PRESENTATION TO FATHER CROKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 145, 21 June 1899, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO FATHER CROKE.

St. Patrick's Cathedral parishioners iast evening assembled in large numbers in St. Patrick's Hall to make a presentation of an address and purse of sovereigns to the Rev. Father Croke, their late curate, now stationed at Kihikihi. Mr P. J. Xerheny. chairman of the committee, presided. There ivere present the Very Eev. Dean O'Reilly, Adin., Very Eev. Dr. Egan, and Fathers Kehoe, Buckley, O'Gallagrher and Kamp. Apologies were re-

ceived from Very Rev. Mons. Paul, V.G., The "Scry Rev. Mons. McDonald (who sent £2 2/towards the testimonial), and from Fathers Brodie and Darby. The Chairman in very appropriate terms introduced the subject of the evening, and oulogistically referred to the many pood qualities of Father Croke, and the works accomplished by him in their behalf. This

large gathering and the .spontaneity of their contributions and exertions in making so worthy a presentation showed thejr gratefulness towards father C'roke. The reverend recipient occupied a seat on tho chairman's right. Mr M. Sheehan, hon sec, read the address, which epitomised the signal labours of Father Croke during the last two and a half years in the Cathedral parish. It was presented with a purse of 40sovs. by the hon. treasurers, Mesdames Leonnardo and Duffin. Father Croke most feelingly replied, and thanked St. Patrick's people for their great kindness and generosity. He was undeserving of it; he had only performed his duties. However, wherever he might be stationed his heart and affections 'would ever be with the good people of St. Patrick's, in whose spiritual welfare it was always so encouraging and pleasant to labour- Father Croke resumed his seat amidst loud applause-

A musical programme wa.s opened by a violin solo, "'lrish Airs," by Mr M. Gleeson; Miss Coleta Lorrig-a-n sang

"The Irish Emigrant"; Miss Maud Donovan "Dublin Ray/1 The duet "In the "Dusk of the Twilight" was sung by the Misses Lorrigan. Dr. Egan saner "Father O'Flynn," receiving" a double encore. The accompanists were. Rev. Father Kehoe and the Misses Ormond and Gleeson.

The address, which was signed by the committee, the heads of the confraternities, and the Cathedral collectors, was the work of Mr Uallantyne, and was greatly admired. It contained choice views of Irish and New Zealand scenery; the border was composed of Shamrock and the ferns of Maoriland entwined.