STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1922, Page 6

STRATFORD.

DAILY NEWS AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news f«r publication in tne Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representstative, care Mr. W. H. Humphrey, Broadway, Stratford. Orders for papers may also be left with him. FIFTY YEARS A PRIEST. FATHER MAPLES’ JUBILEE. October 21. The great reverence in which Rev. Father Maples is held by the general public of the Stratford district, and by a host of friends farther afield, was demonstrated at a function held in the Town Hall last night to celebrate, the golden jubilee of Father Maples’ priesthood. The function took the form of a conversazione and the hall was packed with friends of many denominations. The whole floor space was taken up with tables in close order, and still not nearly all could be seated at once. The hall and the tables were tastefully decorated in appropriate colors and a large golden bell hung 'from the ceiling. The arrangements and conduct of the whole gathering were a distinct credit to the promoters. A splendid supper was served and an orchestra gave a pleasing programme of music. Songs were given by Misses Reilly, D. Fitzgerald, B. Sheahan, Messrs. P. Coe, W. Tennel and G. T. Walters, and original and appropriate recitations by three young pupils from the convent and Master C. Kovaleski.

Mr. A. Coleman, who presided, conveyed to Father Maples, on behalf of the parishioners and the general public, their very sincere congratulations on what he hoped was the most happy event in the Father’s lifetime. The vocation of a man in the priesthood was one of sacrifice and service—fame 4hnd fortune had to be sacrificed to service. Mr. Coleman did not think a parish priest could be found who had fulfilled the ideals of priesthood better than Father Maples. Arriving in Stratford 19 years ago Father Maples had never had any thought of personal aggrandisement, his one care being for others. All the means which had been placed at bis disposal had been given to the service of God. They all knew that he had devoted his private means to that purpose. The erection of the Catholic school at Petone was one of his works, and other services had been rendered out of the Father’s private means. He had been responsible among other things for the training of many candidates for the priesthood. If Father Maples had done nothing else than this he nad set an example that any man might follow. His only .fault was that he was too kind and generous. Mr. Coleman •< ”

presented Father Maples with an illuminated address, which was eloquent of the esteem in which he was held by his parishioners. A large number of apologies for absence from the function were read, all paying tributes to the Father. Forty-two telegrams of congratulation, including one from Cardinal Gasparri (from Rome), were also received, but Mr. Coleman said that Father Maples’ modesty prevented him from reading these. ■On behalf of the taxi drivers, Mr. P. Healy presented Father Maples with an enlarged, framed photograph of the Father’s favorite pet dog “Jumbo,” and expressed the reverence felt by the taxi drivers of all denominations for the guest. Rev. Father Kelly, on •behalf of the clergy, congratulated Father Maples on the attainment of his jubilee. The Mayor (Mr. J. W. McMillan), speaking for the citizens of -Stratford, said he deemed it an honor to take part in the demonstration of devotion to Father Maples. He tendered his sincere congratulations and said it was a wonderful performance that a man could devote 50 years of his life to the service of others. The people of Stratford not only respected but revered the Father.

In the course of a feeling reply, Father Maples said he had no wish for a public demonstration. He was afraid that it was their kind feelings that induced those assembled to say many things of him that he did not deserve. He knew that in honoring him they were honoring hjs brother priests.* It was not given to many priests to see their golden jubilee and very few had done so. Since coming to Stratford he had done his best for the parishioners and no man could do more: Stratford might have more eloquent and successful priests than he, but it would never have a priest who loved them more. Father Maples traced his career from the time he was ordained 50 years ago down to the present day, dealing more particularly with the process of becoming ordained, its effect, and the ultimate lot of a priest among his parishioners. The reverend gentleman was received with prolonged applause, and the proceedings showed that he had made a profound impression in the district upon all classes and denominations. Duinrg the day a number of visiting clergy were present at the jubilee celebrations, among them being Bishop Liston, of Auckland, who was forced to leave for Auckland in the. evening. The committee responsible for the management of the function, with Mr. A. Coleman as chairman, are to be congratulated upon the great success achieved, as a very large number of patrons, probably between three and four hundred, were catered for. The ladies’ committee, who arranged the very excellent supper, are especially deserving of praise. A substantial cheque was also presented to Father Maples by Mr. Coleman, on behalf of The parishioners. The residents of Stratford and district are notified that Ernest Davies, the London qualified sight-testing optician, visits Stratford every Tuesday, and may be consulted at Mr. Gaffaney’s, Broadway. Hours: 9.30 a.in. to 4 p.m. Are you interested in wireless? If you are. call and see W. H. Humphrey. Broadway. Stratford. All parts stocked. Marconi V 24 valves, condensers, wire, terminals, mica, tinfoil, celluloid sheets, aluminium, etc., etc. Sets made up to order. Broadcasting is coming. Get in early and be ready for it.