PRESENTATION TO REV. FATHER DORE, FOXTON

New Zealand Tablet, 10 September 1914, Page 51

PRESENTATION TO REV. FATHER DORE, FOXTON

' The Rev. Father Dore, who accompanies the next contingent of the Expeditionary Force as chaplain, was farewelled in the Catholic schoolroom on Tuesday night, and was made the recipient of a presentation from his parishioners and outside friends (says the Manawatu Herald of August 27). The building was comfortably filled, and Mr. P. Hennessy presided. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the National Anthem by all present. The chairman said he was pleased at being privileged to preside, but it was mingled with regret because the object of the gathering was to bid farewell to their parish priest, Father Dore. He said that although Father Dore was leaving now everything being well he would come back to Foxton on his return to the Dominion, which he earnestly hoped would be in the near future. Mr. Hennessy went on to refer to the good work done by Father Dore as far as the parish was concerned. He had been in charge for about twenty months and the progress made during that period was really wonderful. It would be very hard indeed to find his equal. While his departure was regretted very much there was no doubt he was just the man for the work in front of him, and the speaker knew he would conscientiously do his duty. The parishioners and outside friends desired to take the opportunity of making a presentation to him, in the form of a travel-ling-bag and thermos flask. Mr. Jackson, secretary of the church committee, said he had occupied that position since Father Dore had been in Foxton and was, therefore, in a position to know the good work done by him t as parish priest. He could heartily endorse all that had been said by the chairman as to the guest of the evening’s popularity with the young men. Mr. Jackson referred at some length to the progress made in the parish under Father Dore and mentioned the opening of a new church at Tokomaru. He concluded by wishing Father Dore God speed and a safe return. At this stage the chairman took the opportunity of introducing Father Dore’s successor, Father Cronin. He said Father Cronin was a schoolmate of Father Dore’s and that they came out to New Zealand together. Father Cronin, in acknowledging Mr. Hennessy remarks, said he was glad to be present to bid good-bye to his old schoolmate, and to. join in wishing him a prosperous time and safe return. He was pleased to be appointed to succeed Father Dore, and would endeavor to walk in his footsteps, and hoped the parishioners would extend to him the same assistance as had been tendered his predecessor, and would be satisfied with his (the speaker’s) work when Father Dore returned to take up his duties here again. He concluded by wishing Father Dore a prosperous time and safe return. Father Dore said he did not think the valuable tokens of esteem given him that evening were necessary to convince him of their goodwill. He was starting on, perhaps, a perilous journey, and had it been left to him he was not sure but what he would have considered his first duty was to serve the people in Foxton'. His superior, however, had asked him to accompany, as chaplain, the next contingent of the Expeditionary Force to leave New Zealand, and to this invitation he willingly responded. That was his explanation for leaving Foxton, which he hoped would only be temporary. He was very glad indeed to be privileged to accompany New Zealand’s brave and valiant volunteers. They would fight under the New Zealand ensign, and he was sure they would return to the Dominion with the honors and glory of the fortunes of war. His duty would be to look after the spiritual welfare of those under his charge, and he assured parents and relatives of volunteers from this district, of all denominations, that he would do all in his power to help them in every way. He would only be too happy to write as opportunity afforded, and tell them of the welfare of those who * belong to this district? It was

gratifying to him to see so many present, amongst whom were non-Catholic friends. In Foxton there was a spirit prevailing among all classes that specially appealed to him, and that was freedom from religious bigotry. He always fostered this spirit, and was glad t.o be in a position to publicly state that religious bigotry! was almost completely absent in Foxton. Referring to his successor, Father Dore said that Father Cronin was more than equal to take his place. He had known Father Cronin for many years, and could recommend him, and he expressed the hope that they would render him all the assistance possible. In conclusion, he again thanked the people of Foxton for their kindness and goodness to him. Father Dore resumed his seat amid tremendous applause, and all present joined in singing ‘ For he’s a jolly good fellow.’ During the evening, vocal items were contributed by Messrs. W. Hooker, J. Goldor, B. Hooker, and Croft, all the songs being of a patriotic nature, and Mr. P. Lenihan gave a step dance. Refreshments, provided by the ladies of the parish, were then handed round.