PRESENTATIONS TO FATHER AINSWCRTH.

Evening Post, Volume LXVIII, Issue 128, 26 November 1904, Page 2

PRESENTATIONS TO FATHER AINSWCRTH.

Ten years ago the Rev. Father Ainswoith, the popular parish priest ,of St. Anne's, South Wellington, was ordained at the Catholic Seminary at Meanee, Hawkea Bay. To celebrate the anniversary ;he was entertained by his parishioners laet night and was presented by them with a purse of between 50 and 60 sovereigns for the purchase of some article in commemoration of the event. Mr. T. H. Philpott, a member of the congregation, presented a portrait of Father Ainsworth. There* was a very large attendance, and the proceedings were marked by great cordiality. Sir. James O'Sullivan, who was in the chair,, spoke of the pleasant relations existing- between the pastor and his flock, and' assured- Father Aiusworth _ that the movement to give him some tangible proof of their affection had been taken up with immen.se enthusiasm. Many of th£,rev. gentleman's well-wishers in other parts of the city had been anxious to subscribe, but the committee had decided nob to accept donations from any persona outside St. Anne's parish. In the absience of Mr. James Bourke, of Kilbirnie, the presentation of the purse of sovereigns was made by Mr. Thomas Bourke, nii> Son, who expressed the "hope that Father Ainsworth would long remain their parish priest. An address was presented by Mr. Thomas Fitzgibbon, and three ringing cheers were then given for Father Ainsworth. The rev. gentleman made a very happy speech in acknowledging the presentations. He dwelt upbij the difficulties which he had experienced when he was placed in charge of the new parish, and cordially thanked his parishioners for assisting him to carry on his work. He stated that the parish had made great progress. ' During the padt two or threb years the Catholic population in South Wellington had nearly trebled v the parish property had increased in value by about £3000. and during the past year he had been able to spend £1000 cash in various directions. lie predicted that St. Anne's would become before long one 'of the largest Catholic parishes in the colony. A musical programme was gone through under the direction of Mr, S. Cimino, jun., conductor of St. Anne's choir. Songs were given by Mrs. Ryan and Misses Murray and M'Keegan, Messrs. A. Smith and Searle. Miss Fitzgibbon contributed a recitation, and Mr. C. Wixey a clarionet solo, and selections ,were played by Mr. M'Coinish's band. Dancing was afterwards indulged in. ,