VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1289, 27 August 1914, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

FATHER DORE FAREWELLED. The Rev. Father Dore, who accompanies the next contingent of the Expeditionay Force as chaplain, was farewelled in the Catholic schoolroom on Tuesday night, and was made the recipient ot a presentation from his parishdoners and outside friends. The building was comfortably filled and Mr P. Hennessy presided. The chairman’s table was covered with the Union Jack and the New Zealand Ensign, the Irish flag and the Red Ensign were hung above the table. The proceedings were opened by the singing of the National Anthem by all present. The Chairman said he was pleased at being privileged to preside, but it was mingled with regret because the object of the gathering was to bid farewell to their parish priest, Father Dore. He said that although Father Dore was leaving now everything being well he would come back to Foxton on his return to the Dominion, which he earnestly hoped would be in the near future. Mr Hennessy went on to refer to the good work done by Father Dore as far as the parish was concerned. He nad been in charge for about twenty months and the progress made during that period was really wonderful. It would be very hard indeed to find his equal. Mr Hennessy particularly referred to the influence exerted with the young men, with whom the reverend gentleman was a great favourite. While his departure was regretted very much there was no doubt he was just the man for the work in front of him, and the speaker knew he would conscientiously do his duty- The parishioners and outside friends desired to take the opportunity of making a presentation to him, in the form of a travelling bag and thermos flask, and as far as the latter article was concerned the speaker hoped Father Dore would have little occasion to use it. He earnestly hoped that by the time the New Zealand Force arrived it would be all “U.P.” with the enemy.

Mr Jackson, secretary of the church committee, said he had occupied that position since Father Dore had been in Foxton and was, therefore, in a position to know the good work done by him as parish priest. He could heartily endorse all that had been said by the chairman as to the guest of the evening’s popularity with the young men. This was also the case with all sections of the community. Father Dore was a companionable man and meeting him was always a pleasure. Mr Jackson referred at some length to tbs progress made in the parish under Father Dore and mentioned the opening of a new church at Tokomaru. The work of the parish had been placed on an excellent footing and he could take his departure knowing that he had done his duty. He was certain that in calling him to the front the Defence Department were getting a man excellently suited for the work to be done, and concluded by wishing Father Dore God speed and a safe return.

At this stage the Chairman took the opportunity of introducing Father Dore’s successor, Father Cronin. He said Father Cronin was a schoolmate of Father Dore’s and that they came out to New Zealand together. He said he had taken to him already and assured those present that he was a “broth of a bhoy.” Father Cronin, in acknowledging Mr Hennessy’s remarks, said he was glad to be present to bid goodbye to his old schoolmate, and to join in wishing him a prosperous time and safe return. He was pleased to be appointed to succeed Father Dore and would endeavour to walk in his footsteps, and hoped the parishioners would extend to him the same assistance as had been tendered his predecessor, and would be satisfied with his (the speaker’s) work when Father Dore returned to take up his duties here again. He concluded by wishing Father Dore a prosperous time and safe return. Father Dore said he did not think the valuable tokens of esteem given him that evening were necessary to convince him of their goodwill. He was starting on, perhaps, a perilous journey, and had it been left to him he was not sure but what he would have considered his first duty was to serve the people in Foxton. His superior, however, had asked him to accompany, as chaplain, the next contingent of the Expeditionary Force to leave New Zealand, and to this invitation he willingly responded. That was his explanation for leaving Foxton, which he hoped would only be temporary. He had lived in New Zealand for three years, and during that time bad been in touch with all classes, and in consequence of the nature of his work, had been afforded a good opportunity of studying the character of the people, and he assured those present that as a result of his observations he had nothing bad to say about the people of this country, but on the contrary bad everything to say that was high and good. He was very glad indeed to be privileged to accompany New Zealand’s brave and valiant volunteers. They would fight under the New Zealand ensign, and he was sure they would return to the Dominion with the honours and glory of the iortunes of war. His duty would be to look after the spiritual welfare of those under his charge, and he assured parents and relatives of volunteers from this district, of all denominations, that be would do all in his power to help them in €very way. He would only be too

happy to write as opportunity afforded, and tell them of the welfare of those who belong to this district. It was gratifying to him to see so many present, amongst whom were non-Catholic friends. In Foxton there was a spirit prevailing among all classes that specially appealed to him, and that was freedom from religious bigotry. He always fostered this spirit, and was glad to be in a position to publicly state that religious bigotry was almost completely absent in Foxton. It was the duty of every Catholic to stamp out religious bigotry, as it was detrimental to any community. He paid a tribute to the assistance given him by his Church Committee, without whose assistance, he said, the work carried out here would be impossible, and he thanked them for their goodness to him. Referring to his successor, Father Dore said that Father Cronin was more than equal to take his place. He had known Father Cronin for many years, and could recommend him, and he expressed the hope that they would render him all the assistance possible. In conclusion, be again thanked the people of Foxton for their kindness and goodness to him, and said he hoped to return with New Zealand’s good volunteers after everything was satisfactorily fixed up in Europe, and was confident that the New Zealanders would bring back with them all the honours and glory of the fortunes of war.

Father Dore resumed his seat amid tremendous applause, and all present joined in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” During the evening, vocal items were contributed by Messrs W. Hooker, J. Golder, B. Hooker, and Croft, all the songs being of a patriotic nature, and Mr P. Lenihau gave a step-dance. Refreshments, provided by the ladies ol the parish, were then handed round, and a dance was subsequently held.