LAWRENCE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 26, 28 June 1906, Page 15

LAWRENCE

Mrs. J. J. Woods, who has held the- position;-of-orgamst .of St. Patrick s Church, Lawrence, for nearly^ a third of a century, was entertained at a social eathW er ng on Friday evening. There was a very large at-"" k'na'anco, and thj proceedings throughout were "most, enjoyable The chair was occupied by Mr. James^^Eel-^ liner, who referred to the many services grven^'by'' Mrs. WcoJs in the cause of leligion, charity, and social matters and added that she had won the affection and esteem of all who had the privilege to eniov her friendship. Tie Very Rev. Mgr. O'Lcary, in an appreciative srecch, presented Mrs. Woods, on behalf of St Patrick's congregation, with a ' cosy corner,' a very handsome and elaborate piece of furniture, and also, on behalf oi Mrs. John Roche (of Blue Spur), with a very artistic piece of Limerick lace work. Monsianor O'Loary testified to the good work done by Mrs Woods in her position as organist of St. Patrick's Church and paid a very warm tribute to her musical abilities and many excellent social qualities. Mrs. Roche bore testimony to Mrs. Woods' many social and charitable characteristics, evidenced not only in thds Cplony 'but in other lands. Apropos sh» gave an instance that occurred in the Cathedral in Limerick. The clever organist, who was the father of a large family, lost his position, which meant run to his wife and children No lady was- thought physically capable of performing the duti3s, as the instrument was a pipe, organ, and one of tJie largest'; but when the circumstances were made known to their guest, then auite a., young woman, she Offered to fill the breach. Wh~n pay day came she declined the salary, and Ljeg K «I the Jiishopis administrator to grant her a favor, which was to reinstate the former organist and hand ovor to him the salary offered to her, and this was accordingly don*. Mr. J. J. Woods -on behalf, of his wife, acknowledged the gifts whichhad been presented' to her, and I>han l '.ed the donors most 'cordially for their kindness. To few was it granted to" occupy so prominent a position in a chioir as had been Mrs*. Woods' lot ; -bait! while - all earthly choirs must/ end sooner or /later, it was to be honed that they would' be reunited/in that heavenly rhoir where "there was no mpre parting." He could' not fiW words to adequately" express his wife's feelings- of, gratitude- to. Mrs. Roche -for her artistic present and kind words. He could only say'that the valuable gift and -the still more valuable and affectionate words accompanying it could only emanate in the kindly heart of an Irish lady when addressing a -sister compatriot.