Kononi

New Zealand Tablet, 29 April 1915, Page 13

Kononi

■’•f. ; 'Ai' ■■ -v. -:' r ■; • ’ ■■•■- /• .-*■ ■- ; : - y V: ’- ■■,-,- -' ■ 1 (Froin an .occasional correspondent.) There was a large gathering of parishioners in the hall at Kononi on the evening of March 4, when : Rev. ■ Father O’Connell, who had been transferred from Lawrence to Oaraaru, was entertained at a farewell social; Mr.J.Fahey occupied the chair, and spoke at some length of the - admirable qualities of Father O’Connell. He said that everywhere he went throughout the district he heard the people speak in the highest terms of Father O’Connell, who, by his kind and gentle disposition, had won the affections of all, and he felt surethose present found it hard to have to say good-bye Mr. McGovern then-on behalf of the parishioners made the presentation of a well-filled purse of sovereigns He expressed his sorrow at having to say good-bye to Father O Connell, and in saying this he was certain he voiced the sentiments of all present. Father O’Connell was a man of splendid qualities, a gentleman in every sense of the word, and a worthy representative of the great name he bore. Though in delicate health, he had worked with untiling zeal and energy for the past three years amongst them. Mr. McGovern concluded by wishing Father O Connell perfect health and happiness in his new sphere of duties, and hoped that he would remember them sometimes when offering the Holy Sacrifice. • < J Messrs Mclnerney, Hartstonge, and Hart also spoke in eulogistic terms of Father O’Connell, and expressed their regret at his removal from the Lawrence parish. Rev. Father O’Connell in replying said he rose with feelings mingled with pleasure and regret—pleasure at being made the recipient of such a handsome gift and at hearing all the flattering remarks that were made about him; sorrow at having to leave them. During his three years’ sojourn in Lawrence he had always found the people most hospitable and kind-hearted, and it was with feelings of the deepest regret that he was leaving them. He promised to remember 'them always in his Masses. : • ; Musical items were contributed'during the evening, and supper was provided by the ladies of the district. Tuakau The people of Tuakau were treated to a concert oh Saturday evening, April 10, by members of the.Marist Brothers Old Boys Club, Auckland. The concert was arranged with a view to reducing the debt on- the Tuakau Catholic church. The hall was taxed to its utmost, many of the audience having to stand throughout the performance. The Rev. Father O’Hara, in a few well-chosen words, introduced the performers and expressed his deep gratitude to them for visiting the district and his happiness at seeing,, such a packed audience. The following contributed items: Messrs. T. King, J. Lonergan,. N. Tremain, E. Casey, F. G. Bourke, C. Dod, W. Miller, J. F. McKenna, and J. P. Lonergan. On Sunday the visitors were taken for a pleasure trip in launches on the Waikato riVer. The launch chartered for the occasion was inadequate to accommodate the Targe number of people who arrived at the beach, and an additional boat was procured. A landing was effected at Roose's Island, a short distance above Mercer, where lunch was partaken of. After a little further ‘ cruising the party returned to -Tuakau, where on landing short speeches were given by Messrs. Clarke, Casey, and Lonergan, in which-they , each expressed their deep appreciation of the kindly manner in which they had been received by the people of Tuakau, and their willingness to favor them with another visit when opportunity offered. After the singing of ‘For they are jolly good fellows’ and ‘God save the King ’ the 'happy party dispersed to their respective homes. At the evening service in the Catholic church i the club members kindly relieved the local - choir of their responsibilities, and rendered the music. Much credit, is due to the committee for the completeness of all the arrangements, and to the secretaries, ; Miss 'A. 'McGuire and Mr. T. B. McGahan, for their assiduous attention to every detail. .1 - f -