Ashburton

New Zealand Tablet, 25 May 1911, Page 953

Ashburton

ffrom our own correspondent.) May 22. Considerable interest is being manifest in the visit of the Irish delegates to this town. The local hall has been booked for the occasion for June 17. The men's finals in connection with the St. Mary's Tennis Club annual tournament were played off on Thursday last. Messrs. J. F. Pritchard and T. Berry won the doubles competition, and D. McCormick secured the singles championship. On Thursday evening last the Catholic Boys' Schoolroom was taxed to its utmost to accommodate the members and friends of the Catholic Young Men's Club, who had assembled for the purpose of bidding good-bye to one of their most popular and valued club members, Mr. J. O'Grady, who has been promoted to the position of police officer in charge at Geraldine. Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell presided. The first part of the proceedings took the form of a progressive euchre tournamenta very enjoyable contest resulting in Rev. Father O'Hare and Miss M. McCormick securing the prizes. This concluded, Dean O'Donnell stated that they were no doubt aware of the chief business of the evening—namely, to take farewell of Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady, who were leaving to take up their residence in Geraldine. He congratulated Mr. O'Grady on his promotion, concluding his eulogy by wishing the guests of the evening every success and prosperity in their new home'. He then presented (on behalf of Mr. O'Grady's club members and friends) Mr. O'Grady with a handsome marble clock, and Mrs. O'Grady with a silver-mounted tray. Messrs. D. McDonnell (representing club executive), Mr. J. Burgess (club member), and J. F. Pritchard (St. Mary's Tennis Club) all spoke in the highest praise of Mr. Grady's good work on the various bodies. Mr. O'Grady, on rising to respond, was greeted with prolonged applause. He thanked the various speakers for the many kind things said. His work, or whatever little he had done for the Catholic Club, was purely a labor of love, and done for the betterment of the club. He would never; forget the many pleasant evenings spent with the members of the Ashburton Catholic Club. On behalf of Mrs. O'Grady and himself, he returned his most sincere thanks for their handsome presents. The Rev. Father O'Hare (club president) then presented framed diplomas for merit gained by the following: Messrs. J. O'Grady, M. J. Burgess, and Chanei Cooper. * A musical programme was gone through during the evening, the following contributing:—Misses M. Soal, K Nealon, M. and C. Madden; Messrs. W. Cunningham and R. Ramsay. Refreshments were also handed round, and much appreciated. A successful function terminated with rousing cheers being given for Mr. and Mrs. O'Grady and family.