WAIMATE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9, 1 March 1906, Page 15

WAIMATE

(From our own correspondent.)

February 2G

A large of parishioners assembled in St. Patrick's school on Thursday evening to bid farewell to Father. O'Connor, w;ho has been transferred to Napier, and to present him with some tokens of esteem. The proceedings commenced with vocal and instrumental items by Misses Dooley and Sims and Messrs. O'Shea, Smith, Kane, R. and C. J. Goldstone, and an Irish jig by Mr! McAleer. After the musical programme Was over Mr. jMcDermott, who presided, said they all fell very sorry for and deeply regretted Father O'Connor's departure. During the time he had been with them they had learned to love and esteem him for his many excellent qualities, and it was on that account that they had invited him to be present that evening. Mr. McDermott then piesented Father O'Connor with an illuminated address and a purse of sovereigns. ./The address, which was artistically printed on parchment with flora] ornamentation and enclosed in a massive gilt frame, was the work 1 of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It was signed on behalf of the parishioners- by Messrs. McDermott (chairman) Jas Hickey (hon. secretary), T. Twomev, J. Foley and W Quinn, sen. (Makikihi). The president of the 11.A.C.8. Society (Mr. J. Sims), on behalf of the Society, expressed their regret at the Rev. Father's departure, and testified to the great help he had Ueen to them in carrying on its work by the interest he had taken in -all matters pertaining to its welfare. Mr. M. J. Corrigan on behalf of the Waihao portion of the parish expressed regret at Father O'Connor's departure, as during the two years he had labored among them he had- endeared himself to all. lie (the speaker) had known Father O'Connor since he was a boy and during that time he had impressed ail by his many virtues. He asked those present to join with him in wishing their rev. guest God-speed. He then, on behalf of the Catholics of Waihao, presented Father O'Connor with a gold watch suitably inscribed, and a dressing case from the members of the Altar Society. Father O'Connor, who was received with applause expressed his appreciation of the kindness that had prompted the people of the parish to show their goodwill towards him in such a tangible form. The address he highly appreciated, and he hoped for many years to come to look upon it with pleasure. He thanked the Morven people for their kindness, and asked Mr and Mrs. Corrigan to convey them his appreciation of their gifts. He thanked one and all for the kindness shown to him during his stay in the parish. The chairman then introduced the Rev. Father Tymons, Father O'Connor's successor. Father Tymons thanked the gathering for their welcome. When a boy at college hi'i bjest friends had been Waimate students When •at the seminary he was placed under a priest who had a very warm heart for Waimate, and who had. never forgotten them— Father John Goutenoire. On Friday afternoon the pupils of St. Patrick's school presented Father O'Connor with a beautiful Limerick lace surplice, as a token of their love and esteem.