HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 36, 4 September 1902, Page 5

HOKITIKA.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

August 28. A very pleasing function took place at St. Columbkille's convent, Hokitika, last Sunday, when Mrs R W. Wade, who has for a very long time held the office of president of the Holy Family Sodality, and who has also been one of the most energetic members of St. Mary's Alar Society ever since its cstabht-hment, was made the recipient of a purse of sovereigns and a neat little address as a small token of the esteem in which that lady is held by the members of tho various societies in Hokitika. The Very Rev. Dean Martin SM,, who presided, expreesed his deep regret at Mrs Wade's approaching departure for bouth Africa, and in a feeling manner referred to the zeal and energy she had displayed on all occasions, making ppecial mention of the valuable services she had for years rendered to St. Mary's choir. He wished her all happiness and prosperity in her new home, where he trusted she would be for many years spared to continue the good work so long carried on by her in Hokitika. He concluded by expressing a hope that her example of practical interest in Church matters would be followed by the other members of the societies. The Rev. Father Malone, who replied on behalf of Mrs Wade, also made mention of her devotedness to the sodalities.

All joined in wishing Mr and Mrs Wade a pleasant voyage, and every happiness and prosperity in South Africa. The following is the address :—: — Dear Mrs Wade, — We have not gathered here to extol your virtues or applaud your merits. No 1 But on this the eve of your departure from amongst us we desire to express our appreciation of the edifying and unvarying attention you have bestowed on the confraternities of the Holy Family and Children of Mary since their inception. The practical interest you have at all times taken in everything connected with our Holy Church has been a bright and shining example which we shall long remember. As a mark of our esteem and good will we beg your acceptance of the accompanying little souvenir. Whilst deploring tho void your departure is leaving in the Society of the Holy Family, and indeed in the Catholic community at largo, we heartily wish you and Mr. Wade every blessing in the land to which your gaze now turns. Dear Mrs. Wade we subscribe ourselves with much esteem,' The confraternities of the Holy Family and Children of Mary.'