FAREWELL TO FATHER DROHAN, M.S.H., DARFIELD

New Zealand Tablet, 2 November 1911, Page 2207

FAREWELL TO FATHER DROHAN, M.S.H., DARFIELD

(From an occasional correspondent.) October 24. A large and enthusiastic gathering assembled In the ■■ convent schoolroom, Darfield, to do honor to Rev. Father Drohan, M.S.H., on the occasion of his departure for Australia, Mr. James Gill presided, and in his opening remarks explained the object of the gathering. He said that during the short stay of Father Drohan much had been done to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people in the district. He thought it fitting not to allow his labors to pass unnoticed, and it was for this purpose that they were assembled that night. During an interval in the musical programme the chairman called upon Mr. F. Narbey to read the following address to Father Drohan: ■ ‘ Dear Rev. Father, —With feelings of deep regret and sorrow we heard of your departure from amongst us, and of your return to your native land, Australia. Since your coming to Darfield your efforts for our spiritual and temporal interests have been untiring, and though your stay has not been long, you have endeared yourself to us in a very special way. As a true Missionary of the Sacred Heart, great earnestness and a spirit of self-sacrifice have always characterised your every duty, and your soul-stirring sermons, your zealous labors in our regard, we trust, will not prove unfruitful. Gratitude and love prompt us to offer you, dear Rev. Father, on this occasion, our warmest thanks, and while wishing you “God’speed” to labor elsewhere in our dear Lord’s vineyard, we may truly say you will ever hold a place of esteem and love in the hearts of the people of Darfield. As a token of our respect and appreciation, we beg you to accept

the accompanying little gift,' and trusting that God may spare you many years to work ,in His holy service.’ We beg to remain, dear Rev. Father, your devoted parishioners of Darfield and Springfield-• J. Gill, F. Narbey, W. Clinton, T. Vaughan, H. Cassidy, B. O’Shaugiinessy. The chairman then called upon Mr. Morrison to present to Father Drohan a purse of sovereigns. Mr. Morrison said he had much pleasure in handing Father Drohan a purse of sovereigns,, and in doing so remarked that Father Drohan would be missed not only by the adult members of the flock,'but especially by the children, who would ever remember his good advice and kindness towards them. On rising to respond Father Drohan was greeted enthusiastically. In the course of a long and interesting reply, he said'lfc felt profoundly impressed and deeply touched at the exhibition of feeling that evening. He knew what had dictated all this. It was the expression of generous and noble hearts, and that expression was to be found in the tangible evidence before him. Refreshments were then handed rounds by the ladies, and the remainder of the evening was devoted to a musical programme, to which the following contributed;Miss A. Gill, Miss E. Narbey, Mr. P. Morrison, Mr. Francis R. Bust (Christchurch), Mrs. P. McSwceney, Rev. Father Drohan, and Mr. F. Narbey, Miss M. Morrison, and Miss O. Boland. On the motion of Rev. Father Fanning a vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, and the ladies for providing refreshments. The singing of ‘ Auld lang syne brought a most enjoyable evening to a close. During the afternoon the school children entertained Father Drohan, and presented him with an address and surplice of Limerick lace. Both addresses were the work of the Sisters of Mercy, Darfield.