Invercargill

New Zealand Tablet, 11 May 1916, Page 37

Invercargill

The principal speaker at the send-off to Southland’s quota for the 16th Reinforcements was the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F. ’ On the occasion, the Municipal Theatre w-as crowded to the doors. The Very Rev. Father O’Neill, of Waikiwi, who occupied a seat on the stage, was called on by his AVorship the Mayor to say a few words, and delivered an impromptu and humorous address. In a lengthy report of the proceedings, in which the speeches were fully reported, the Southland Daily News said, inter alia : — ‘ The proceedings throughout were characterised by the utmost enthusiasm, everybody being put in excellent humor by the clever and impromptu speech of the Very Rev. Father O’Neill, who had the whole house rocking with laughter during the quarter of an hour or so that he occupied the platform. So delighted were the audience with the amusing remarks of Father O’Neill, that they, persistently applauded when he resumed his seat, and did not desist until he bowed his acknowledgments. The speeches of the Very Rev. Dean Burke and the Rev. R. M. Ryburn were easily the most eloquent, the most entertaining, and the best adapted deliverances yet heard at a function of the kind, in Invercargill, and both gentlemen are to be congratulated on their particularly impressive rhetorical efforts.’

The arrangements for the re-opening of St. Mary’s Church, are now completed. A public reception will be given the visiting prelates and dignitaries at the railway station, when the 2.15 p.m. train arrives on Saturday. The congregation, the Hibernian Society, and the Hibernian Band will take part. On Sunday the various societies will attend the procession before and after the High Mass. His Grace Archbishop Redwood, as already mentioned, will be the morning preacher, and the Very Rev. Father O’Neill, of AVaikiwd, will preach the sermon at Vespers. On Monday evening a conversazione will be held in Victoria Hall. An address of- welcome will be presented to his Grace .the Archbishop ; his Lordship Bishop Verdon and visiting clergy will also be welcomed, and speeches, instrumental music, and song will while away a no doubt pleasant evening. Such, in a general way, are the arrangements for the coming religious festivity, which will be a memorable one for Southland.