INGLEWOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 October 1915, Page 3

INGLEWOOD.

FAREWELL TO FATHER O'BIERNE. (From Our Own Correspondent,) A farewell so< ial was tendered to Eev. Father O'Bicrne last night in the Town Hall.. Father O'liierno was in charge of the parish for three years, and has now been appointed chaplain to the Expeditionary Forces at present in camp. The first portion of the evening was devoted to a vocal and instrumental programme and the following items was rendered:—Spectacular action chorus, ''Welcome," Convent School pupils; pianoforte solo "Cain-ice," Miss Gattler; patriotic song, Mr. J. Barlow; action chorus "Gathering Flowers," by the children: trio, ''The Holy City" ("pianoforts, Miss Xellie O'Carroll, violins, Misses E. Julian and McMahon); song, Miss Hogan; trio,'instrumental "A Summer Evening," Misses O'Carroll, Julian and McMahon; song "Sweeping the Ocean," Mr .(. Barlow (encored). The Convent children then rendered "Dreaming of Home," which concluded a most enjoyable concert. The stage was afterwards prepared for the guest and visitors.

Master Wisnewski, addressing Father O'Bierne, said: "Dear Rev. Father—The Children of Mary and the pupils of the Convent School wish to tell you of our sorrow at your departure from amongst us. We also desire to express our thanks for the great interest you have taken in us, and for the help you have given us in everything relating to our spiritual well-being and happiness. We trust you will be spared for many years to continue your noble work, anil we beg you will sometimes think of us in your prayers. Wo assure you, dear Kevd. Father, that you will be long remembered by us with the deepest respect, and in token of our gratitude ask you to accept this little present.'' Master Wisnewski then presented the Father with a handsome black "garment."

Mr. F. Spurdle expressed his pleasurt in having the honor conferred on him o! making the presentation of an address from his late congregation. The text of the address was as follows: "Dear Kevd. Father—We, on behalf of the parishioners of Inglewood, desire to express our deep regret at your departure from our midst, and to tender you some slight recognition of your untiring . efforts to promote our temporal and spiritual well being. Coming amongst us some three years ago, when the care of the parish devolved upon you, your untiring zeal and ready assistance in all matters concerning the church, convent, and school, and pertaining to the welfare of your people, proved beyond doubt that your own good qualities were deserving of much love and esteem. You have been unsparing in your efforts to bring, at regular intervals, the consolation of our holy religion to those of your parishioners in the outlying parts of your parish under eircumstaances that require courage, piety, and devotion to duty. Your zeal in fostering the social well-being of our community has endeared yon not only to your own congregation but. to other denominations. We are pleased to have this opportunity of expressing our appreciation of your charity and devotedness, and ask 'you, dear Rev. Father, to accept the accompanying token of our respect. In conclusion we wish you a long life and prosperity in God's /i-ieyard."—Signed on behalf of the Catholic community.—Michael McMahon, F. Spurdle, Joseph Fablsh, Joseph Butler.

His Worship the Mayor, in eulogistic terras, referred to the excellent workdone by Father O'Bierne, and the high esteem in which he was held bv people of every denomination, and the universal regret felt at his departure for the new sphere into which he had been called by the heads of the church—that of ministering to the spiritual welfare of the men training for service at the front. It had been felt by all that Father O'Bierne could not leavo without some expression of regret at his departure, and with a view of placing this on record that evening had been arranged, and he 1 (speaker) had the honor of presenting Father O'Bierne with a purse of sovereigns contributed, by members of every religious denomination in the district, each being anxious to be a unit in the general expression of regret and esteem. Mr. Young referred at some length to Father OTSierne's untiring devotion to and energy in promoting the general good, and to his work as a very live citizen, and his work in augmenting the funds for the Wounded Soldiers', and he hoped he would have many years of life during which to continue in his noble work.

Father O'Bierne was received with enthusiastic applause. He was not going to say anything about himself, as everything good had already been said. He remembered a little yarn which hv would tell them about a man who in selling a horse said to the buyer that it had only two faults—one was that it was very hard to catch, and the other was when it was caught it was no good. He felt something like that description, as he was very hard to get up to speak, and when he was up he was no good at it. He was very pleased to see the young children taking interest in the work done for them in the parish in supporting their school under the good Sisters who were in charge of it. With reference to the handsome presents he was quite sure he was not worthv of such great honors. He could not have done anything had it not been for the loyal support given him by the people. Whe'reever he went he had been received with the most loyal support, and anything he might have tried to do could not have been of any effect had it not been for such support; so he did not deserve any credit. In visiting the sick he was only doing his duty, and he would be unworthy indeed if he failed to take comfort to the afflicted when in his power to do so. He was of opinion that their Mayor, whom they called Scotch, was born in Ireland and had "kissed the blarney stone" there, judging from the amount of "soft soap" he had put into his remark.? concerning himself (the speaker). As a citizen lie had always tried to do his ''little bit" in forwardnig social matters, but there again it was the people who did it. not himself, and he was always glad to help them all to keep tho "old flag flying," for it deserved all we could do for it, as it is the symbol of right and freedom. He could assure them ho was very sorry to leave Inglewood; more so than they were to fose him.

Supper was then announced, and after it dancing was carried on till the small hours of the morning, the music being supplied by Miss Churd and Mr. A. Stockman.