Thames

New Zealand Tablet, 5 August 1915, Page 35

Thames

(From our own correspondent.) - July 30. A larcwcll social was tendered to Mr. (J. Coakley last, evening, prior to Ids departure for Trentham military camp, by the Hibernian Society, St. Francis’ Tennis Chib, and the choir. Rev. Father Dignan, in a very feeling speech, dwelt oil the many good qualities of Mr. Coakley, and, while expressing regret at his departure from the parish, commended him for the great sacrifice be had ftiade in enlisting to fight tor his King and country, and expressed the hope that his noble example would be fol- _ lowed by many more of the young men of the parish. Me was pleased to see so many of the young men who bad enlisted present, and took the opportunity to welcome Private Frank Gibson, who had lately returned on sick leave from the Dardanelles. He expressed the , hope that Private Gibson would soon be restored to bis former health. (Applause.) Father Dignan asked Mr. Coakley to accept, on behalf of the societies, a sleeping bag as a small token of their and. hoped (hat he would have a pleasant voyage and a safe return. Bro. J. Dwyer, P.P., spoke on behalf of the Hibernian Society, and Mr. T. E. Mullins on behalf of the choir and tennis club. Both speakers referred to the many sterling qualities of the guest of the evening, and wished him a pleasant voyage, and a safe return. Mr. Coakley suitably replied, and expressed his gratitude to the speakers for their kind remarks, - and to the societies for their present and good wishes. Tie would always have pleasant recollections of the many happy hours spent with the donors. ' .. The meeting concluded with three hearty.cheers for tho guest of the evening, and three more for his parents. » During the evening vocal items were rendered by Mrs. Connolly and Mr. Noone (duet, ‘ Life’s dream 'is - o’er’), Mr. Noone (‘Come, sing to me’), Mrs. Dave - Twohill and Miss McPike (duet), Mr. ’Noone(‘ Because’). The accompaniments were played by Mrs. L. Snowling and Miss A. Moran. A special word of praise is due to. Miss McLoughliu for the able manner in which she carried out the duties of ■ secretary, and to Mrs. O’Sullivan and Mrs. Simpson for the very nice supper supplied.