Blenheim Notes

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 42, 25 October 1923, Page 35

Blenheim Notes

(From our own correspondent.) October 13. On Friday, October 5, a most successful “Paddy’s Market” in aid of .the Sisters of Mercy at^Pic ton was held. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the Town Hall had to be engaged by the organisers as headquarters. Showing what splendid support they received for their saleable goods, it was intended to keep the market open until 9 p.m.y but- it was found necessary to close shortly, after ,5 o’clock; The - gratifying sum of £172 was realised, and great credit is due to the willing band of helpers who entered into the spirit of “the cause that needs assistance,” .etc., with enthusiasm, inspired by the unceasing assistance given by the indefatigable secretary (Miss N. Nolan). Following are the winners of the prizes: Figures denote /number, of peas in bottles:—Box cigarettes, 289, W. Cam- / eron; .cake, 600, J. Bothwell; bag of sugar (No. 1), 444, / Mrs. O’Brien; bag; of sugar (No. 2), 682, J. McGrath tray of sweets, /391, Mr. Ashton; dinner, 632, E. O. Constant; flour, 232, Mr. Spaulding; box of tea (No. 1), 790, K. N O’Dwyer; box of tea (Nor 2), 202, A. Lennox ; turkey, ■ 209, . Bobbie Clouston; cigars, 480, Miss Fowler; box of soap, 85, Mr. Chandler; tray cloth, M. Taylor doll; name (Rose)/ Pat Goiilter ; ’ham, 247, M. Hanley; weight of cake, 141 b -2oz, ‘J. E. Thomas;: weight of sheep, 85|lb, S. Angus. .The. euchre . tournament. which is held weekly iri St, - ; J^ritky-Hall is |Jways very well attended and a roost

interesting evening looked forward to, keen rivalry being displayed as to who will be the fortunate prize-winners* ' - , The parishioners of Seddon and Ward are to be con*, gratulated on the erection of a church at Ward. The y foundations of the building have already been made. The building will be of , brick with a square belfry, and will, 1 . according to the plans, be a handsome little church, and one which the Awatere. Catholics may justly be proud of. It will be capable of holding between 150 and 200 people. The builders hope to have it completed about the end of tho year. ‘ Good friendship exists between the Oddfellows and Hibernian Lodges, and they have on several occasions foregathered, as a challenge, on either side, in a friendly game of euchre and quoits, also some showing of vocal and musical talent amongst the members. During last week one of these tourneys was held in the dispensary rooms, when the Hibernians won the games by a small majority. ———r— ‘ The Late Mrs. Annie McGuire. Tuakau (An Appreciation.) - \ There passed peacefully away at her residence, Tuakau, , Auckland, on October 2, another of the fast-fading band of pioneers, in the person of Mrs. Annie McGuire, who had been in indifferent health for the past few years. The deceased lady was widely known and highly respected by all who had the privilege of her acquaintance. She was a devout and staunch Catholic and an ardent church * worker, and her activities in this respect had been responsible for great good. The late Mrs. McGuire was born 'in Co. Armagh, Ireland, in 1848, and came to New Zealand with her parents when seventeen years of age. She was living at Pukekohe when she was married to the late Laurence McGuire over 50 years ago. Their first home was Tuakau, where the deceased had resided ever since. v In those days, there were no formed reads, only bush tracks and many were the difficulties of those fine old pioneers in bringing their farms into cultivation, having to carry ') their flour and Provisions on their backs from the nearest : store a distance of 20 miles. It was a frequent thing - - for these early settlers to walk into Auckland on business and then walk back again. The difficulties of those worthy pioneers cannot now be imagined.. , In the face of all those hardships the late Mr. and Mrs. McGuire formed their first home, cutting out of bush a farm which to-day stands as the most prosperous and picturesque in the district. ,It was owing to the supreme independence of spirit and the greatness of the pluck of the pioneer settlers such as these that have made our country what it is to-day. ■ ' Mrs McGuire reared a family of ten ohildren-ilve sons and five daughters-and these are now distributed o.er the district, -wielding considerable influence in the social and public affairs of the community. , The. deceased lived a life of usefulness and Christian chanty ever ready to. assist in cases of illness or necessity foTrlhe O tf r al o1 km L y * n T e ’ She endeared S to all. The Catholic Church in Tuakau has benefited in no small degree by the late Mrs. McGuire’s generosity, for the -beautiful marble altar (as well as other gifts) will stand ? as an enduring memorial to one who, in every way is worthy to be called the perfect Christian. ■ 7 ’ - The late Mrs. McGuire was attended most devotedly in her last illness by the Rev. Father O’Malley, who gave her the great privilege of having Mrss offered up in her home when she was no longer able to come to church She had also . a privileged visit from his Lordship Bishop Liston. While passing through the district, with his L^ f n , p s U f! lal km dness and consideration for the sick and • afflicted, the Bishop V made ,/a: special visit to give the. sick lady Holy Communion, his. kindly act being deeply appreciated by Mrs. McGuire and her family. Mrs. McGuire’s husband predeceased her about -15 • years ago. :A ■ Solemn ; Requiem Mass,- celebrated for the repose of: her soul, was very largely attended. A touching discourse was delivered by Father O’Malley on the life and example of the deceased, who was (he said) an example to the younger mothers to -bring their children ,up in thb high Christian ideals of our holy Faith and respect for parents ’ > The funeral, which took place in the afternoon wasthe largest seen in Tuakau, people coming from all parts of ; the..province to pay. a -last tribute .of respect to one of - ' sterling worth. mm %mM M H : v ; < ' °V . .To her sorrowing family deepest sympathy is extended m their loss of a good Christ mother. May her w,, tiful sou. now find its reward » God’s kingdom I