FATHER HENNEBERRY.

Kumara Times, Issue 456, 13 March 1878, Page 2

FATHER HENNEBERRY.

[to the editor.-]- --■

Sm—You will, I have little doubt, allow me the privilege of comment relative to a short paragraph appearing-in the editorial columns of your issue of yesterday evening, and dealing with a matter that now apparently is of some public notice. I refer to the Hibernian Ball and the intended visit of Father Henneberry., With the motives and disposition of those persons concerned in regard to all things belonging to the Ball Twill not have anything to do ; but as the name 'of 'Father Henneberry has been dragged into this part of the controversy, perhaps explanation is essential, from: the unfair position ( given to the reverend' Father .in ' the matter. It has been well.'known ! for' some considerable time back ; that Father Henneberry meant having a religious i service on this part qf the::Cpast, andri would appear at Kumara .through due'i notice given to members of his church. 1 1 j beg to intimate with dueTrespfect that ttnis 'j is the truth in reference to the affair, and that it is the usual ing out things of the lans;,,thatfather' Henneberry was not coming here in support of any threat, undue influence, or otherwise. And again, with all due respect to your opinions on the subject, I shall state that Father Henneberry in no sense of : the word was to 'appear here 'as k counter-attraction to what a certain por** tion of our community may .have:thought fit to designate the forthcoming festival. You, sir, may claim your own particular or individual right to give expression to views on the matter, but in exercising the same privilege allow me to state that the Catholic Church, in holding its religious services does not borrow theatrical sliifts or practices to see the same properly carried out, but rather follows the universal course of claiming at the time from her children the virtues of obedience, respect, and devotional duty to her behests, while dispensing the many consolations derivable from religion. On equally good grounds, I may differ from you in your estimate of the reverend gentleman's character and functions, as an anointed Priest he must fully comprehend the responsibilities between himself and his | Creator, and that shall add from the sacred nature of his exalted office, the possibility is precluded of, a sham of the. character you pourtray being its recepient! And that Catholics are never in the ! habit of sustaining or recognizing, but ( that which is good and respectable in the i character and name of the Priests of their I Church.

As you have used the free lance pretty largely, and from your commanding position promulgated your opinions freely, may I hope that my few common-place remarks will ' find insertion in your journal.—l, am, &.,

P. DuNGAN.