VALEDICTORY

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 9, 1 March 1923, Page 45

VALEDICTORY

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO FATHER SAUNDERSON. The kindness and sympathy of non-Catholic members of the community during his recent illness was referred to by Rev. Father Saunderson last evening in grateful terms (says the Pahiatua Herald for February 13). His own congregation had been most solicitous and kind in their attention and he thanked them. Residents throughout Pahiatua, Woodville, and Pongaroa had been constant in their inquiries after bis health and full of sympathy with him in his illness, and he deeply appreciated their many kindnesses. ''There are many non-Catholics here to-night," said Father Saunderson, addressing the people who filled the Foresters Hall last night, "and we welcome them to our gathering." The members of the Catholic Church appreciated the honor and the expression of good-will towards him.

A large representative gathering of members and friends of the local Catholic Church, including a number from AVoodville, said farewell to Father Saunderson (who has been in charge of this parish for the last three years) and also to Father Sweeney who has been here for about six months.

Mr. H. McSherry presided. He referred to the many changes since Dean AlcKenna —affectionately known as Father Tom— the parish. They had gathered that night to say farewell to Father Saunderson and Father Sweeney. Father Tom, as they all knew, was at present laid aside and Father Saunderson had been ordered to take a holiday after his severe illness. Father Saunderson had been their parish priest for three years and Mr. McSherry referred to the highly satisfactory way .he had" carried out those ardous duties. The people hoped Father Saunderson would enjoy his trip to Britain and return completely restored to health. As a token of esteem the parishioners asked him to accept a cheque for a substantial amount. The members of the Children of Alary Sodality were anxious to show their appreciation and on their behalf he handed Father Saunderson a wallet. To Father Sweeney, who had stepped into the breach, the committee expressed thanks. His work had been hard but it had been done well and his ministrations had been appreciated. He was leaving now for the "West Coast and they wished him every success and asked him also to accept a cheque. The chairman apologised for the absence of Rev. R. Welsh, who had to attend another engagement at Masterton. Mr. Welsh had been a personal friend of Father Saunderson. The people of this district pulled together and there was no sectraian bitterness. Father Saunderson who was received with hearty prolonged applause returned thanks. He hoped to return to the Dominion as strong as ever. (Applause.) They hoped Father Tom would soon be restored. (Applause.) He would leave on February 23, and arrive in the Old Country in Easter Week. He hoped things would be more settled in Ireland by then. He thanked them all for their many kindnesses and gift. His work for the Children of Mary had been a labor of love. He would not say good-bye but an revoir, and when he returned at Christmas time the first place he would make for was Pahiatua. (Applause.) Father Sweeney also returned thanks. He was going to the district of coal and gold, but one of his most valuable treasures would be the appreciation and kindness of the good people of the Pahiatua parish. He thanked the members of the committee for the way they assisted him in his work. A short concert programme was rendered, items being capably contributed by Burt's Family Orchestra, Misses Horrax and Hislop, Mr. F. G. Bourke and Master . Mc-* Sherry.. A dainty supper was provided by the ladies, after which a social was held.