VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1921, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

| Therf was a largo attendance in St. Mary's Club Rooms last evening when a farewell social was tendered to Mr ' and Mrs McCarthy and family, who are leaving on transfer to, Greymoutii. Tho earlier part of the evening was 'devoted to cards. Mrs T. lieenan won the Indies Ist. prize, a set of silver table forks, and Miss Bourke the second a pair of jam dishes. Mrs .T. Cameron secured the gents Ist. (a tobacco pouch) and the second (a razor strop) went to Mr Pieter Stephens. Just prior to supper interval, Rev Father O'Sullivan, who presided, addressed those present. He said they were assembled that evening to meet the guests of the evening for the last time as Parishioners of StMary’s. From their arrival in the town, both Mr and Mrs McCarthy had been ardent church workers and had proved to be valuable and useful members of the congregation. Sergt. McCarthy was a man not only of good works but of good advice. Rev. Father outlined Mr and Mrs. McCnrthys’ various duties in church matters and complimented them on the practical interest they had taken in parish affairs.

Deep regret was felt at their departhre but he felt sure their good works woulc be continued in Greymouth. (applause. Dir W. Jeffries speaking on behnl of the parishioners, said il was char acteristic of their race to always re meiiiber the efforts of ardent workers It was done in every parish in the country, and it was being done there that evening. He knew everybody had not the time to devote to church, work* 'but the work of some parishioners undoubtedly stands out over that of others The guests of the evening had been with them only 15 months and their work had given a stimulus to parishioners of the present and an example of the young. Personally he had known ' Bergt. McCarthy for a great number if years and had found him one "ho never shirked his duty and a man who feared neither friend nor foe. He complimented Jiim on his promotion. Greymouth was to gain by tbe transfer. He assured tlicir departing guests that they were taking away with them united good feelings for happiness and promotion in tho future. Mr F. 0 roufsky ns member of the Church Committee, endorsed Mr Jeffries remarks and said that Mr McCarthy had been a tower of strength on the committee and had introduced many fine ideas and methods which had been

a great advantage to them all. He hoped younger men would follow their guests example and wished him and his wife and family the best of good wishes for the future. i Mr J. P. Ward as President of St. Mary’s Club said the Club was that I night losing two valuable members. Ho ] referred to tho good work of Air McCarthy Senr. as their Treasurer and Mr McCarthy Jnr. ns Club correspondent. Mr McCarthy had had a great deal of experience in debating circles j nrnl had helped greatly to advance the ; Club. The speaker referred to their guests efforts in a memorable impromptil speech where he spent his £IO,OOO ! a year in fine style. He thanked Mr McCarthy Jnr. for his good work in ! reporting their elocutionary functions. Airs McCarthy’s efforts in connection | with their last bazaar was something j they could not forget. He wished the guests of the evening health and lmp- ! pinoss in the future and felt sure they would occasionally have a pleasant thought for St. Alary’s Hokitika. Rev. Father O’Sullivan then presented Mrs McCarthy on behalf of the .family with a valuable Kaiapui rug and a mounted manicure sot. The gathering then rose and sang

“For They are Jolly Good Fellows,” Sergt..McCarthy replied on behalf of his wife and family. He spoke of his associations with other places and the pleasant but short tenure they had spent in Hokitika. He referred > at length to the work of parishioneis generally and complimented St. Alary s j on the sound financial position. If he ( had helped in this ho was pleased. If ( his family had helped he was proud of them. While in' Hokitika they may have made enemies—-he thought not and hoped not. They had certainly made friends and friends they would never forgot. He thanked them again for their handsome presents and assured them that pleasant thoughts of Hokitika and Hokitika friends would always be kept by the McCarthy family. (Applause). Dancing was then indulged in un il after midnight. Hie music was kindly supplied by Misses Giese, Hatch and Jones. At tho police station last evening the I local staff made a presentation to feeigt i McCarthy. Sergt King made the pre- | sentation which consisted of the latest edition of Archhold’s criminal pleading, evidence and practice, stating that although his acquaintance with Sergt McCarthy was only of a few days, lie had reason to believe that he had carried out his duties in a fair and impartial manner, and he wished him and his wife and family the best of wishes. Constables Bennett, Flewellyn and Quinn also made reference to tho many good qualities which the Senior-Sergt possessed not only as an officer of police, but as a man. Sergt McCarthy suitably replied.