REV. FATHER M'MANUS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 330, 4 March 1910, Page 4

REV. FATHER M'MANUS

FAREWELLED AT ROLLAXD HALL. TvolJainl Hull was crowded last night, when the members of St Joseph's congregation assembled- to bid- farewell to the Rev Father MacMaflus, who lias been curate here lor the- past six years, but has recently been- appointe'd first priest of the newty-foftned Inglewood parish; ami also to> welcome his successor, the Rev. tfa-tmer O'Beirne. Mr. W. T. Jtfttaings, M.P., occupied the chair, and with him on the platform were the Very Rev. Dean McKeuna and the guests of the evening. The chairman, iu presenting the Rev. Father MacManus with a purse of sovereigns 011 behalf o? the parishioners, said this was not merely n lip token of their esteem and respect, but a tangible one. During the s'ix years that Father MacManus had been in New Plymouth he had endeared himself to all and gained their esteem. He (the speaker) knew Father MacManus would do his duty fearlessly in his new sphere. He advised him to look particularly after the younger members. The old ones werenll right. It was to the younger members that the faith looked to carry on the good work. , He wished him good health and a successful coiumis» sioa in his earnest endeavors. Mr. Jennings then, on behalf of the Hibernian Society, presented Father MacManus with a handsome travelling-bag and rug, and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr. G. Grey, who was to have made tlie presentation. He also extended *o the Rev. Father O'Beirne a hearty "caed mille a fealthe" on behalf of the parishioners, and hoped his sojourn here would be as profitable to himself as to the parishioners. The Very Rev. Dean McKenna said it gave him great pleasure to express his 1 appreciation of the labors of the llev. Father MacManus. During his six years here he had been unremitting in his sacred duties, and was a model priest in every respect. Men of his stamp were wanted in New Zealand, which was a young country with a. great future. Competent guides were wanted in Church and State, men who .were tried, trusted, and true. He knew that if health and strength were, granted to Father MacManus lie would, not allow the grass to grow under his I feet. Sometimes, however, young people I were over-zealous and overtaxed their strength. Their guest's ministry in. I New Plymouth had been very fruitful., He was pleased that Father MacManus was going to be a next-door neighbor, I and he could assure him of a hearty j welcome any time at St Joseph's Presbvtcry.

The Rev. Father MaeManus, who was greeted with applause, said that sincecoming to Xew Plymouth he had received uniform kindness and consideration from everybody. He had spent the happiest years of his' life here under the care of the Very Rev. Dean Mc-Kenna, who had exercised kindly and pate-mil consideration towards him such n» a good priest should always exercise to those placed under him. ta his parents, no one had had more influence on his character than Dean McKenna. In thus 1 associating him with his parents he intended to pay him the highest tribute possible to confer. Dean McKenna's method was by example rather than precept, and he regretted that at times he had not followed closely on his lines. Personally he was not in favor of these presentations', but they had one good point—they sjiowed that in this twentieth century the same bond of love existed between tlie priests and people as had existed since the earliest days of Christianity. The substantial present would alto conic in useful to him in his new. parish. As regarded the Hibernian Society, he had lost no opportunity of seeurini; members, and would continue to take an interest and, if feasible, would establish a branch in his new parish. The Rev. Father O'Beirne, who was also cordially received, thanked 'them for their kind welcome. During the evening a musical programme was rendered, consisting of ■pianoforte solos by .Misses Ila Henderson and Clarke, songs hv Miss M„ Clarke and 11. Jennings, and a recitation by Mr. W. T. Jennings M.P. Supper was handed roiind 'bjj fife ladies, of the congregation./*' • \