OPUNAKE FAREWELL

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 8 March 1935, Page 5

OPUNAKE FAREWELL

lIF.V FATHER. J. J. KENNEDY.

TRIBUTES FROM PARISHIONERS

Evidence of the. high esteem in which the Rev. Father J. J. Kennedy is held by the parishioners and. public of Opunake and district was shown by the large gathering in the town hall, Opunake, when he was tendered a public farewell. There were about 500 present Dancing took place, interspersed with several vocal and' instrumental items rendered by Opunake and visiting artists, as follows: Songs, “Whatever Is Best” and “Two Irish Eyes.” Mrs J. O’Donoghue (Kaponga) ; “Meeting of the Waters,” Miss Yvonne Stevenson .(Pihama); “Monsieur Triquets’ Couplet” and “Thine is My Heart,” Mr R. Maunder (Hawera): “Off to Philadelphia” and “It’s a Fine Thing to Sing” Mr W) G. Simpson (Hawera); “Father O’Flynn” and “The Little Irish Girl,’’ Mr C. H. Marcroft (Opunake); violin solo, Mr R. Maunder. The accompani-j ments were played by Misses Gilmour and M. Taylor ancl Mr D. Richards.

Members of visiting clergy present; wore: The Rev. Fathers Dynan (Wa-t iiganui), McDermott (Eltham), Hegarty (Feilding), Garraghy (Patea), Broen (Manaia) and Douglas (Opunake). Apologies were received from Fathers Brennan (Opiinake). Minogue and Bar,r-Brown (New Plymouth),; Phelan (Westport), Venning (Jerusa-i lem), Foley (Hawera) and Dr R. Gil-j lionley (Wellington). j Father Kennedy, who lias been' parish priest at Opunake for the past; twelve years, has been transferred to; Stratford. He was presented with an; illuminated address on behalf of the; parishioners, the Hibernian Society,; golf and bowling clubs. , ; Mr. A. J. Brennan, who made the; presentation, said it was with the: deepest regret that they had assembled to bid farewell to their friend and: councillor, Father Kennedy, who for! twelvo years had worked in their, midst. He had arrived in Opunake; when the church had possessed a small; building and a. large congregation, butj liv his untiring efforts they soon possessed a beautiful arid spacious church as well 'as additions to the building; at Pungarehu. They all were sorry; to part with one who had worked so, hard! and had seen his labours reward-; od in suelf a lasting mariner, but word, iiad been received that he must pass' on and they were reluctantly eoiripelled to part with him. In this he was expressing the opinion, of the whole community, members oi which had responded liberally and enabled him on their behalf to present him with a tangible expression of genuine appreciation. i Mr Brennan presented the guest ot honour, with a cheque and an illuminated address from the parishioners and members of the Hibernian Society. and the golf and bowling clubs. The address was signed by the following: On behalf of the congregation, S. r 7 Feaver and T. Carey; Hibernian Society, F. G. Holmes (president), A. J. Brennan (secretary); golf club, G. Mclvotf (president), L. S. Donnelley (secretary); bonding club. I*, balrymple (presidont), 6. Hammond (secretary). -• _ Mr Mclvor (golf club) and Mr Dalrymple (bowling club) also spoke, expressing deep regret at- losing such a fine player and sportsman. Rev., Father McDermott. (Eltham) spoke at length on the fine qualities of the guest with whom he had attended college, nnd whom he had known for the past 23 years. On rising to respond the Rev Father Kennedv received an ovation. He expressed sincere gratitude, to the 01ganisers arid to the parishioners and friends who had gathered to hid farewell. Tt was only one more of Hie generous acts "which followed 1 - in close train during his twelve years of pleasant stay hi Opunake. Mr Brennan had said much of his labours on tlieir behalf, hut the success achieved was the result of loyal and generous cooperation of Catholics and non-Catho-

lies. He appreciated t'he kind remarks of the varies sports bodies, with whom he had spent many happy hours.

Musical honours were then accorded the guest. Music for dancing was supplied by Hooker’s Merrymakers’ Orchestra, and Mr T. Carey was M.O. Supper arrangements were in the hands of a..strong ladies’ committee,; headod by Mrs J. A. Stevenson.

GOLF CLUB OPENING.

Tlie official opening of the Opunake' Golf Club took place on Wednesday; afternoon when there was a good mus-j tor of members. Mr G. Melvor (president) welcomed members to the! course and wished all a successful sea-j son. He called on Miss L. Trotter to drive the first ball. Play took the form of a mixed four-; some and was won by Mrs It. Ritchie! and. Mr W. Bennett. j The nine best cards returned for; over nine holes were: Mrs Ritchie and W. Bennett, 49—12—37; Mrs Bolger.and E. J. Wallis 54—16—38; Miss; Trotter and Bolger 48 —10 —38; Miss R. Morris and C. Burton, 50—11 —39 ;! Mrs D. Thomas and Baker, 53—13--; 40 ; Mrs Cathie find H\ Harding 54—14 - Mrs F. Hammond and H. J. AJantey 54—14—40; Mrs Cavaney and D;. Burton, 52—12—40; Miss Fraser and Thomas, 54—13 —41,