean O'Donneli, whose health lias been very poor for some time past, has found it necessary to take an extended rest. -He recently returned from Hanmer, and the two or t three weeks he spent there brought about a great improvement m his health—so much so that lie abandoned his first intention to have a complete change of climate, though he finds that a rest will be.absolutely necessary before his health can be" completely restored. During his absence his parishioners discussed the situation and decided to take steps which would enable the Dean to have the holiday prescribed by his medical attendant. Some of the lady members of the congregation waited upon the members of the Literary Club, of which Mr M. J. Burgess is president, and a committee was appointed to make arrangements for, a testimonial. Lists were circulated, and a large amount was subscribed by the parishioners, all of whom were eager to assist. After Mass on Sunday morning Dean O'Donneli was presented with an address, m which his good work (extending over the last 20 years) was acknowledged, and the affection of his parishioners and their concern for his health expressed. The address was accompanied with a well filled purse of sovereigns. Mr Burgess, m making the presentation on behalf of the parishioners, said that they we're all .pleased to see Father O'Donneli .back again after his brief holiday, and they were' also pleased to find that, as far as appearances went, he had greatly benefited m his health. Advantage had betn taken of his absence by a number of his parishioners to get up the testimonial. He was very pleased to state that the response made for funds was so liberal that the committee had no need to feel ashamed of the amount presented as a token of their affection. Mr Burgess took occasion to thank the committee, the collectors, and all who had assisted/in the laudable object they had m view. Father O'Donneli was also handed a list of the names of those who had subscribed, with the amounts omitted. the Dean, m his reply, thanked them for their handsome gift, and . said that during the whole time he had been m charge of the parish he had had nothing but kindness at their hands. He had felt some alarm at the doctor's report as to the state of his health, but after his .stay m Hanmer he felt so much better that he believed that with a long rest his health would return and he would be able to resume his duties.

An enjoyable social took place at the Somerset - Hotel last evening. At the invitation of Mr and Mrs Young, quite a large party assembled, and a very happy time w s as spent. Dancing was pursued with unabated vigour until the early hours of the morning, and during the evening songs were contributed by Mrs W. McD. Gormack, Messrs E. Tilly, McDonald and Will Sandoe (a visitor from Melbourne). The latter is a comic artist of no mean ability, and his contributions were much enjoyed and heartily applauded. The occasion was taken advantage of to present Mr A. T. Webber, who is shortly to join the ranks of the benedicts, with a token of esteem, and Mr W. Amos (on behalf of Mr and Mrs Young and the hotel boarders and staff) presented that gentleman with a handsome gold carriage clock and • a pair of silver < serviette rings (the latter suitably inscribed). Mr Amos made flattering reference to the sterling qualities of the guest of the evening, and Mr Webber acknowledged the compliments bestowed. Refreshments, provided by the host and hostess, were dispensed.