Nelson

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1920, Page 37

Nelson

'i (From our own correspondent.) ! • -* February 16. Father Dalton Campbell, formerly of Wellington South, who succeeds Father , McGrath, has arrived and taken up his new duties. The local community of Sisters of the Missions have again been successful with their shorthand pupils, several candidates securing certificates in the 100-words test. The influenza trouble is abating, and the schools reopen this week. FATHER McGRATH FARE WELLED. During the past few days (says the Nelson Evening Mail of recent date) several farewell gatherings have taken place among the Catholic congregations comprising the Nelson parish, to do honor to Father McGrath, prior to his departure for Greymouth. On Monday, February 9, a very pleasant social evening was spent at Takaka, when a presentation of an address and a well-filled wallet was made. The speakers on behalf of the parishioners were Messrs J. Reilly, E. Windle, F. Byrne, and J. Edwards. All regretted the change, as Father McGrath had meant so much to the country people, whom he was ever ready to help. On Tuesday the Catholics of Motueka assembled with Mr. John McCarthy as spokesman, and on their behalf offered a very appropriate gift in anticipation of the changed climatic conditions which the transfer was thought to involve. Messrs. Rogers, McGlen, Buist, P. Bate, and Floyd also spoke, agreeing that Father McGrath had met their every need in an admirable manner. Mrs. J. Buist also made a presentation on behalf of the Sunday school children. The children of St. Mary's Orphanage later added . their meed of thanks and regrets, an address and gifts being offered by the boys and girls. At a final social gathering St. Mary's Hall was filled by members of the town congregation, when the time was pleasantly spent with games and songs. During an interval Father Fay voiced the sentiments of the gathering, referring to Father McGrath's zeal and devotedness. Nelson was their guest's first parish, and lie had brought to it an energy and interest that had endeared him to everyone. He then asked Father McGrath's acceptance of a suitable souvenir from his friends at St. Mary's. Mr. James Armstrong said that the transfer of Father McGrath entailed a serious loss to the parish, and expressed the hope that it would one day be repaired by his return as parish priest. Mr. W. Lock, J.P., referred to Father McGrath's interest in the community in general, which he said was intelligent and Christian. He was in a position to speak of his work, for though done quite quietly and unostentatiously it was so widespread as to become generally known. Miss Nellie Finnigan then made the final presentation, which was on behalf of the Children of Marybeing a gold-mounted fountain-pen. Father McGrath was received at all the functions with enthusiasm when he rose to reply. He thanked the people for their splendid loyalty during his three years' association with them, and for the manifestations made at these farewell reunions. All the congregations had been thoroughly true and generous, those in the Waimeas having expressed their sentiments as practically and sincerely, though, through want of time, individually only. Besides his own people, he thanked the press for its splendid spirit; there had not been a single comment touching Church matters in either journal that a Catholic could cavil at. They had been absolutely fair, and were on the right lines. He thanked the superintendent, matron, and staff of the hospital, with whom he had come in such frequent contact, for all the consideration extended to him, and, too, the medical profession and the staffs of all the district public institutions, for much kindness. As he recalled all these things, his going grew harder, and so he would conclude with renewed thanks to all and a reluctant good-bye. The musical programme followed, and was contributed to by Misses Louisson (violin) and Stapp, and Mr. E. Short, Mr. Norman Williams accompanying.