PANMURE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 30, 27 July 1899, Page 18

PANMURE.

Panmure was en fete last Tuesday evening (says the Auckland Star, July 13), the occasion being the recurring anniversary of Monsignor McDonald's birthday. The gathering took plaoe in St. Patrick's Hall, when about 220, including children, assembled. Tbe pupils under the careful training of their teachers, Miss MoDonald and Miss Hogan, had prepared a shprt but very interesting programme for the occasion, and acquitted themselves very creditably. Miss Elsie Gavin, supported by two of the younger pupils, Miss Kin^aly and Miss Malone, read an address in a distinct and very feeling manner, and presented a number of well-selected and useful presents from kind friends and well wishers to Father Walter, who replied in a few well chosen and touching sentences. During the evening light refreshments were handed round by the teachers, when a very pleasant chat concluded the happy function. The addresn was as follows: — 'Dear Father Walter,— Once again the 11th of July has come round, and it is with more than ordinary delight that we, the little children of St Patrick's School, Panmure, wish you, dear Father Walter, many, many happy returns of the day. The present we are about to give is not what we would like to give you, but we know, dear Father Walter, that it is not the value of the present that you look at but the spirit in which it is

given. We hope that Dhine Providence will allow you to remain with us for many years to come, and also that your health may be spared to you, as we know nothing would grieve you more than that of not being able to attend to your duties ; you never allow weather to keep you from them no matter how severe it is ; and now, dear Father Walter, wishing you many happy returns of the day, we remain, your devoted children of St. Patrick's School, Pan* mure. Signed (on behalf of the school children), Elsie Gavin.'