Farewell Social and Presentation at Waikiwi

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 22, 17 June 1925, Page 35

Farewell Social and Presentation at Waikiwi

On Friday evening, May 22, there was a very large gathering in the Waikiwi Public Hall for the purpose of farewelling the Rev. Father Spillane. After an 'excellent programme had been contributed the chairman (Mr. J. Keppel). addressed the assemblage; He made touching reference to the late Father Marlow,' and went on to speak in eulogistic terms of the work performed in the parish by Father Spillane. On behalf of the people of Waikiwi and Rakahouka, ho asked the rev. guest to accept a wallet of notes as an appreciation of his services. The chairman’s remarks were supplemented by Father Stanislaus Marlow,, who, speaking for the young priests of Southland, regretted the departure of one who (he said) was one of themselves. Mr. M. Fahey spoke on behalf of the people of the Rakahonka district. He assured those assembled that Father Spillane, by his kindness, zeal, and devotion to duty had won the hearts of the people among whom he worked. On rising to reply, Father Spillane was greeted with rounds of applause. Ho stated that since coming to the parish, he had endeavored to do his duty as well as he could, and it was pleasing to know that whatever was done was so generously appreciated. During his short term of office he had experienced on all sides the greatest kindness, good-will, and generosity, and the splendid testimonial he received that evening was only the climax to many acts of kindness and liberality. He assured the parishioners that their generous recognition of his brief services had placed him under a 'deep debt of gratitude to them all. Father ■ Spillane concluded by thanking all who in any way were associated with the organisation of the social, and all who had come that night to show by their presence a mark of appreciation and good-will.