Wanganui

New Zealand Tablet, 10 March 1921, Page 37

Wanganui

f -a n — • '&% • j| | < (From our own correspondent.) V' I ■ : _ - / : March 4. < We are all tremendously sorry that Father Menard and Father O’Connor are both leaving us for pastures new, the former going to Okato, and the latter to Geraldine. Father Menard’s removal has been in the air for some time, but we didn’t think anything would come of it, and had no idea that Father O’Connor was going. Bad news travels quickly, and in spite of very short notice, Father O’Connor’s send-off con Sunday night after devotions, was the biggest gathering of Catholics we have had for ever so long. Rev. Father O’Connell spoke his own regret and good wishes, Mr. T. Lloyd read a short address on our behalf, Mr. Luxford spoke and also made presentation of our small souvenir, and Sergt. Bourke said a few words. Came Father O’Connor thanks and good-bye, some hearty handshakes, and all over. St. Mary’s has not been Father o’Connor’s territory proper, he having attended to St. John’s Hill and Aramoho, and acting as Chaplin to the Convent. Father O’Connor left on Monday for the south. 5

Father Menard goes off. to Okato, Taranaki, this week also, is going to help Father Soulas on the Maori Missions. The date 0 Father Menard's farewell has not been arranged yet, but it is inevitable. \" After week's of illness, and, later convalescence and a holiday, Miss Curran, although not quite strong yet, has resumed her music teaching and is back at her place at St. Mary's organ. Everyone is pleased that she has recovered from her, dreadful illness and hopes she* will soon get quite well. . During the long interval, Mrs. T. Lloyd, one-time organist and our never-failing standby, filled the breach. The shortest of notice, and Mrs. Lloyd always makes it possible to play the organ, quite regardless of personal convenience and oftentimes, weariness. Miss Jenny McNair,' well-known in our congregation, leaves soon for Hawke's Bay. Before handing over her responsibilities as accountant at the Chronicle office, Miss McNair was farewelled by the firm and the staff. A substantial cheque, a Doulton tea service and jardiniere, are some of the gifts received with everyone's good wishes. . - V Was shown a picture recently in an American magazine, of Miss Eli Benneche, 'news of whom is likely to be o£ interest to old friends of the family. The young artist is a granddaughter of Mrs. A. Sullivan, now of Mangamahu, but originally of Canterbury, "Kennedy's Bush," well-known to "old residents of Christchurch, was the property of and named after Mrs. Sullivan's father. Some years ago one of Mrs. Sullivan's daughters married Capt: Benneche, and *t is a daughter of hers, Eli, who has achieved more than usual distinction in the. world of commercial art. After going through her college course, Miss Benneche graduated from a school of art and is engaged now in scenic work at the Los Angelos motion picture studios. Good wishes to her from her friends across the sea.