FAREWELL TO FATHER SMYTH

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 192, 9 May 1924, Page 7

FAREWELL TO FATHER SMYTH

« GATHERING AT ST. FRANCIS HALL. St. Francis Hall, Hill Street, was packed to the back wall last evening when a farewell concert was tendered to the Rev. Father Smyth, parish priest of Ihorndon, whq, with His Grace Archbishop Redwood, leaves to-morrow for Auckland, ea route to America and Europe. Mr. H, O’Leary occupied tue chair, and in the course of the evening referred to the excellent work Father Smyth had done as parish priest over a period of ten years past. On behalf of the parishioners, Mr. O’Leary handed Farther Smyth a cheque for a substantial amount, with the sincere wish that he would thoroughly enjoy his trip abroad, and would return to Wellington a happy, healthy man. These remarks wore endorsed by Messrs. M. Crombie, J. Connor (representing Wadestown), and E. Turkington (Northland). Father Smyth said he would be very glad to sea his native country (Ireland) once more, but next to that blessed isle he had a very real love for New Zealand, where he had spent so many happy years. The musical programme was supplied by the Guildford Terrane School children, the Basilica choir. Misses Mary McKeown, Vera Berry, and Mr. Charles Hickmott. Among those present were the Very Rev. Dean Regnault and the Rev. Fathers Maloney, Roach (Christchurch). and Foley (Administrator at Dunedin). Mr. Hector Aekins acted as secretary and treasurer of the organising committee.