VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3799, 31 May 1928, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION TO MR, AND MRS. DESMOND.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Desmond, wellknown and highly esteemed residents of Foxton, were entertained at a social gathering in the Masonic Hall last evening by the parishioners of St. Mary’s Church, and made the recipients of tokens of esteem prior to leaving for Wellington where they will enter into the business life of the Empire City. Included among those present were representatives of the general public. At a suitable juncture Mr. M. B. Bergin said the object of the gathering was to afford the parishioners of St. Mary’s an opportunity to say farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Desmond prior to their departure from Foxton, and to wish them prosperity and happiness in their new venture in Wellington. He was pleased to welcome the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Desmond who, as citizens, joined with St. Mary’s parishioners in the social gathering, and who shared with them the evidence of esteem for the guests. Mr. and Mrs. Desmond, said Mr. Bergin, were numbered among the finest citizens of Foxton, and a little community like this could illafford to lose such sterling people, who had discharged their duties and obligations faithfully to their home, Church and town. Mrs. Desmond was a devoted and willing worker in all church affairs, and in this connection she would be greatly missed. He expressed the hope that in the wider business sphere upon which they were entering and among strange faces they would meet with success. He could assure them of a warm welcome and open door to Foxton should they return (applause).

The Rev. Father McDermott expressed his personal regret and the sorrow of all parishioners in having to say good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Desmond. Their regret was shared by those outside St. Mary’s parish. During his six years’ residence here as parish priest he had found both Mr. and Mrs. Desmond willing, faithful and generous helpers. He paid a special tribute to Mrs. Desmond in this connection. However, St, Mary’s parish loss was St. George’s parish gain. He sincerely wished them success and happiness in all their undertakings and that God would shower down upon them His blessing and grace. If they ■ should come back they would receive a joyous welcome. On behalf of the parishioners he had been asked to present them with a travelling rug and suit case as a small token of esteem and in appreciation of the work so ungrudgingly given to the Church. (Applause). Mr. Desmond feelingly and briefly thanked them for their kind wishes and tokens of esteem and added that both he and Mrs. Desmond were sorry to leave them, but hoped that what they had decided upon would be for the best. “For they are jolly good fellows” was then lustily sung, followed by three hearty cheers for the guests. During the evening dancing was indulged in and vocal and elocutionary items were rendered by Miss Martin, and Messrs J. K. liornblow, D, Christie and G. F. Smith. The accompaniments were played by Mrs. Carmont and Miss Delany and dance music by Mrs. Bowden.

A tasty supper was provided at the close by the lady members of the congregation and was supervised by Mrs. Richmond. Mr. S. Dudson officiated as M.C.