WELL LOVED PARISH PRIEST

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1932, Page 9

WELL LOVED PARISH PRIEST

TRIBUTE TO FATHER FORRESTAL.

HEALTH-RECRUITING TOUR.

The esteem in which Father Torrestal is held, not only by the members of his own church but also by residents of every creed in the Inglewood district, was shown by the largo gathering at the Town Hall last night to make him a presentation on the. eve of his departure on a health-recruiting trip after nearly ten years as parish priest at Inglewood. Father Doolaghty, Palmerston North, who is accompanying Father Forrestal, and Fathers Henley and Keegan, New Plymouth, were also present. The early part of the evening was devoted to dancing, Mr. A. Dombroski being master of ceremonies, Excellent music was played by Boulton’s dance band. Between the dances songs were ■sun tr by Mrs. Faris, Miss M. Larmer and Mr. L. G. Kohn- all being encored. The accompaniments were played by Misses R. Nicholls and K. Larmer. Mr. and Mrs. S. G. McGowan gave an exhibition of dancing. In calling on the Mayor of Inglewood .(Mr. Gibbs) to make the presentation, Mr. F. Spurdlo also wished Father Forrestal au revoir on behalf of the parishioners. During his nine and a-half years as parish priest Father Forestal had worked very hard, he said. In the first place he had cleared off a debt of £260 or £3OO. Then he had set .to work to organise a carnival to establish a school, and raised over £3OOO, with the result that the school had.- been opened free of debt. That work had told on his health and he had recently undergone a serious operation,. the effects of which he was still feeling. Spurdie expressed the hope that as the result of his holiday the priest wou d soon be restored to health and would return to Inglewood with the same vigour as when he arrived there. . Mr. Gibbs said the Inglewood parish was losing a beloved priest and Inglewood town a worthy citizen, and he himself a personal friend by the departure of Father Forrestal, but a pleasing feature was that he was returning to Inglewood in 15 mouths. 1* athei Foirestal was really responsible for the speaker being Mayor of Inglewood. Mr. Gibbs had (been associated with Inglewood for 33 years—prior to it being a separate parish. It was thin under the charge of the late Dean McKenna, who was a great priest, a true Christian, and in other circumstances would have been a great statesman.. Father McManus was the first parish priest, and he was followed fiy Fathers O’Beiriie, Long and Forrestal. Twenty-seven years a<*o Dean McKenna had established the school in the old Foresters’ Hall, and there was no doubt but that the school erected as the result of the efforts of Father Forrestal was not only a credit to Inglewood but also to Taranaki. No man in the district deserved a holiday more than did Father Forrestal. In handing him a well-filled wallet on behalf of the parishioners and people of Inglewood, Mr. Gibbs wished liim Godspeed aud a' safe return to Inglewood, restored to health. On behalf of the priests Father Henley added his tribute, stating that Father Forrestal would be greatly missed in New Plymouth. Father Doolaghty said he had been associated with Father Forrestal ever since his arrival in New Zealand IS years ago. Father Forrestal had been most energetic and zealous in his duties, not for outward show but for zeal of the priesthood, and it was that which bore fruit. Father Forrestal, who. was greeted with musical honours, said the Mayor had mentioned that his. hard work had something to do with his health breakin°- down, but that was not so, as his work had been very congenial. The most he did was to give a lead, and he had a good following—not all confined to his own flock. He thanked those of other faiths for the help they had always willingly rendered. He was proud that after a number of years in Inglewood he had not lost the esteem or the confidence of the people. In thanking parishioners and citizens for everything they had dme for him he remarked that he was not saying goodbye but au revoir, as he had his return ticket in his pocket and fully intended to return to Inglewood. Supper was served by a committee of ladies under the supervision of Mrs. J. F. Dodunski. Supper extras were played by Misses C. Spurdie and R. Nicholls. Mr. Dodunski was chairman of the committee and Mr. V. Dravitski honorary secretary.