Wanganui

New Zealand Tablet, 23 September 1920, Page 39

Wanganui

(From our own correspondent.) r ■|| . -, ;I; ■:■., September 15. > This week the Hibernians got off their big function which had been in hand for > some timethe H.A.C.B.S. soldiers' first reunion for the unveiling of the roll of honor. It so happened that the rain for which we all have been -panting, chose the same afternoon and nighty but it made little difference to the attendance and none at all to the beauty of the function. The roll of honor is a fine piece of workmanship, consisting •of a white marble slab handsomely mounted in fumed oak, and in general appearance it is very neat and plain, the only decorations being the society's initials, emblems, and motto. First on the list is the name of Chaplain Father N. B. Moloney, then come the. 50 other names with which most of us are familiar, and out of the number are six specially marked with a little cross who are buried somewhere overseas. A. pleasant function it was and most enjoyable. The Druids' Hall looked prettier than I have ever seen it, the usual flags, greenery, and lanterns-being arranged most tastefully. The Hibernians invited members of local sister lodges, and as many of these came, some wearing regalia, the variety in color of silken collars was good-to see.

Mr. S. J. ' Barry presided, Very Rev. Father O'Connell performing the unveiling ceremony and making the principal speech of the evening. Mr. T. B. Williams (Mayor) spoke next, then Mr. W. Veitch, M. P., and finally Capt. F. D. Gaffaney, now of Stratford, but for many years living here, replied on behalf of the soldiers. Rev. Father Moloney (Timaru) was unable to be present, much to everyone's disappointment, as somehow he seems a very special part of the roll of honor and what it stands for., In his' speech Father O'Connell made brief but feeling reference to the men who died on the field of honor, mentioning also the chaplains and their good work. Wanganui is very proud of ours, Rev. Fathers Moloney, McDonald, and Barra, whose names are closely interwoven with the memory of the dear departed. Among the visitors, in addition to those already mentioned, .were Mesdames Williams (Mayoress), Mrs. W. Veitch, and Mr. E. Kellett, M.P. for Dunedin North, who spent the week-end here. After the unveiling of the tablet, the fiddles tuned up and folk look their partners for the grand march, and very soon dancing was in full swing. Miss A. Eaton, a debutante, contributed a song, which was much appreciated. Supper the often-time* scramble it was enjoyed in orderly relays, and we couldn't believo our eyes when we saw real loaf sugar on the tables. The Hibernians certainly worked hard and made a great success of the evening, much credit being due to the joint secretaries, Miss Kathleen Broome and Mr. W. J. McGonigle, B.S. The news of Mrs. Ralph O'Hara's death caused a shock to most of us. The late Mrs. O'Hara was not a Catholic, but as she was well known to everyone, especially during recent years 'when O'Hara's orchestra supplied the music for most entertainments. Whether playing under engagement or by way of donation, Mr. and Mrs. O'Hara have always been most generous with their time and talent, and could always be depended upon. As a community we offer our sincere sympathy to Mr. O'Hara and his two little daughters. Mr. Neville Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen of here, left during the week for the Old Country, where he hopesto complete his studies. Mr. Allen, who was received into the Church a day or two ago, joined the Abadesa as one of her engineers. Mr. J. J. Boyle (Timaru) but. now of the local Native Land Court staff, is home again from an extensive tour of the' South Island. . , ; " The many friends of Mr. Martin Kiely are glad to see him about again after his few weeks of illness.