OPUNAKE FAREWELL

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1935, Page 15

OPUNAKE FAREWELL

REV. FATHER KENNEDY.

TRIBUTES TO HIS WORK. The Opunake town hall was crowded to capacity on Monday night when par- ' ishioners and friends farewelled the i Rev. Father J. J. Kennedy, who has been parish priest in the district for 12 years and is now moving to Stratford. | Mr. A. J. Brennan, on behalf of the ; parishioners, detailed the work of the j priest and the progress of church work during the time Father Kennedy had been in charge. They were all, he said, very sorry to part with one who had worked so hard and had seen his labours rewarded in such a lasting manner. Mr. Brennan presented the guest of honour with a cheque for a substantial amount and an illuminated address from the parishioners, members of the Hibernian Society and golf and bowling clubs. The address on behalf of the parishioners was signed by Messrs. S. R. Fea ver and T. Carey; for the Hibernian Society by Messrs. E. G. Holmes (president) and A. J. Brennan (secretary); for the golf club by Messrs. G. Mclvor (president) and L. Donnelly (secretary); and for the bowling club by Messrs. P. Dalrymple (president) and G. Hammond (secretary). Mr. G. Mclvor (golf club) and Mr. P. Dalrymple (bowling club) expressed regret at Father Kennedy’s departure from Opunake and the loss of a good club member.

The Rev. Father McDermott (Eltham) wished the guest health and prosperity in the larger parish of Stratford. The speaker had been a college associate with Father Kennedy.

A great ovation was given Father Kennedy when he rose to reply. He expressed gratitude for the many evidences of. warm friendship. He said he would like everyone to know that the splendid results at Opunake were achieved only through the loyal and generous co-operation of Catholics and ndnCatholics. Appeals for various causes had been made not only to their own people but also to the general public. At all times the response had been to him a tower of strength. Great generosity was revealed. He was grateful for the remarks of the representatives of the sports bodies, and the illuminated address would be amongst his most treasured possessions. It was not of his seeking that the change. from Opunake was riiade. He hqd been invited to view the mountain “from the other side.” During the evening vocal items were given by Mrs. J. O’Donoghue (Kaponga), .Miss . ’Yvonne ...Stevenson, (Pihama), Messrs. R. Maunder (Hawera), W.. G. Simpson (Hawera) and C. H. Marcroft.; Accompaniments were played by Miss Gilmour, Miss Taylor and. Mr. W. D. Richards. Mr. E. G. Holmes was chairman of tire organisation. Visiting men present were the Rev. .Fathers Dyman. (Wanganui), McDermott (Eltham), Hegarty (Feilding), Garraghy (Patea), Breen (Manaia) and Douglas (Opunake). Dancing was continued until a late hour to music supplied by Hooker’s Merrymakers’ orchestra. Wilson Memorial Cup.

The Opunake Surf Club’s annual John Wilson Memorial Cup competition (fourmen alarm) was held during the weekend. Fiye teams competed. P. Smith’s team won. The points awarded were: P. Smith’s team, 63% points, 1; G. Webb, 62%, 2; D. Burton, 63 3-8, 3; McNae, 59 5-8, 4; G. Cuhdy, 54%, 5. Th Presbyterian Sunday school picnic was held at Mr. J. S. Tosland’s (Watino Road) on Saturday. A pleasant and enjoyable time 'was spent by juveniles and adults.

The Pihama public school picnic was held on the Opunake beach on Tuesday. There was a full attendanc of pupils and a number of parents were present. The committee and teachers made the day’s outing an enjoyable one.