SOCIAL GATHERING AT MOSGIEL

New Zealand Tablet, 29 August 1912, Page 35

SOCIAL GATHERING AT MOSGIEL

On Tuesday evening the stallholders, assistants, and others who took part in the recent Empire Carnival were entertained at a social gathering in the Coronation Hall, Mosgiel. Mr. A. F. Quelch presided over a very large attendance, and among those present were Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., Rev. Father Liston (Rector of Holy Cross College), Rev. Father Delany, Rev. Father Buckley, and the clergy of Holy Cross College. The programme consisted of a euchre tournament interspersed with musical selections. At an interval in the proceedings an artistically illuminated address was presented to Rev. Father Liston on behalf of the stallholders and assistants at the bazaar. ; Mr. Quelch, in asking Mr. Walls to read the address, spoke at length on the good work done in the parish by Father Liston, and on the high esteem in which he was held by his people. The following was the address?— ‘ Rev. and Dear Father, —Now that the most successful carnival ever held in this district has just been concluded, we take this opportunity of recording our appreciation of your untiring efforts, your kindness and consideration to all the assistants, and the ability you displayed in making the carnival such a success. We recognise not only your sterling personal worth, but your exceedingly successful management of the affairs of the parish. You have entirely cleared off the debt, besides purchasing and paying for a splendid school for the Sisters of Mercy. Considering the small congregation in Mosgiel, the result achieved, in the space of about 18 months, is one that any priest might well be proud of. Time may dull the memory, but' the convent school, Mosgiel, will remain a lasting memorial of your work as parish priest in the Taieri. Again we congratulate you on the success of the Empire Carnival, which has been the means of liquidating, a large portion of the parish debt. We pray that you may for many years to come enjoy good health, and that you will be

enabled to continue the noble work for which you are so eminently fitted. . . ‘ On behalf of the Empire Carnival assistants, we remain, dear Father, your faithfully, : John McGettigan (England Stall), Rose Stevenson (Scotland Stall), Bessie Walls (Ireland Stall), Margaret Hauke (Canada Stall), Mary Knott (New Zealand Stall), A. F. Quelch and J. P. Walls (secretaries). ; ‘ Mosgiel, 14th August, 1912.’ ~ As the address was presented to Father Liston, the audience rose in a body, and sang ‘ For he’s a jolly good fellow.’

Rev. Father Liston, in the course of his reply, returned his sincere thanks to the assistants for their beautiful address, and complimented them on the zeal and unity displayed by all engaged in the carnival, and on the success which attended the undertaking. In conclusion he said the net results amounted to £585.

The address was a very artistic production, having views of the school, convent, etc., with groups of the assistants. The letterpress and illuminations were in excellent taste. A plentiful supply of light refreshments were provided, and altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent.