Popular Priests Farewelled

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 33, 2 September 1925, Page 57

Popular Priests Farewelled

%.- /" ' \ - ' ;i r ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING AT ELTHAM ' /

f%v: The happy words of hon voyage and safe i return were voiced in the Eltham Town Hall on Wednesday, August 5, by speakers who farewelled the ; Rev. Father Nicholas Moore, parish priest, and his brother, Father James Moore, on the eve of their departure for Rotorua, England, and Ireland.,; Over 600 people attended, the-social, which was marked by a hearty spirit of goodwill. .'t, A: musical programme was first given, the performers being Mrs. O'Hagan and Miss V Moore, pianoforte duet; Mr. S. E. Carson, , songVMiss Quin, song; Mr. E. Carter, song; ■: : Mrs. L. Nodder, songs; Master Sheehy, ;:violin solo; Mr. Fred Silver, songs; Mrs. Hemingway, song; Mr. Loi'tus, : song. The * programme was most enjoyable. 'The Rev. Father McCarthy expressed his pleasure in being able (while still in Taranaki) to return to Elthanrto join the people in .the pleasant function "of bidding farewellfor a, short time to their devoted pastors. Father N. Moore was deserving of a holiday after his long term of faithful and hard | work in the parish of Eltham. He was pleased to pay testimony to the glorious work done by the Fathers Moore in the spiritual and .routine work in the parish. For all " time, monuments to the generosity of the parishioners of Eltham and the /leadership ; and sacrifice of the pastors would endure in the schools and halls. .When the history ';_of New Zealand was being written a chapter would appear in which the work of the priests and people in the interests of Catholic y education 'would be featured; and Eltham ; ■would gain prominence., He was pleased to . share in the parishioners' expressions of re- : gret at their priests' absence but joy that the Fathers Moore would. gaze .once more "on their dear little home in old Ireland," , after which it was to be hoped they would return to Eltham. The Rev. Father Forrestal (Inglewood) joined with Father McCarthy in expressions of good wishes. He said the history of Eltham would not be written without tho Rev. Father Moore's name being prominent. ;-:;He did not need to dwell on the priest's ;; work, as the schools were; evidence of that. i Although people in Eltham were proud .of Father Moore, H those in ftie backblocks were , more proud of him, and. they had good reason to be so. Father Moore had had a-big district. Before coming to Eltham his territory extended from beyond Stratford to near Te Kuiti, in ; which large area he had created several missions and built churches. Father Moore's health had broken down because of Lis strenuous labors in the back country: With the parishioners he wished Father Moore a very happy holiday and also exten- : ded the same to Father James Moore. The Rev. Father Hilly (Stratford) associated- himself with the wishes of a happy; voyage and a safe return to,' two priests who had spent years of- sacrifice in their midst. - -JQ& showed that the people loved their priests. ~ \lDie attendance included others /not ;of the jCatholic i faith, which proved ij that ' Father Moore's work T as Z a broad-minded man was

appreciated. ; He • hoped;.' that /an;even larger attendance: would welcome the Fathers back after the happy trip.'. .;•»-' ' s The Rev. Father Doolaghty said he had come-all; the way from Palmerston North, which should bo proof of the esteem in which the departing priests were /held by him. The speaker knew full well the Fathers Moore's work as priests and. men. He"hoped to see them both . back among ;them again in a short time and in the best of health: - On behalf oT the parishioners, Mr. E. Kilbride (Lowgarth) said all felt sorry at losing Father Moorer" The parishioners felt they could hot let him depart without showing some appreciation of the Fathers' work and zeal during their priesthood in Eltham. Referring to Father James Moore/ Mr Kilbride said he \ had been responsible for the fine tennis courts in the school grounds. He had, too, shown a commendable spirit in visiting the homes of the parishioners on foot. Mr. Kilbride then presented -Father Nicholas with an envelope containing cheques for substantial amounts, on behalf of the Eltham people.: - , ... •■.. On behalf of the Kapouga parishioners, Mr. Kissick said it gave him pleasure to bid adieu to the guests. The parishioners of Kaponga hoped that Father Moore would soon return, He then presented Father N. Moore with an envelope containing the people's offering. On rising to reply. Father Nicholas was greeted with cheers. He said he regretted very much having to leave, as he had had a most happy time in Eltham. Referring to the hospitality and kindness extended to him, he said he had not expected that extensively at Eltham and, Kaponga, but he could say genuinely that this parish was no exception in regard.to the hospitality extended to the priests which was noticed throughout the Dominion. He congratulated the people on the work done in the parish he was not so vain or foolish- as to claim that he was solely responsible. Parishioners had often made sacrifices, for over £7OOO had been raised for the convent schools. He wished to pay a tribute to' the ladies for their social work; they had done more than their share of raising money for the schools. He also had to sincerely thank the people of Eltham and Kapouga for assisting any function in the parish" He thanked the committees for arranging the function and the parishioners for their generosity. Father James Moore also" replied in suitable terms. • Mr. Kilbride then thanked the .-""visiting', priests and the public and extende.il a hearty welcome to the Rev. . Father Brennan, who is to have charge of the Eltham parish, and whom he hoped would have the co-operation of the parishioners in carrying- on the "good work. " : : :■-;■.;---.■"•..-:;;'-;::_..-. ;--///< '■; Father Brennan. expressed thanks for the ■ kind welcome and said the assemblage show/ /ed the love and esteem": in which the" Fathers 1 Moore were held.< He had no {need to dwell on the characteristics or qualities' of' the

Fathers Moore, wild were zealous and : pious, - ' < both spiritually and temperamentally. .He ' V was glad to come to Eltbiam, as he had heard \ that the people were . generous and hospit- >:, able and attended sincerely to the 'require-- ':?rxz meats of their' Holy Faith. '• ’’ " • After the speeches,"supper was . served by the ladies’ committee and to Mr. J W. Major’s music, was continued till 1 • a.in. , • • . . r - The success of the evening was greatly due to the work of the social committees, 1. of * which Mr. (i. W. Peebles was secretary.