A POPULAR OFFICER.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16547, 12 June 1919, Page 7

A POPULAR OFFICER.

WELCOME TO DR. P. A. ARDAGH. Members of St. Mary's branch of the Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society tendered a welcome home to Captain P. A. Ardagh, D.5.0., M.C., N.Z.M.C., who was the lodge doctor prior to departing for active service, in the Art Gallery hall last night. There was a largo attendance of members of the Society and their friends. The clergy was largely represented, there being present :' Dean Regnault, Dr. Kennedy, Dean Hyland (Rarigiora), Fathers Graham, Murphy, Roche, and Long; Among the laity were Sir. Geo. Clifford, Dr. Morkane, Dr. A. B. O'Brien, and Mr J. J. Ardagh. Tho Mayor, Dr. Thacker, was also present. An apology was received for the absence of Bishop Brodie. Mr J. H. Johnston (secretary of the branch) congratulated Captain Ardagh on the high honours he had won on active service, and said that he had on many occasions braved death to help his comrades. Dean Regnault expressed pleasure at Captain Ardagh's safe return, and added that he had brought honour to the Hibernian Lodge as well as to his profession. The Mayor also added his congratulations in a brief but characteristic speech. Captain Ardagh, in the course of his reply, related soveral experiences of tho New Zealanders on the battlefields of the Western front, and ppoke vividly of the glorious work done by them at Passchendaele. He thanked all tho speakers and al} present for their hearty welcome and eulogistic remarks. During the evening vocal and other items were contributed by Mrs F. O'Brien, Misses E. McDavitt, M. Riordnn, and Messrs W. Brittenden, A. McDonald. R. Lnfferty, A. Young, and Master B. Upjohn.