PRESENTATION TO FATHER COONEY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 5 March 1901, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO FATHER COONEY.

(OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT ) A large and representative gathering of Catholics and o her well wishers met last evening in St Patrick's schoolroom, Kumara, for the purpose of presenting a farewell address to the Eev Father Coonoy who has received notice of removal to the charge of an important parish in Canterbury.

Mr. Eobert M'Glone was voted to the chair and briefly explained tho objects of the meeting. He expressed the pleasure it afforded him to be present and preside over such a representative meeting, although he almost stood alone of the older generation who had assisted at similar functions in tho past. He was s;lad to soe that the young men were folowing in the footsteps of their fathers. He then called on Mr. Joseph Sherlock to read the address prepared. " Theßev. P. Cooney, " KUMARA, " Bev and Dear Fa'her: —We, the undersigned, on behalf of the parishioners of Kumara and surrounding districts, having heard with pain of your approaching departure from amongst us beg to express our heartfelt sorrow at the loss the parish i 3 abousto sustain. Though your stay wioh us has been all to short, we have nave thcless learned to appreciate your many excellent qualtities of head and heart. Aa a Priest, by example and precept, you have endearedyourself to us, and wo would be wanting not to allow you to take your departure without in some way showing our appreciation of your worth.

"The time at our disposal has been so short that wc have been unable to mark our full sense of gratitude in a manner worthy of the occasion and that would leave no doubt as to the sincerity of our sentiments,

"We trust, however, that you will accept this address, not merely as an expression of our sorrow at your departure, but also as the forerunner of a more practical and tangible gift shortly to follow.

" In conclusion, wo pray that God may grant you the graces and blessings necessary to enable you to overcome all difficulties you may meet in your new sphere of abours.

" Signed on behalf of the parishioners: | "D. F. O'Hallahan, Jos. P. Sherlock, R. M'Glone, H. Burger, T. P. Fogarty, Thomas Moynihan, W. B. Gilbert, J. Murphy, J. Monaghan, and P. Galligan.' The Rev. Father Cooney, in replying, referred to the difficulty he experienced in finding words to fitly express his sense of gratitude, not merely for the present action of the people of Kumara, but for the kindness and generosity shown him on all hands during his slay. He had done nothing to deserve it. He had never met a more hospitable people and the time he had spent in Kumara was amongst the happiest of his life. He referred to the grand broad spirit of christian charity exhibited by all denominations in Kumara and he hoped and prayed that such would continue to strengthen. After once again thanking those present, the Kev. gentleman resumed his seat amid rounds of applause.

The Eev. Father O'Hallahan referred to the sorrow he experienced in loosing Father Cooney. They had at all times got on exceedingly well together and from his perfect knowledge of the parish he could always leave the guest of the evening in charge witli perfect confidence had he occasion to go for a few days to any outside district. Besides this the Eev. Father Cooney had a happy knack of winning the good will of nonCatholics. His present removal meant promotion, and he hoped it was but another step towards receiving the mitre some day. Mr J. Carey also spoke a few words of regret and good wishes. The meeting closed with " Ould Lang Syne " sung by the audience. The Rev. gentleman left by this morning's coach for Christchurch.