Napier

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 13 August 1903, Page 6

Napier

(From an occasional correspondent ) A \ery enjoyable evening was spent in the Marist Brothers' school on the occasion of the Rev. Father Goggan's feast day. The members of St. Vincent de Paul Society, prior to the date>, had been busy in preparing the l surprise ' for their highly-esteemed pastor, and had decided on marking the day by making him the lecipient of a very handsome present in the shape of a complete dinner set, two hearth rugs, and a costly umbrella. To add cheerfulness to the occasion a musical programme was provided, which included songs by Mr. Allen and Mr. Evans, and pianoforte items by Misses May and Madge Condon and Miss Julia Barry. An excellent

supper was supplied under the management of Miss Plannery. After supper had been partaketo of, Mr. W. J kj McGrath, on behalf of the Society, made the presentation. In doing so, he drew attention to the great; amount of good being effected by the Society, and to itß rapid development. Though in existence only twelve months it had a roll of over forty active members who, by their labor and alms, had brought relief to numerous homes where even the necessaries of life were absent. But this good, though directly accomplished by the Society, was indirectly the work of their zealous pastor, for, on coming to the parish eighteen months ago, and seeing in several poorly-clad children the evident signs of poverty and neglect, his heart was moved to pity and his energy was prompt in response, and forthwith he organised the Society, which, under his fostering care, is daily tending towards becoming one of the main factors for good in the parish.

Rev. Father Goggan, hx accepting the gift, expressed his appreciation of the present, and thanked the president (Mrs. Brophy) and the members for the kindly regards they had shown him, and for the whole-hearted manner in which they had seconded his effort to assist the poor.

Games and conversation then occupied the remainder of the evening.

Next day the children of the convent entertained the good Father, and added some gifts to the feast day's souvenirSi