Town and Country News

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 12, 1 April 1925, Page 13

Town and Country News

TIMARU NOTES ' (From our own correspondent.) March 19. At the recent Floral and Horticultural Society Show held here, the Marist Brothers secured first and second prize for vegetable exhibits. The members of. the local branch of the Hibernian Society, in regalia, to the number of eighty, approached the Holy Table at the 7.30 Mass on the loth inst. The Rev. Father Ginisty, S.M., who celeb-.-axed tne Mass, preached on the life of St. Patrick, and heartily congratulated the members of the branch on The splendid profess- ‘J Faith they were showing. About fifty members of the Children of Mary Sodality also attended the same Mass, wearing their regalia. The following are the results of the music examinations for teachers’, diplomas, held in Timarn on December 6, 1924;Diploma Licentiate: -Eileen M. O’Meeghan (Mrs. Mangos); Elina Newman (Convent, Temuka). Art of Teaching and Rudiments of Music: Elizabeth M. Latimer (Mrs. Mangos). Rudiments of Music; Sheila B. Mcßride, 80, Elsa Whittle, 70 (Mrs. Mangos). . It is pleasing to note that nearly 40 per cent, of the music teachers in Timaru are Catholics, all doing well, thus showing how much the art is fostered in the community. On St. Patrick’s night the members of the Hibernian Society held a most successful smoke concert at St. Patrick’s Hall.. ( Rev. Fathers Hurley, Barra, Ginisty, and Outtrim, S.M.; Brothers Egbert, Fidelis, and Philip, and over seventy members were present. Bro. D. Pearce (president) presided, and after extending a hearty welcome to all duly proposed the toast of the Pope and King. “The clergy” was proposed by Bro. M. O’Meeghan in a neat speech, and responded to by the clergy present. “The Day we celebrate” was proposed by Brother Egbert in an excellent speech, and right loyally honored - bv the enthusiastic gathering. Bro. I;. J. O’Connell proposed the “Hibernian Society” in a stirring speech. ‘/Pioneers” was nicely proposed by Rev. Father Barra, and responded to by Bro,. O’Connor. “The Marist Brothers” was proposed by Bro. P. J. Kelly in a very fine speech the toast being heartily received and honored, and - responded to by Brothers present. “Kindred Societies,” proposed by Bro. J. P. Leigh was responded to by Bro. Venning (St. John’s Tennis Club), W. Fitzgerald (Celtic Football Club), and M. Travis (St. Patrick’s Rifle Club). “The Visitors,” proposed by Bro. J. M. Dunne in a good speech was nicely responded to by Bros. Scanlon and O’Connell. A programme of National music was excellently rendered, the following contributing; Pianoforte Selections, Miss Emery, L.A.B. (who also accompanied the singers in a finished manner) Songs by Father Outtrim, Brother Fidelis, Bros. F. Ryan, G. F. Doyle, and C. Dunning; recitation, Bro. P’. Smythe.

March ,25. ' St. Anne’s Guildroom was the scene of a| very pleasant function on Sunday last when | all the Children of Mary assembled to give their president (Miss Mary O’Sullivan) -|a| “kitchen tea” in view of Jier approaching marriage. The room was tastefully • decorated with foliage and pale pink flowers.': Father Hurley unwrapped each gift and presented it to Miss O’Sullivan, after which the recipient thanked all present for their £ kind thoughtfulness, • and expressed her regret in resigning her position as president of the sodality. Later on a bountiful afternoon tea was daintily served, and the partyj broke up amid good wishes from all present to the bride elect. - yb The evening of St. Patrick’s Day saw the Children of Mary again assembled, this time - ; in the convent reception room, at the invitation of Reverend Mother. They, indulged in an amusing game, which severely tested theiiknowledge of Irish national airs. The prize was won by Miss Ethel Rodgers; Miss Margaret Gunderson carrying off the consolation prize. There were then devotions to St. Patrick, and “Faith of Our Fathers” was sung. The guests enjoyed the Irish “cup that cheers” in a prettily improvised tearoom. A short visit to the convent chapel ended a very happy evening. ’ ’ d,: In connection with the death of a boy named Robert Hay, who was drowned at Patiti Point early in March, John Laws, a Borough Council employee, made a gallant attempt at rescue, swimming into the surf with his clothes on. The coroner congratulated Mr. Laws upon his very brave attempt to rescue the deceased. He said that although unsuccessful, the fact remained, he swam out in a very dangerous sea and took his life in his hands. “It was a brave act,” concluded the coroner (Mr. Mosley, S.M.), “and I personally congratulate you.” Mr. Laws is one of our esteemed parishioners, and is the father of ten children. The school children have been given , a certain amount of home-work during March, and the parents and guardians have been advised to see that the children perform the work outlined by the Canterbury Education Board, which is published in the local papers every week. r ' AHAURA NOTES (From our own correspondent.) ff*? March 23. His impartiality, uprightness, and attention to his manifold priestly duties, as well as : his unassuming and amiable disposition, have won for Rev. Father Long the love find esteem of the good people of Greymouth. ■ There was ample proof of all this and much more in tile grand send-off accorded him when leaving for Ireland. He is now on his way to his native Limerick, “The City of the broken treaty.” We wish- him ; a very happy holiday ! ah a' afe return. ’ ' ' i Mrs. P. Kennedy. Totara Flat, who is ill at Lewisham Hospital, is doing remarkably well. The good tidings brought great joy to

/ her home circle and to the hearts of her many friends in the Valley. :p|: The “parochial Fordie” once so accus- \ tomed to “Nearer My God to Thee” has it -His understood changed her tune to “The aWearin’ of the Green” or perhaps “It’s All itound Me Hat.” Who knows? The sudden illness which overtook Mr. Tom . Lees last Saturday caused much anxiety in | Moonlight, Ahaura, and Totara Flat. Favorable progress is reported from the private hospital at Reefton. Many are praying V| fervently for his speedy recovery. -■|y Mr. Tom Doyle, of Nelson Creek, now in bid age, is yet deeply attached to his native Ireland and her songs, stories, and pastimes. On several occasions he has given solid proofs

of his deep love for his Imiisfail. He has

ever maintained a lively interest in the St. Patrick’s sports. The national festival.has been observed in Grey for sixty-five years, ■f and each year has seen Tom on the athletic field at least , as a very interested spectator. <X> ROTORUA NOTES (From our own correspondent.) ’« March 23. Rev. Father Alink, who has been assistant priest here for the past three years, has been: transferred to Putaruru as parish priest. During his sojourn in our midst he made hosts of friends who, while regretting his leaving, heartily congratulate him on his promotion. Before leaving he was presented by Dean Lightheart, on behalf of the parishioners, with a fairly substantial cheque as a token of the esteem in which he is held. For once St. Patrick’s Day was not allowed to pass unnoticed except for the customary “wearing of the green” by lovers of St. Patrick and the Emerald Isle. As the new convent is completed, Mesdames. Moore and Downey, assisted by a band of willing helpers, organised a dance and card tourna- .• ment in “Dixieland” on that night for funds ■ to help furnish the new building. The function was highly successful, over 250 people being present. About forty card players participated; the ladies’ first prize was won by Mrs. Albert Smith, and the consolation prize by Mrs. E. Manchester. The gents’ first prize was won by ' Mr, H. Farren, and the consolaiiion prize by Mr. J. McCarthy. During an interval in the card playing Dean Lightheart, in a few well chosen words, congratulated Father Alink on his promotion to parish priest at Putaruru, and asked him to accept a cheque on behalf of the parishioners. Father ■ Alink in responding said although he was sorry to be leaving Rotorua, in a ■ way he was pleased as it was only human to seek promotion, and after all he was not going very far away. A delightful supper of . ! home-made delicacies was served on - the j stage. Dancing continued until midnight, J the “Monte Carlo” prize being won by Miss ! Fairley and partner. Together with donaif>. tions received and proceeds from dance, it M is hoped to hand the Sisters approximately ) £SO. • ‘ As Dean Lightheart is moving into the f p building vacated by the Sisters, the ladies . of the parish are busy collecting all the J necessary requirements.

At a meeting of the Children of Mary recently, Miss Phyllis Glass was elected president of the sodality in succession to Miss O’Brien, who has left for Auckland. Sir George and Lady 1 Clifford, of Christchurch, have been in Rotorua for some weeks past trying the curative powers of our mineral baths. ‘ The schools remain closed awaiting the lifting of the infantile paralysis restrictions. Maybe it is the sulphurous atmosphere we have to thank, but Rotorua is singularly lucky in that direction, for which everyone is very thankful. Only one case so far has come under notice. WAIMATE NOTES

March 24. Harvest operations are now over in this district for another year, and farmers are now preparing the land for the autumn sowing of next year’s crops. Taken generally the harvest just past has turned out much

better than was expected. The potato crops are now being lifted and are turning out very well; some heavy crops are to be seen in the Willowbridge and Morven districts.The days are warm and sunny with a touch of frost in the air at nights, telling of the approach of winter. The Irish concert -which is .usually held on St. Patrick’s night had unfortunatelyto be postponed on account of the prevailing epidemic. Members of the sodality of the Children of Mary approached the Holy Table on Sunday morning in large numbers it being the occasion of their monthly Communion. In the afternoon their usual monthly meeting was held in St. Patrick’s schoolroom with a full attendance. Rev. Father Knight presided and gave an appropriate address on St. Joseph, exhorting members of the , sodality to attend Holy Mass as often as pos- - sible and to make little sacrifices during the holy season of Lent. The quarterly meeting of St. Patrick’s branch of the Hibernian Society was- held in St. Patrick’s Hall on Monday evening, Bro. Leonard presiding over a good attendance of members. During the evening the president extended a welcome to two brothers who had recently arrived in Waimate —Bro. O’Malley from Ashburton and Bro. Islip from' Dunedin. An invitation was received from the Timaru branch to a social evening on St. Patrick’s night, but unfortunately no brothers could attend. After an amount of routine business as put through Rev, Father Knight, chaplain to the branch, intimated that the quarterly Communion of members would take place at the 8 o’clock Mass on Sunday morning. INVERCARGILL NOTES (From our own correspondent.) March 21. Miss Gertie Walsh, who is leaving this week for Dunedin, was presented by the direct of the Children of Mary with a picture of the Good Shepherd and a crucifix. 1 - It is with deepest regret I record the death of two respected Catholic gentlemen of this

parish— G. Cameron and Mr. T. Isaacs. To their sorrowing relatives and- friends/ sincerest sympathy is extended.—R.l.P. < The Municipal Theatre was filled from stalls to gallery on Tuesday evening for St. Patrick’s concert, which, it can safely be said, was one of the best displays of amateur talent given in Invercargill, The girl pupils, of St, Catherine’s Convent, some of them appearing for the first time, acquitted themselves with great credit and were received very warmly.. Misses Rhoda Lynch and Mary Fitzgerald contributed a pianoforte duet, Mr. Le Petit a flute solo, Miss Thelma Paton, L.T.C.L., two piano solos, and Miss Catherine Soper a violin solo. Miss May Thorne, of Mataura, danced an Irish hornpipe and Irish jig. In the vocal part of the programme Miss C. Woods sang “Avourneefi,” Mr. W. H. Parley, “She Is Far From the Land”; Mrs. W. W. Miller, L.A.8., “Believe Me if all those Endearing Young Charms”; Miss Nina Hardy, “The Kerry

Dance”; Mr. W. W. Wills, “The Rosary”; Mr. J. Toomey, “Oh, Breathe Not His Name” and Miss Vera Baty, “It’s Three Leaves of Shamrock.” Recitations were given. by. Mrs. Greer Patou and Mr. J. Shepherd. Owing to the health restrictions items by Masters Shirley and Murfitt had to he deleted from the programme. NEW PLYMOUTH NOTES (From our own Correspondent.) March 23. The, Holland Hall was packed after devotions on the evening of March 8, when the parishioners from New Plymouth, Waitara, and surrounding districts attended to say farewell to Father Butler, who, after being for two years curat© here has been transferred to St. Joseph’s, Buckle Street, .Wellington. The chairman (Mr. McHardy) stressed how Father Butler had endeared himself to the people, all of whom deeply regretted his leaving them. However, it was a matter over which they had no control, - and he was sure that Father Butler would continue the excellent work he had started in New Plymouth. Father Lynch, Administrator, paid tribute to Father Butler’s priestly qualities, and mentioned his strong sense of devotion to duty. He felt proud of his former college pupil, who in his student days gave promise of what had since been achieved. Mr. N. Hannan, on behalf of the H.A.0.8. Society, of which Father Butler was chaplain, spoke of the good work Father , Butler had accomplished for the society. In spite of his many duties he attended the meetings regularly and was always only too willing to give his advice in spiritual and material matters for the benefit, of the society. . - The members deeply regretted losing their chaplain. Mr. K. Lloyd, on behalf of the parishioners of Waitara, mentioned that but for the short notice they had of Father Butler’s leaving, ,a farewell • 7 • • # Is Vr-W* function would have been held at Waitara. However, several had come in that evening and all were deeply sorry at losing Father Butler. Mr. J. Gillick, on behalf of the younger ..members of the congregation, in a forceful and thoughtful speech,, outlined some

of Father Butler’s achievements in parish work. The children, especially, would miss v -. him- Under his tuition they had made V steady progress in football and other athletic 'activities. They opened their hearts to him and to good purpose. He also mentioned how taie parishioners in far distant places such as Awakino and Mokau regretted Father Butler’s departure. Mr. J. Bennett and Mr. G. T. Grace, stressed the deep sense of loss which Father Butler’s departure would occasion. They wished him every success in __ his new work. At the conclusion, the chairman, asked Father Butler to accept on behalf of the New Plymouth and Waitara parishioners, a well-filled wallet as a very small token of the regard in which he was held by the people. On rising to reply, which he did in his usual modest manner, Father Butler was greeted with prolonged applause. A most enjoyable garden party, organised by Mrs. Orbell, in aid ,of bazaar funds, was held on March 21, in the beautiful private grounds of Mr. and Mrs. T. Cameron, Fitzroy. Rennie’s orchestra, which was in attendance, did much to make the gathering a pleasant one. Croquet on the lawn, afternoon tea under venerable spreading trees, competitions and other lucrative amusements helped to make the afternoon all too short. On St. Patrick’s night a euchre party and dance was held in the Rolland Hall. The funds were in aid of the Sisters of the local convent, who appreciated the efforts on their behalf. Mr. G. T. Grace, with a small committee, was responsible for the success of the function. ** RIOOARTON PARISH GARDEN FETE, v The ladies of the Riccarton stall in connection with the forthcoming garden fete in aid of the funds of the newly established parish of Riccarton, are to conduct a sale of household commodities, including cakes, sweets, meat, poultry, vegetables, preserves, etc., in the vestibule of Everybody’s Theatre, on Saturday morning, the 4th inst. As there promises to be a plentiful supply, the promoters invite their many kind friends, and all who fully appreciate the difficulties and up-hill work attached to the formation of a new parish, to support their present venture by purchasing at the stall their Sunday’s requirements or by sending in a donation. *~- ■ -■ OBITUARY MRS. MARY SLADE, AUCKLAND. (From our own Correspondent.) Mrs. Mary Slade, an old and esteemed resident of Auckland, passed away recently at the home of her daughter at the Lower Hutt. Mrs. Slade arrived' in New Zealand in the ship May Queen, in 1879, and was closely connected with the activities of St. Benedict’s parish for over 40 years. The deceased was of a kindly disposition and /made many friends during her long and useful life. Last year, accompanied by her r /daughter (Mrs. T. Walsh, of Wellington), Mrs. Slade visited the fields of Flanders to see the. graves of her two sons who made ill the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. After returning from France illness over-

took her, and gradually failing she passed peacefully away. The interment took place at the Karori Cemetery.— MRS. CATHERINE HICKEY, BLENHEIM. (From our own Correspondent.) During the evening devotions on Sunday, March 1, a sad gloom was cast over the congregation when the sudden death was announced of Mrs. Catherine Hickey, who expired from heart trouble, probably . aggravated by over-exertion in hurrying to Vespers. The late Mrs. Hickey, who occupied a position at the presbytery, was about 62 years of age, was the relict of the late Mr. John Hickey, and second daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Burton, of Redwoodtown, Blenheim. She was a native of Tark, Galhally, Co. Limerick, Ireland, The deceased had been out visiting her relatives during the afternoon, and toward evening had called on the family of the late Mr. Michael O’Neill, whose death had occurred that morning, and thus performing her last act of charity in this world to the dear departed, and extending her kindly consolation to the bereaved ones. It may be here mentioned that the deceased had arrived in New Zealand with her parents in ’76 by the ship Fergulen, of which the late Mr. O’Neill was quartermaster. She left with the intention of going to church, and, as she was late, she hastened along the road. This exertion brought on a heart attack, and she was taken ill on her way, collapsing at the church door. She was removed to the pres- . bytery, and medical aid was summoned, but she passed away in a few minutes, fortified by the rites of the Church she loved .so well. The Rev. Father McCarthy, S.M., administered the last sacraments. The deceased was much loved and respected by the Catholic community among whom her kindly nature was proverbial. Mrs. Hickey is survived by three children — one son, Mr. James Hickey (Blenheim) and two daughters, Airs. F. Kennedy and Miss M. Hickey (Blenheim). —R.I.P, MRS. JOANNA McALINDEN, FRANKTON, With deep sorrow the death is recorded of Joanna McAlinden, wife of Mr. Charles AlcAlinden, of Frankton, who died at the Waikato Hospital on the January 21. The deceased, who was the fourth daughter of the late Air. and Mrs. O’Grady, of Reefton, was well known and highly respected in several parts of both islands, being employed at Reefton, Waiuta, and Ohingaiti post offices for several years. The late Mrs. McAlinden was attended during her sudden illness by the Rev. Father Bleakley, and she passed away fortified by all the rites of Holy Church. Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul was celebrated at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Hamilton, by Rev. Father Bleakley, who, with Father O’Flynn, officiated at the graveside.—R.l.P. MR. J. 0. HARRINGTON, HAWERA. With regfet the death is announced of Mr. John Comber Harrington, late of the Railway Hotel, Hawera. The late Mr. Harrington, who was a native of Jersey City, U.S.A., and received his education at Bir-

mingham, came to New Zealand in 1872. With his parents he engaged in sheep-farm-ing in Central Otago, and was well-known throughout the province. R.I.P. MR. PATRICK HANRAHAN, DROMORE, CANTERBURY. One of the pioneers of Canterbury passed away early on Sunday morning, the 15th inst., in the person of Mr. Patrick Hanrahan. Mr. Hanrahan, who was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1845, came to New Zealand in the Merope in 1872, and settled first in the Leeston district, and afterwards at Oxford and Papanui, Forty years ago he acquired land at Dromore, which he worked in conjunction with a bakery, business in Ashburton. Later he took up his residence at Dromore, where he lived until his death. Mr. Hanrahan was a staunch supporter of the Catholic Church, His wife, a sister of Air. James Quigley, of Tinwald, predeceased him sixteen years ago. Air. Hanrahan leaves a family of seven sons. Of these there are Fathers James and Thomas Hanrahan, of Papanui and Riccarton respectively, Lawrence, John, Francis, . and Patrick, are at present farming at Dromore, Edward, being travelling representative of the N.Z. Tablet. The funeral took place on Tuesday (St. Patrick’s Day), leaving the residence of his son, Mr. L. Hanrahan, Dromore, at 10 a.m. A very large number of friends and representatives from the surrounding districts paid their last respects to the deceased. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11 o’clock at tlm Church of the Holy Name, Ashburton, his Lordship Bishop Brodie presiding. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. Father James Hanrahan, of Papanui; deacon, the Rev. Father Thomas Hanrahan (Riccarton) ; subdeacon, the Rev. Father Healey (Cathedral) ; master of ceremonies, the Rev. Father J. 0. Murphy (New Brighton). The sanctuary was effectively draped by the Sisters of the Missions. The solemn music of the Mass was sung by a choir of piiests, the Absolution at the catafalque being given by the Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell. The clergy present were: Very Rev. Dean Bowers (Sumner), Dean O’Donnell, Fathers Hurley and Barra (Timaru), O’Hare (Lincoln), Leen (Rangiora), Price (Methven), Lordan, Joyce, and Holehan (Cathedral), O’Connor, O’Meeghan, AlcKeon, and Quinn (Addington), Outtram (St. Bede’s), Halvey (Hawarden), Brown (Ashburton), and Brother Phelan, representing the Marist Brothers. At the graveside the Bishop officiated, the Benedictus being sung by a choir of the above-named priests. The pall-bearers were the four sons of Mr. L. Hanrahan. Wreaths were sent by the parishioners of Darfield, Hornby, Islington, Papanui, and Marshland, the Hibernian Society of Ashburton, Mr. and Mrs. R. Campbell, and the Misses Langley.—R.l.P. THANKS FOR FAVOR RECEIVED. % A client of the Little Flower desires to return thanks through the Tablet for favor received through her intercession with the Sacred Heart.