Paeroa

New Zealand Tablet, 29 April 1915, Page 29

Paeroa

(From our own correspondent.) A farewell dinner was given to the officers of the Sixth Haurakis at the Criterion Hotel on the eve of their departure by the residents of Paeroa, many influential townspeople being present. Monsignor Hackett entertained the men in camp on Tuesday evening, and paid a special tribute to the good work of Colonel Porritt and his officers, and also to the men in camp. He afterwards amused the men by narrating the doings and sayings of Irish soldiers and sailors at home and at the front. During the encampment a Catholic social was held the Central Theatre, at which the Territorials attended in large numbers. Monsignor Hackett expressed great pleasure at seeing such a record attendance, and Mr. 11. Poland, M.P., distributed the prizes won by the competitors during the evening. Mrs. G. Dean and her committee left nothing undone in the matter of supplying the supper. There was a crowded congregation at St. Mary’s Church, Paeroa, on Sunday last, when the solemn ceremonies ordered by the Holy Father for peace were carried out. The 11 o’clock Mass was attended by all the Catholic Territorials, who were in camp here. The Right Rev. Mgr. Hackett delivered an appropriate sermon. During the day there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and in the evening Monsignor Hackett preached to' a crowded congregation. Several of the officers and men of the Sixth Hauraki Regiment were present. The choir rendered special music at the morning and evening services, Mrs. Budd acting as organist.