PRESENTATION TO FATHER COONEY, KUMARA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 11, 14 March 1901, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO FATHER COONEY, KUMARA.

A repbesentative gathering of Catholics and of other wellwishers met last evening in St. Patrick's schoolroom, Kumara (says the Greymouth Star, March 5), for the purpose of presenting ;a farewell address to the Rev. Father Cooney who has received notice of removal to the charge of an important parish in Canterbury. Mr. Robert M'Glone was voted to the chair and briefly explained the objects of the meeting. He expressed the pleasure it afforded him to be present and preside over such a representative meeting, although he stood almost alone of the older generation who had assisted at similar functions in the past. He was glad to see that the young men were following in the footsteps of their fathers. He then called on Mr. Joseph Sherlock to read the following address; - - ' Rev. and dear Father, — We, the undersigned, on behalf of the parishioners of Kumara and surrounding districts, having heard with pain of your approaching departure from amongst us, beg to express our heartfelt sorrow at the loss the parish is about to sustain. Though your stay with us has been all too short, we have nevertheless learned to appreciate your many excellent qualities of head and heart, As a priest, by example and precept, you have endeared yourself to us, and we would be wanting to allow you to take your departure without in some way showing our appreciation of your worth. The time at our disposal has been so short that we have been unable to mark our full sense of gratitude in a manner worthy of the occasion and that would leave no doubt as to the sincerity of our sentiments. We trust, however, that you will accept this addres«, not merely as an expression of our sorrow at your departure, but also as the forerunner of a more practical and tangible gift shortly to follow. In conclusion, we pray that God may giant you thu graces and blessings necessary to enable you to oveiuoiue all difficulties you may meet in your new sphere of laborSigned on behalf of the parishioners, D K. O'Hallahan, Jos. P. Sherlock, R. M'Glone, H. Burger, T. P. Fog.irty, Thomas Moynihan, W. B. Gilbert, J. Murphy, J. Monaghan, and P. Galligau. The Rev. Father Cooney, in replying, referred to the difficulty he experienced in finding words to fitly express his Benae of gratitude, not merely for the present action of the people of Kumara, but for the kindness and generosity shown him on all hands during his stay. He had done nothing to deserve it. He had never met a more hospitable people, and the time he hai spent in Kumara was amongst the happiest of his life. He referred to the grand broad spirit of Christian charity exhibited by all denominations in Kumara, and he hoped and prayed that such would continue to strengthen. After once again thanking those present, the rev. gentleman resumed his seat amid rounds of applause. The Rev. Father O'Hallahan referred to the sorrow he experienced in losing Father Cooney. They had at all times got on exceedingly well together, and from his perfect knowledge of the parish he could always leave the guest of the evening in charge with perfect confidence had he occasion to go for a few days to any outside district. Besides this, the Rev. Father Cooney had a happy knack of winning the good will of non-Catholics. Mr. J. Carey also spoke a few words of regret and good wishes.