Oamaru

New Zealand Tablet, 29 May 1924, Page 31

Oamaru

* - (From our own correspondent.)

May 22. lather lenclon, who has been stationed in Oamaru for nearly two years, has been removed to Dunedin, and is now attached to the Cathedral. Monsignor Mackay and Father Ardagh went to Dunedin to assist at the obsequies of the late Father Daniel O’Neill. Keen regret is felt here l at Father O’Neill’s death. Though not known personally to a. great many his brother, Father P. J. O’Neill, was stationed here for a number of years, and the wide circle of friends he made in the parish feel keenly the loss sustained by him. Father Graham, at Mass on Sunday last, voiced the feeling of himself, brother priests, and the parish with the relatives of the late Father O’Neill. He paid a warm tribute to Father Daniel’s many good qualities, and commended his soul to the prayers of the congregation. Mr. M. F. Cooney, the local relegate to the Hibernian Conference at Westport, returned full of admiration for brother Hibernians on the Coast. The efforts of the society in Westport, and particularly of the president and secretary, found rich fulfilment in the success of the conference. Not only was good work done in the interests of the society, but the hospitality extended was boundless, and the facilities placed at the disposal of visiting delegates to view the scenic wonders of the Coast excellent. The fine spirit of toleration animating public life on the Coast was a thing delegates from less happier provinces wished might bear the flattery of imitation. " Oamaru’s memories of the strike on the railways are rather pleasant. Never was the week-days so busy. With char-a-bancs and motor cars (from the luxurious sedan and coupe to the asthmatical tin lizzie) discharging their loads of passengefs for refreshments and to enable them to stretch their legs, Thames Street wore quite a gala appearance for several days. Oamaru was nicely situated between Christchurch and Dunedin to give passengers an appetite by the time it was reached. The method of travel was quite reminiscent of the days of Mr. Pickwick and Sam Meller. No doubt there were fussy passengers eager to push, on and epicurean Sam Wellers’ to urge a halt as at the “Saracen’s Head.” “Very good little dinner, sir,” says Sam to Mr. Pickwick anxious to get to London. “Pair of fowls, sir and a• weal cutlet, French beans, ’taters, tart, and tidiness. You’d better stop, sir, if I might recommend. Take adwice, as the doctor said.” “Well well Sam,” said Mr. Pickwick, “then we’ll stop.”' ’ ’