A CELEBRATION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1928, Page 6

A CELEBRATION

SISTERS OF AIE-RCY HONOURED

Yesterday the ex-pupils and friends of the Sisters of St. Columbkille’s Convent, Hokitika, met at St. Alary s Club Rooms to do them honour on the occasion of their Golden Jubilee, the celebrations of which took place on Oeto'ber loth last. There was a. large attendance present, many coining from alar lor the occasion. The proceedings opened with a short musical programme which was rendered in a very efficient manner. th<> assemblage enjoying the items thoroughly. The following contributed:—Piano duet, .Misses R. a-ncl 0. Jacobs: song, Aliss Al. Hanrah.in : violin duet, Aliss A . and Air P. (trough : piano trio, Misses Al. Paget, E. Carroll, and Al. Houlnhnn; song. Aliss A!.’ AloGirr; song, Aliss Al. Raid; song, Mr T. Hatch: song. Aliss E. Dale; song, Air T. Stopforth; piano duet, Alisses Al. Stopforth and Al. Fitzgerald.

At the conclusion of the musical items Air AY. Jeffries (Chairman) briefly explained the object of the gathering, namely to do honour to the Sisters on the occasion ol their jubilee. He staled fifty years ago in July in the year IS7B, a- hand of ten noble ladies left Ireland to conic to New Zealand to carry on the work to which they had devoted their lives. They landed in Hokitika the same year on October loth. Of those pioneer Sisters six are still living and the remaining lour have*- since passed away, ’flic Chairman was pleased lo state that on that ••occasion they had with them the foundress ol bit. Col uni bk i I It’s and the leader ol tha* little band (if sisters-in the person of Rev. A lot her Alary Clare. To her much credit is due for her noble work, and the zeal and efiort- with which she carried out that work will always i'-* remembered. I lie esteemed Sister, though now up in years is still bale and hearty and looks back with pleasure <>n those by-gone days. The Chairman went <••• say thai the work of the Sisters since the arrival hero fiftv years ago lias progressed w-mderl ally and to-day pupils tiieght by them hold good positions throughout New Zealand. 3 lie expuoils will always hold the happiest memories of their associations with the Sisters in their younger days. At the conclusion of the Chairman's speech. Aliss E. Ward, an ex-pupil, read an address, and Aliss Al. Dcvnney made the presentation of a wellfilled purse, while Aliss Al. AlcGavin presented a bouquet of golden coloured flowers.

Rev. Father Finerty. parish priest, returned thanks on the Sisters behalT. A dainty afternoon ton was then served bv the holies of the parish, and this concluded a very happy gathering.