Arrowtown.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 40, 2 October 1902, Page 4

Arrowtown.

Though short notice was given (says the Lake County Preti) of the social to be tendered to the Rev. Father O'Donnell upon his arrival in Arrowtown, the A then as am Hall was fairly taxed. It will be remembered that a few months back the rev. gentleman was far from well, and was ordered a complete rest and change of scene by his doctor. We are pleased to pay Father O'Donnell has come back greatly benefited and restored to his usual good health. The large assemblage to welcome the rev. gentleman back to Arrowtown was sufficient proof of his popularity and the esteem in which he was held not only by his own flock, but by the residents generally throughout the district. Mr R. J. Cotter, at a suitable opportunity, presented Father O'Donnell with the following address on behalf of the Catholics of Arrowtown. The speaker said it was not neaeseary for him to say anything further than that his sentiments, ax well as the sentiments of the Catholic people, were expressed in the address :—: —

' Dear Rev. Father, — It is with feelings of great joy that we have assembled here this evening to tender you a cordial welcome home. It was with deep regret that we learned of your illness, for we felt that your devoted and energetic labors in thia parish were partly the cause of it. Our pretty little church here (the ornament of Arrowtown) is a proof of your untiring zeal and courage. During your absence we have looked forward to this meeting, and, now you are really amongst us, we can hardly find words to express our sentiments. It is a source of unbounded pleasure, dear Rev. Father, to see you at home again, and to learn that your dearly-bought holidays have helped to restore your former good health. In conclusion, we pray that Our Divine Lord will spare yon for many yearß to continue the dutieß of your sacred ministry amongßt the people, to whom you have endeared yourself by your fatherliness, kindness, and generosity.'

Father O'Donnell, on rising to reply, was greeted with hearty applause. He was glad to get back to the Wakatipu again. He had travelled a good deal throughout Canterbury and Otago since he had been away, and without flattery he could say he preferred Otago to Canterbury, and of all the places in Otago he preferred the Wakatipu. He liked this district and the people, all of whom had been very kind to him, and it would have been ungrateful on his part to even think of leaving them. Physicians had said that he must leave the Wakatipu, but he was advised by his local doctor to remain in the Lakes, and he had acted on that advice. He was not going to detain them by making ary lengthy remarks, as it was a source of pleasure to him to s°e them enjoying themselves. He thanked his people for the address and the kind expressions contained therein. He noticed among those present a large number outside his congregation, among whom were some of his fastest friends, and their presence there that evening was the greatest compliment that conld possibly be bestowed upon him. He thought it was a pity that there were not more social gatherings and reunions amongst the different denomination*. After again returning thanks Father O'Donnell sat down amidst* great applause.

Later on in the evening his Worship the Mayor briefly addressed the assemblage, and welcomed Father O'Donnull b.ick on behalf of the people of Arrowtown The speaker referred to the good work done by Father O'Donnell in having the vast improvements made to the church and surroundings which were now an ornament to the town.

Father O'Oonnell, in replying, deeply appreciated being welcomed back by the people of Arrowtown. It was a very great compliment indeed. With regard to the church improvements he hoped to continue the good work already inaugura ed, which would necessarily add to the appearance of the town. A number of 1 tdies kindly supplied refreshments. Songs were contributed by Mrs Niven, Misses A. Cotter, Robertson, and Graham ; a duet by Mesdames Niven and Perrelle, and a hornpipe by Mr S. M'Skimming.