Thames

New Zealand Tablet, 26 November 1908, Page 14

Thames

The number present at last night's ' At home,' tendered to the Right Rev. Mgr. O'Reilly and Rev. Father Carran (says the Thames Star of November 13), bore overwhelming testimony to the loyalty of Catholics of Thames to their Church and their love for their pastor. The proceedings opened with . a pianoforte duet, played in their best style by the Misses Dunbar, which was followed by a number of choicely selected items by well-known local singers. Mrs. W. Clark, Misses Gibson, T. Mellett, and V. Twohill gave a very pleasing rendition of 'Four modest quakeresses,' and were very loudly applauded, each one playing her part most creditably. Solos were rendered by Mrs.^Johnston, who as usual was persistently encored, Misses Gill and McPike, Messrs. J. Kenny (encored), and W. Johnston (encored). A quartette was played by Williams's orchestra, and Mr. Lewis (who is on a visit to Thames) contributed, a comic song, and was accorded a double encore. The Very Rev. Dean Hackett, of Paeroa, who was present, expressed plea- ■ sure on behalf of Ohinemuri, and the priests of the diocese, that the Monsignore was once^ more able to resume his duties at Thames, and extended a very hearty welcome to the new curate

Father Car ran, concluding his address with samples of a few brilliant flashes of Irish wit. Mr. Mclnteer, on behalf of the parishioners of St. Francis' Church, also spoke" a few words of welcome, to which Monsignor O'Reilly feelingly replied, thanking them all for the many messages of. sympathy he had received during his recent illness, which he affirmed, though bad, was r«l so serious as was reported. Father Carran also spoke, - expressing pleasure at being once more in his' native land. A pleasant item of the evening, and one, moreover, that is always . appreciated, was the supper, which was handed round by a- ladies' committee and done ample justice to. In connection with the appointment of the Rev. J. V. Carran, an old Thames boy, to be assistant priest' at St. Francis' Church, the following complimentary paragraphs (says the Thames Star) are taken from Dublin papers : — ' Previous to his departure for New Zealand, the many Dublin friends of Rev. J. V. Carran assembled at 95 Haddington road on Thursday evening last to bid farewell and a safe voyage to his native home. During the short time he has been in Ireland, Father Carran made many friends, and his excellent qualities have been fully realised by all.' ' Pre* vious to his departure for Auckland, the Wicklow friends of the Rev. J. V. Carran assembled at Goulde, to bid him farewell, and presented him with an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns, in testimony of the esteem and respect in' which he is held. Three years ago Father Carran came -to Ireland to complete his studies for the priesthood, and by his simplicity and kindness of heart made many friends, who unite in the best wishes for his future welfare and happiness. Father Carran possesses fine intellectual ability, and Right Rev. Dr. Lenihan is to be congratulated on the acquisition of such a talented young priest.'