REV. FATHER FOGARTY.

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1926, Page 2

REV. FATHER FOGARTY.

FAREWELLED AT AHAURA. The Rev, Father Fogarty, who for several years past has been Parish Priest of Ahaura, and who is about to leave on a visit to America and -Europe, during which lie will consult specialists tor the treatment of his eyes, was on Wednesday evening tendered a farewell social at the Ahaura Memorial Hall by his parishioners. The. gathering, which crowded the hall to the doors, was a wry convincing testimony to thc popularity of Father rogarty among all suctions of the uummunity, the residents coming from all parts of the district to participate in the function in Ihh honour, there being numerous contingents as well horn Greymouth, Blackball, lieel'loe, Ngnhere, and Totara Plat. Mr .him<‘s M'tlcare, uf Ngnhere (Proxineial Secretary of Iho West Const Panners’ L'nioii) presided over the gnthuring, nnd then : were also present, the K«’V. Dr Kennedy (Hokitika), Rev. Pnlhuru T. O’Regan (Acting Administrator, Ht. Patrick s, GreymouthL McMonnglo (Gr< ymouth), Ginisty (Heeflmi), Plnnmly (Kumfira), Henley (Ross'), ami iloujahnn (Greymouth), nnd Rev. Mr Hay (Ahuma). The proceedings opened with mi excellent concert, songs being rendered by Misses Wfttson mid H. h’ynn; Messrs 'I. Hogan, J. Hadland, Thomson, Murtha, and instrumental items by Misses Higgins and O’Ruiily. The Chairman, Mr Mulcarc, then rose to make the guest of the evening n presentation, consisting of a v\ elidilleo wallet, running into three figures. Their guest, he said, had been ten years in the diocese and five nt Ahaura, and it was generally uihuitteU no more popular clergyman was to be found on the West Coast. Father Fogarty was one of nature's gentlemen, his motto “nil things to all men,” and, while most faithful to his sacred culling, he found time to interest himself in all arouuii him, extending the hand of friendship without discrinmatoii. He had been a true father to his flock, and the whole community were sorry at his going. They trusted his trip would greatly improve his health, and that they would I in due time see him again at Ahaura. He had much pleasure in asking him I to accept their gift as a token of the warm regard in which they held him. (Applause.) | Rev. Dr. Kennedy referred to strenuous work incumbent on a priest in Father Fogarty's extensive parish, and said the large assemblage that evening demonstrated the success with whicn Im had carried out his trust. t Rev. Father O’Regan said their '.pies! was noted for his hospitality and for his willingness to oblige his fellow priests with his assistance in time < a nocd. After a further flowing tribute from Rev. Father Ginisty, the Rev. Mr Hav referred to his pleasant, friendly uss.»v.iation with Father* Fogarty at Ahauin. stating he found him always a gentleman and a genuine Christian, and h s regret at losing Father Fogarty was ■is sincere as that of Lis own fioci-. Ho extended him every good wish (Applause). On rising to reply, lather I'ogai'? was give)) an ovation. He said th'' lines of Bobbie Burns anent the S 1 *' ■>£ secie.'g uureelves as others saw :-s might have cased his diffidence, he possess it, but he thought the kind ncfis of the fathering towards him r cHuetcd their own hearts rather than any poormerits of his. Bis five years in their midst, now that he could look back on them, had been among his happiest, and it was a wrench to be leaving Ahaura and the CoaVt. He had found thc community to his liking entirely, and nobody could wish to live among ti finer class of people, -the kindness shown him, especially i»>al evening, would ever remain a treasuie l ucmory, and their lianrb-’Oine git. .'I'S beyond his deserts. It made thc pH't.mg only thc harder. In thanking them all. he wished to reciprocate their g-jud wishes, and he wished the people of the district the best of good fortune. (Applause.) The Assemblage then sang “For He’s a Jolly. Good F-Uow.” After supper had been served, ■> dance was,held, and .the .whole function proved a most happy and suceessf'.C ono.