PUHOI HONORS DEPARTING PRIEST

New Zealand Tablet, 17 July 1919, Page 35

PUHOI HONORS DEPARTING PRIEST

When it became , known _ (writes a correspondent) that Father M. J. O'Doherty was severing his connection with the parish; r the parishioners asked him to visit : ; them in the r near future^ and all - were pleased : on learn-. ing that the 23rd ultimo was the date chosen. : On. the appointed day,- Father : o'Doherty' : was ; met at the railway station by representatives of the committee formed from among members of the congregation,' and conveyed by motor to Puhoi. The town hall,' nicely decorated; for the occasion, was well filled in the evening, when the people assembled to wish farewell to their departing priest. •" The guest of the,evening and members of the committee were- grouped' on the stage. ~ Mr,. ' John.' Scholium; who presided, after some appropriate remarksasked Father O'Doherty's acceptance' of a bulky, wellfilled purse. Mr. B. Remiger, after reading '"an, address' expressive of the people's sentiments towards their pastor, paid an eloquent tribute to his good work in their' spiritual interests, After the r secretary (Mr. *W. J. Scholium) and Mr. Martin Gleeson had spoken _iu appreciation of their late parish priest, Father Lynch con-! gratulated Father O'Doherty on'having" won the esteem and good wishes of all his parishioners during the two years of his pastorate, and added that success in the past was a guarantee of greater success in the new fields, of the Lord's vineyard, to which he carries the best; wishes of all the people of Puhoi. In reply, Father O'Doherty sincerely thanked all the members of his late flock for past favors to him, for their co-operation in every undertaking in the parish, for their address and complimentary speeches, and for their substantial monetary gift. He promised in return to ever remember the'generous people of "Puhoi in his prayers, and would always entertain best wishes for their success. Refreshments, supplied by the ladies of the congregation, were then partaken of, and card games and other socialities completed a successful function. / o , ; '■