VALEDICTORY

Evening Star, Issue 12764, 17 March 1906, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

There -was a large- : fgchoolrooan afc Lawrence on Thiggday; evening of. tie Romaai Catholic connwinity of Tuapekft, West, dastirjcrte to bifl faxer well to Father Geary, who has been transferred to South Ihmedin. Mr B. Hart presided, and a very pleasant evening was spent, musical selections and addresses being tto<_features of well-anaoged programme. During am interval,

[ Ms J- J. Woodis presented the ,ier. father with an illununated address, accompanied by a well-fiiied purse of Eovereigne, from his late parishioners, 'and in doing so said *m> the djqty ths> op Jprn/wfts >u .<aceedingly pleasant ...'one.' Tuapeka district was proud of its . cuxatis—not only of their guest, but of hasi predecessors,' wbjp occupied exalted position© in the diocese, Father Coffey being adnaimstrator in. Duuedin, while Father Moloney held the responsible position of rector of Holy Cross College. "."* Father Geary said, in reply, that the state of his feelings did not allow bin to express adequately of gratitude amd thanks to them. The many flattering references to himself in the address msost have been diotated by the hearts rather than tie heads of the too <gmterni people of Ttiapeka, as he felt tu> worthy w t|m coniplimentß so generously bestowed on hhn. From tibe people of Tuapeka ho had a* all times and. in all places received every kindness and bospir tality, irrespective of class or creed. The parting was for hitn ft sorrowful one, the more so on account "of their generous treatmen£ and their ftttachnient to the Ohristaan faith. He -accepted their appreciation as a mark of respect to the "Soggaxt Aroon" than the man. He expressed his deep gratitude.to Mdnsignor O'Leary for all his kindness. La saying farewell, be felt like one leaving home and dear fieends, and could only hope that that one word expressed ail he felt at tha/t mo j J\^'t.

The Very Bev. Monsignor O'Leary, on being called on, said that be thoroughly endorsed the sentMnents and kindly appreciation so well expressed in .the address. As was well said by Mr Woods, the curates who had preceded their guest had already mad© mark, and lie haid no doubt that in due season Father Geary would be promoted to the metropolis, following in the footsteps of the rev. fathers whose names had been mentioned. Father Geary was practically parish priest for Roxburgh and Miller's Flat in the way of priestly-re-sponsibility. He was more fortunate than he (the speaker) had been in the earlier days, because he had never had a night call to Roxburgh, while he (Monsignor O'Leary) had had many, and he was happy to say that no on© in Roxburgh had died during his curacy without receiving the sacrament. That night's large gathering to do honor to his reverend colleague was highly gratifying to hdmseif, and he concluded by washing ham every success and prosperity in has career a«i a priest. The Rev. Father Walsh (who succeeds Father Geary) also spoke a few words, saying that it would be entirely his own..fault if he dad not succeed, with each a devoted flock as- the Roman. Catholics of Tuapeka. The addTess contained these sentences: " On behalf of the parishionerfi of Tuapeka parish, residing at Lawrence, Wafitahuna, Waipori, Tuapeka West, and adjoining districts, we desire to present you with this addresß and a purse of sovereigns, as a mark of respect and esteem for you as a priest, and as a small token, of our appreciation: of tihe services you. liave rendered to the cause of religion during your sojourn here as curate for the past six years. In this district-, perhaps the most trying part of a priest's duties is attending to sick calls, especially at long distances, and on these occasions the priest may be looked on as a father, and is brought into immediate contact with those placed under his spiritual care. Wo readily acknowledge your devotion and kindness when visiting the sick and dying, while many can testify their gratitude for j'our unwearied exertions at these trying times."Father Geary was also entertained last Monday evening at Miller Flat, and on behalf of the Catholics of that arid the Roxburgh districts was presented with an address, and a. purse.of sovereigns. A most enjoyable oouple of hours were spent.