Waimate

New Zealand Tablet, 14 March 1918, Page 23

Waimate

(From our own correspondent.) March 10. On Tuesday evening last a large and representative number of men from the Morveh district assembled at St. Patrick’s Presbytery, Waimate, to bid farewell to the Very Rev. Father Aubry, S.M., prior to his departure for the West Coast. Mr. Edward Costello, who presided, referred to the sudden and unexpected departure of Father Aubry from their midst, and expressed sorrow at the severance occasioned by his removal to another scene of devoted duty. Mr. Costello conveyed the sincere good wishes of the Catholic people of Morven to Father Aubry for a happy and fruitful career in the, more important position to which he had been called. Mr. P. J. Hanley, in presenting to Father Aubry a cheque for a substantial amount from the Catholics of Morven, said they would be of all the most ungrateful if prior to Father Aubry’s departure they failed to thank him sincerely for all his kindly helpfulness in the past, and to offer him their prayerful good wishes for the future. Mr. Hanley with much feeling, referred to the inspiring example of Father Aubry’s priestly life. His good advice, gentle and winning ways, had meant more to them than could be expressed, and would ever remain the happiest of memories in their thoughts. Mr. Hanley spoke at length of the vast amount of work done in Morven by Father Aubry. We have to-day (he said) a beautiful

church, and also a splendid up-to-date convent, chapel, and school, with an attendance of 48 children under the care of the devoted - Sisters of St. Joseph, of whom we feel justly proud. Their guest was also a lover of good music, and he was responsible for the present high standard of music in South Canterbury. No weather conditions however stormy would: prevent Father Aubry from ministering to the sick, or the poor, in the outskirts of his parish. He took an active interest in all patriotic movements, and was esteemed and respected by all classes and creeds. Mr. M. J. Corrigan, also spoke, in very - happy terms of his relations, with Father Aubry, while he (the speaker) was farming in the Morven district, and of his great abilities, energy, and sterling worth. Father Aubry, was greeted with hearty applause on, rising to reply. In gratefully acknowledging their valuable cheque, he said it had been his great desire to accomplish, what their kind words conveyed, and as active workers the Catholics of Morven could always be relied upon in every movement. Their gift that evening would always remind him of his associations with the Catholic people of Morven, and if at any time any of them visited the West Coast he would extend to them a hearty welcome. v Hamilton (From our own correspondent.^ March 8. The St. Mary’s Tennis Club played Ngaruawahia on last Wednesday and met with defeat by a few points. On last Sunday there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from after the 11 o’clock Mass till evening Devotions at 7 o’clock, when there was Rosary, sermon, and procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Over 100 children took part in the procession, in the presence of a large congregation. On Tuesday evening last the Men’s Club held an impromptu debate on “Has Women’s Suffrage Proved Beneficial Where it Existed?” Several members took part in the discussion, which proved very interesting and instructive. On Thursday the members of the Junior Club attended in the parish hall for the purpose of wishing farewell to one of their members Mr. Terry Patton, —who is going into camp on next Thursday. Father Byrne, 8.A., presided, and opened the programme by presenting silver medals to Mr. Martin Shanaghan, and Mr. Stan Kelly, the winners of the 100yds championship running event at the recent annual picnic. The shield was also presented to Stan Kelly as the successful competitor in this year’s running. : This function being over, a musical programme was rendered, many of the boys contributing thereto. Father Byrne then in appropriate terms referred to the great loss the club was sustaining in parting with Terry Patton, who was such an enthusiastic, and ardent supporter of the club. He expressed the hope that they would soon be welcoming him back, and asked prayers for his success" and safety through all the dangers and difficulties he may meet with. He then made a presentation consisting of a silver-mounted pipe, and tobacco pouch, both suitably engraved. In expressing thanks for the acceptable gift, and for the kindness which prompted his fellow-club members to arrange the enjoyable send-off,- Mr. Patton spoke of his regret at having to part from them, and referred to the many happy days he had spent with the members of the club. During supper which followed, speeches expressive of good wishes for the departing guest and his comrades in arms were made by Messrs. F. Edmonds, T. McCarthy, and W. McGloin. and heartily endorsed by all present. “Auld Lang Syne” was sung at the close of a pleasant gathering.