Milton

New Zealand Tablet, 23 July 1908, Page 24

Milton

On Tuesday evening of last week (says the Milton ' Mirror ') St. Joseph's Schoolroom presented a very pleasing spectacle, the occasion being a welcome social tendered by the Catholics of Milton to Rev. Father Farthing, who is to have charge of the district during the absence of the Very Rev. Father O'Neill. The schoolroom was tastefully decorated, the work of the Sisters of the local convent, their pupils, and some lady assistants. The arrangements for the function were admirably carried out, and reflected much credit on those responsible for them. Mr. W. Kirby, who presided, in his explanatory remarks with regard to the object of the meeting, said that since the regrettable absence of the Very Rev. Father O'Neill through ill-health the Catholics of Milton were without a pastor, but owing to the kindness of the priests at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, they had Mass every Sunday. They were pleased to have Father Farthing in their midst, and they extended to him a hearty welcome, and they desired to assure him of their co-operation in every possible way. He hoped Father Farthing's stay would be pleasant, and beneficial to his health, which they regretted to hear was at present not all that could be desired. He, however, thought there was not a great deal to fear in thi-5 respect, although it took a very robust person to survive the shock of a sudden drop from extreme north to extreme south. He had survived it wonderfully well so far, said Mr. Kirby, who concluded his remarks by again giving a warm welcome to Father Farthing, who he hoped would be long spared to continue in his good work for the honor and glory of God. Mr. Moroney said he considered it befitting to meet in this social way, and he could safely say that Father Farthing had already won the hearts of his congregation. Although the Catholic body of Milton was not numerically strong, they were rich in faith and love for their holy religion. They all regretted very much the ill-health of the Very Rev. Father O'Neill, but even in his absence, and far away distant as he was, there could be no doubt he would remember them. Mr. R. Grealish, jun., said he was very pleased to see such an attendance to welcome their new pastor. There was not a Catholic family in the parish unrepresented. Although Father Farthing was a stranger personally, his work was well known throughout the Dominion, his name being well known through the medium of the Catholic journals. Although they met in harmony that night, it was to be regretted that the sole reason for the meeting of welcome was due to the very serious breakdown in health of their esteemed pastor. Father O'Neill hid been for some considerable time a silent sufferer. It was one of his characteristics to conceal his personal suffering, and it was earnestly desired that in his attempt to continue working for their spiritual welfare, he had not menaced his own health beyond a complete recovery. Messrs. M. Kreft (president of the Hibernian Society) and J. P. Lynch also extended a hearty welcome to Father Farthing. The Rev. Father Farthing, in replying, said it was difficult indeed for him to find words to express his" feelings. He was quite astonished to sec such preparations for his welcome in s-o short a time ; it surpassed anything he had ever come in contact with. He could only thank them all for their kindness and welcome. Their pastor told aim in Auckland that the place in winter was cold, but that the people -were always warm ; he could now truthfully confirm this. When leaving Auckland it was with a pang of regret, and he now knew that when his time came to leave Milton there would be an additional pang of regret. He admitted - having a particular liking for the young men, and advised all of them in the parish to practise all good ' virtues ; to associate themselves in every public movement ; to interest themselves in literature, and especially follow

all the political questions of" the day; and to move forward, but never' go one step backward. Between the .address.es a very varied and first-class programme was gone through, and consisted of pianoforte selections and duets by Miss Reid and Miss Scahlan ; .club drill, >boy pupils ; chorus, '.When through life unblest we rove, convent pupils; part song, ' The meeting of' the waters ' ; fan dance, Miss Madge Laffey. The gem of the evening was undoubtedly the singing • of Father Farthing's four songs with encores. ' The songs he selected were ' The last rose of summer,' ' Dear little sham- I rock,' 'Ye banks and braes,' and ' Believe me if all those endearing young charms.'