FAREWELL TO REV. FATHER RIORDAN.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 6 February 1936, Page 3

FAREWELL TO REV. FATHER RIORDAN.

PRESENTATION EEOM HOEOWHENTJA RUGBY UNION.

At the conclusion of the meeting of the Horowhenua Rugby Union at the Oxford tea-rooms on Wednesday evening, Mr. J. W. Bishop presiding, a presentation was made to the President, the Rev. Father Eiordan, who is leaving the district. Mr. Bishop said that all were aware that they had been called together for the purpose of saying farewell to their President, a matter that was not altogether pleasing as it was with great regret that the Union would lose a most capable official. Several had written stating that it was with great regret that they could not attend. After referring to the President as one most esteemed Mr. Bishop referred to the very efficient tv ay the Rev. Father Kiordan had carried out his duties. Not only' had he carried out his duties most capably but he had endeared himself to all, and this was due to his manliness, straight-for-wardness, and his tact, while he possessed qualifications for the position ho so ably' hold. All respected him as a man. Members of the Union had had their differences, but they had agreed in an amicable and proper w T ay to differ. Mr. Bishop considered that with Father Eiordan at the head members had acted in the best interest of football in general, and even those who did not agree with the doings of the Union had to admit that member.-, had actedly honestly', and in the best interest of Rugby. Mr. Bishop again expressed regret that the Union was losing the services of Father Kiordan and stated that the new President would have a hard row to hoe in following in the footsteps of one who hud so capably carried out the duties of the office. (Applause).

Mr. A. Kit-hards stated that it was with regret that ho heard «of the departure of Father Riordan, and then referred to his capabilities and the able manner in which lie had carried cut his duties while in the President's chair. He regarded Father i?iordan as a “white man," and one who had filled the position with credit to himself and the Union in general. Ho had been fair in all his dealings and there were no complaints, and he knew that both Maori and Pakeha would miss him. Horowhemm's loss would be Hawke's Bay’s gain, but it had to be admitted that it would be hard to find a better man to fill tin* Picsident’s chair in Horowhenua. Levin and district would feel the loss but not so much as Otaki and the southern end in general where Father Riordan was even better known. On behalf of his Club (shannon) Mr. Richards wished Fatficr K.oidan health and happiness. (Applause').

Mr, W. Hannan expressed •egret that, the district was to lose sucii a capable official. The Union, he stud, had had a strenuous time and it was nin'ortim ate that it was losing such an officer. He wished Father Kiordaa long life and prosperity, and hoped that when Father Riordan visited rlie district he would renew actualatance with members of the Union. ''Applause, followed bv “Per He's A Jollr Good Fellow’’).

Mr. X. ‘Winiata. said a., mich a time one was at a loss as to what to say. “To meet, to xunw, and li.cn to part was a sad tale to many a in-art.” That was how he fe’t. Mr. "Wu iata said that he could not. eapiess ie. words his gratitude to Father Rim-dai., and he recognised the groat good lie had done for the Maori ample. He heartily endorsed the remarks of othei speakers and admitted that ne hud always taken a lead from the President’s actions at the Union meetings. Father Riordan, he said, had always judgment with a smile, and it was a credit to all to sec the manner in which he had officiated. On behalf of the Knku Club he wished Father Riordan success and happiness, and expressed a hope that he •would continue to remember the Maoris, although he felt that there was little need for the reminder. (Applause). Mr. J. W. Procter, in endorsing the remarks of oilier speakers, spoke or the splendid way Father Riordan had conducted Union meetings. He was sir;prised at the grip displayed and con sidered the Rev. Father would be a great loss to Rugby in Horowhenua. Ho wished him the best of health. (Applause). Mr. F. Mulealiy, on behalf of the referees, expressed pleasure at the Union possessing such an officer and greatly •regretted that Ids time to leave the district had come. As a President he considered Father Riordan could not be beaten. (Applause). Mr. 11. Jones said that ho recognised that all were losing a good friend. Father Riordan had always acted fairly so much in fact that culprits often fancied they were lh c favoured ones. The children, said Mr. Jones, would miss Fattier Riordan very much, he had always been so open-hearted. (An-

planse). Mr. S. Houp'-'r, on behalf of (lie Hiu Mai Olul), wished Father Riordan the tost of success, and knew that Ids fiiiu reputation would spread to Hawne Bay. (Applause). Mr. S. Kliiott, cm behalf of Otaki footballers, spoke very highly ot Bather Riordan, referring to him as the most capable President the 1 nion had ever had. Besbjes this he vas a valued member of organisations m Otaki. Generally, he had helped tone np the game, while he was very grateful personally for all Father Riordan had done. Mr. Klliott stated that no one could have a better friend, while as a teacher of the Word of God ho had faithfully carried out his duties. ■While acting as junior selector Rather Eiordan had given him valuable help,

and very useful advice. He felt sure that Father Kiordan would soon become as popular in Hawke’s Bay as he had been in Horowhenua. (Applause).

Mr. C. R. J. Inder said he was very sorry that the Union was to lose such a capable President, and added that others would accept the oliicc with diffidence; all would recognise that it would be hard to follow in the footsteps of Father Eiordan as an official of the Club, and he joined with all in wishing Father Eiordan every success. He hoped that if in the district at any time he would attend the Union meet ing; he could be assured of a hearty welcome. (Applause). Mr J. B. Bateman said as a President he considered Father Eiordan excelled. It was safe to say that if strict in his ruling he had been most fair, and his little touch of humour was always well directed. All were very sorry he was leaving the district, recognising the Joss Horowhenua would suffer. Mr. Bateman hoped Father Eiordan would long be spared to take an active part in Rugby in Hawke’s Bay. (Applause). Mr. P. McLeavey, in endorsing- the remarks of previous speakers, said offending players when brought before Father Eiordan had always had justice meted out to them. Like others lie wished Father Eiordan every success. (Applause). Mr. Harry Jacob said he felt, like others, genuinely' sorry that they were to lose such a President, and said the district’s loss would be considerable,. He hoped the time would come when Father Eiordan would be at the head of Rugby in Hawke’s Bay'. (Applause;. Mr. Bishop, on behalf of the Athletic Club, wished Father Eiordan every success, and added that he knew that Father Eiordan would soon endear himself to the people of Hawke’s Bay. (Applause). Mr. J. Casey recognised that football was to sillier a severe loss, adding that all had had a deal of time for Father Eiordan. Some members of the Union, unable to be present, had called on him expressing regret that, they would not' have the opportunity of saying good-bye to Father Eiordan, but wished to convey their very best wishes. Mr. Casey slated that the gift to be made to Father Eiordan avus from the members, of the Union. Mr. Casey apologised for the absence of several member.-, si cling it was no fault of theirs that they could not lie present. Mr. A. Cille.-pie stated that the regard for Father Eiordan in Shannon was pronounced, am! that all regretted the district was losing such a capable ami popular ollicial.

Mr. Bishop said it was his duly, as chairman of the gathering to hand to Father Kionlan a gift from members of the Union. It. .was, he sail, accompanied by the best; wishes of all, and he expressed a hope that God’s blessing would always be on Father Riordan. (Applause, and “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’’}. A set of toilet brushes,"in case, with silver plate, engraved, was (hen handed to Father Riordan amidst further appla use. Fattier Riordan, on rising to reply, was warmly greeted. He said that he was very grateful for the wonderful expressions of goodwill and for such a useful present. He stated that when lie entered office a.s President he had followed such a. worthy official as Mr. Hannan, and he then knew that he had high ideals that he had to live up to. He regretted that such a capable man as Mr. Hannan should rest content, as only a life member, and ho hoped the defect would be remedied during the coming year. .Father Riordan stated that he had tried to do his best with his limited abilities, and assured all that he would not lose interest in Rugby. He hoped to bo able to take e prominent part when he went to Hawke’s Bay. Father Riordan said that he was very grateful for co-opera-tion ho had received from members. His duties had taken up a deal of time but he had no regrets. He looked upon it as part of his work, especially as it brought men of different religions in and tended to broaden the mind. It was a case of “the more wc are together the lu/ppier we will bo.’’ He assured all that it was not his fault that he was leaving the district, it was a case of duty. He was leaving with great regret. Father Riordan snoko of his love for the Maori, and jokingly said that it was not his fault that he urns not a Maori, he was of Irish descent and that was the next best thing. (Laughter). He stated that the Union was in a happy position, there was no distinction between Maori and Pakeha. He had, he said, been very happy in the district, and he regretted leaving so many kind friends, lie had hoped to have visited Foxton but he had had so many calls that he had failed to make the trip. He then paid a tribute to the splendid work of Mr. Ca'ey and Mr. Rimmer, who he j said had done work that he had got [credit for. It had been his pleasure to [take an interest, in the boys of the district, ami lie paid a glowing tribute to i 11< e conduct of the Levin lads when on | tour. The-.- did their teacher every | credit. Father Riordan slated that at 1,-Mir time lie visited the district lie | would be pleased to renew acqnaint-

cnee uiih all. and that if at any lime he could do anything for Rugby he would be gleam'd ( i do so. !• lllher Riordan slated that whim the election of nmmbf ; <■ i’Mc round ho Imped all

the old members would bi> re-e'eefeu They tad p- vo-i a c uci]' J ;o ihe i'aiou, and ]•„ h'-r;e 1 lhe - we:-' ' lone- he

spared to t- he a p j ent p" rt :n I", \ ’ : ; ~( I v ,..| <;nod S’lorts-

men and sm "hi have no regrets, lb' considered the vear ae !md spent as President of the Union one of the happiest of his life. (Applause). Supper was then partaken of. PRESENTATION AT MUHUNOA. The Rev. Father Riordan was enter

Ininoii liy tJin Xntivcs of Aliilunioa on \\’i , ilii('<il;iv ;;l'tonioon airl jiiTscnti-'! ivitli a beautiful I ravclliir.;' nr.';, (in” rcyivt \vas ox;u I'.-'scil at Fadin' •Hi"(Ixu’s di-pa r!i't“.