Father Murphy : Further Presentations

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 35, 31 August 1905, Page 4

Father Murphy : Further Presentations

In addition to the many presentations to the Rev. Father Murphy, on his transference from the Administratorship of the Cathedral parish to Riverton, an account of which appeared in our last issue, he was the recipient, before his departure from the city, of other tangible proofs of the warm place which he occupies in the hearts of the Catholics of Dunedin. On Wednesday afternoon Father Murphy was entertained at a concert in the Sacred Heart School, North East Valley. Musical items were contributed by the pupils of the Santa Sabina Convent and the parish school, and at the conclusion of the programme Father Murphy was presented with a handsome album, vestments, and an address by the sodalities connected with the Sacred Heart Church and the pupils of t>he school. In the address the members of the sodalities and the children expressed their sorrow at his departure, reminded him t'hatt the greater number of those present had "been baptised by him, and that it was owing to his untir.ng zeal they were provided with that fine new school in which thhey were assembled. In conclusion they trusted that he would enjoy many happy and prosperous years in the doing of God's holy work in his new parish of Riverton. Father Murphy, in reply, said lhat during; the 14 years of his connection with the Yaliey he- Im d watched the progress of the Catholic Church thete, which hc'eould compare in degree with lhat of the I'nivorsal Church. To the laborer in C krist's \ineyard no greater consolation could ibe given than the generous co-opeia--tion which lie bad always experienced in that part of the city. He thanked those present for their touching address* and handsome gifts, and for the very pleasant afternoon ho had s*pe>nt amongst them

mhe follow ing 1 aflterncpn J-Vither "Murphy paid Ms farewell visit to the Christian Brothers' school. ITe received a cordial greeting from the pupils, -who had assembled in one of the large rooms for the occasion. Here the Rev. Father was presented with an address, accompanied with some valuable presents. When the applause of welcome had subsided, Brother Brady expressed his regret and that of the Brothers that 'Father Murphy was leaving Dunedin. lie referred to the happy relationship always existing between Father Murphy and the Brothers, bore testimony to the great interest in the schpol which marked Msi Administration, and concluded by wishing him every blessing in his new and important parish. Brother Ryan also spioke in affectionate and eulogistic terms of Father Murphy, who had always given practical probfi of bis' dctep interest in the work ofi the Brothers. Master Christopher Marlow then read an address, which was signed on behalf of the pupils by Masters W. Coughlan. E. Joyce, W. Hig^ins, and L. Casey. .In the course of their address the pupils expressed their sincere regret a t Father Murphy's de-p-artuTe, and assured him that their regard and love would continue through years to come, and the most pleasing memories of their schooldays would be associated with the abiding affection and solicitude with which he had watched over them, the pleasure he bad at all timesi showed at their success, and the great interest which he displayed in their spiritual welfare. On rising Father Murphy was greeted with long-con-tinued applause. :He thanked the boys for their

thoughtful adSress and 'useful presents, and in feeling terms spoke of his interest in. the school for the past fourteen, years. He testified 'to the good work done by the Brothers and of its effects as evidenced by the good conduct of the bpys. In touching and eloquent words he traced out for those listening to him the paths they should follow to become a credit to their school and worthy and devoted memJbters of Holy Church. Should any of them find their way to Southland he would be happy in every possible way to further their interests. Lines composed specially for the occasion were feelingly rendered by a number of select voices, and the promise of a half-holiday brought the proceedings to a close. On Thursday evening Father Murphy was entertamed by the Children of Mary at a social gathering in St. Joseph's school. There was a large attendance. Among those present were his Lordship the Bishop, Rev. Fttther Coftey, Adim.,' afad Rev. Fathers Cleary, O'Malley, and Corcoran. An excellent musical programme was submitted. Two choruses, ' Hymn to the Blessed Virgin,' and ' The meeting of the waters,' were given ; songs were contributed by Misses, Tres* ton, Brady, and Bryant ; piano solos- by Misses O'Sullivan, Murphy, Power and. King ; and recitations by Misses Heley, Clancy and Hanrahan. Light refreshments were dispensed by the ladies, and at the conclusion of the proceedings the Rev. Father Murphy thanked the members for their excellent entertainment, and expressed the hope that the society would continue to prosper. At the annual meeting of St. Joseph's Cathedral Choir, on the same evening, a presentation of a beautiful hanging lamp was made by the members to the Rev f Father Murphy. Mr. Carolin, who acted as spokesman, said that they regretted very much Father Murphy's departure, as he haS for many years been associated with the choir, awd whatever sentiments they expressed towards him came from the bottom of their hearts. There was never any feeling but that of affection for him, and they would long hold him in memory for hts many good qualities. Father Murphy, in returning thanks, said; that he did not expect such a hano"Some gift from them. He did not take a very active part in the organisation of the choir, and it had attained a very good standard before he entered into office. His connection with the choir had been one of the most agreeabfle, and nothing (but harmony had existed between him and the members. He thanked them very heartily for their present, and hoped he would one day be able to repay their gratitude. On Thursday evening also the members of St. Joseph's Men's Cluib assembled at their rooms to bid farewell to their popular president, Rev. Father Murphy, and also to present him with a pendant in the form of a gold cross suitably inscrfbted. Mr. Deehan, vice-presi-dent of the club, in making the presentation, eulogised Father Murfphy's work in connection with the club, which, ho said, owed its present flourishing condition to the lively interest which Father Murphy had at all times taken in its welfare. He (,Mr. Deeban) knew that he was expressing the sentiments of every member present when he said that Father Mnr,phy had endeared himself to the members by the kindly interest he had always manifested in the progress of the club. The parting was hard to bear, but it was inevitable, and he hoped that Father Murphy would sometimes think of those with whom he had spent so many happy evenings. Father Murphy, in replying, thanked the members for their present, which he said was quite unnecessary to keep green in his memory his many kind friends in the club, as fre looked upon it as one of the most useful societies in cornection with the Church. When he hadi required funds or assistance in carrying out his> duties, he had always received the help of the members, and whatever success attended the carrying; cat of many of those duties was very often due to the valuable aid he received from his friends in the club. Father Murphy in concluding said he could not let the occasion pass without referring to the great assistance Mr. Hussey had always given him in his work. Tn Mr. Hussey he recognised one of his firmest friends, and one who had always been ready with his aid and advice. He again thanked the members for their handsome present, and expressed the hope that the club would continue to do its good work.

Lady; Dorothy Howard, the youngest daughter of the Coiirtitess of Carlisle, who has been fior the last fiive-and-twenty years an enthusiastic supporter of the Irish National cause, has just taken a degree at Dublin University. For Bronchial Coughs take Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. Is 6d.