RIGHT REV. MONSIGNOR WELSHE: TRIBUTE TO HIS LIFE AND WORK

New Zealand Tablet, 25 August 1921, Page 11

RIGHT REV. MONSIGNOR WELSHE: TRIBUTE TO HIS LIFE AND WORK

Notwithstanding the bad weather a very large number <: of people of all classes and denominations gathered in the \ Theatre Royal the other evening to pay a tribute to the Right Rev. Mgr. Walshe on the occasion of his recent retirement from active duties after over fifty-f' years as : Parish Priest of Westport and its extensive district. An. Overture by the Westport Orchestral Society opened the proceedings, Miss B. Doyle, L.A.8., presiding at the piano. The mayor (Mr. J. Menzies), who presided, said he felt greatly honored to bo present to show his appreciation of the Right Rev. Mgr. Walshe for the very good work he had done in the district. He wished Monsignor good health, and long life and hoped he would get the rest he had so well earned. (Applause.) The Mayor read a large number of apologies for absence and good wishes from former parishoners of the Monsignor all over the Dominion,, including Right Rev. Mgr. Ormond, D.D., of Auckland, and Rev. Father Carmine of Lower Hutt, both former residents of Westport, and also from a large number.-of, other clergy. A choice musical programme was rendered, the performers being as follows: —Westport Orchestral Society, Mr. F. Calnon, Miss B. Doyle, L.A.8., Misses Finnerty and Phillips, Miss McPadden, Miss Lock, Mrs. Carmine, Mr. J. Comerford, and Miss 0. Taylor, and at its conclusion an illuminated address was read by Mr. P. A. Carmine and presented to the Monsignor. The illuminated address was most artistically embossed by the Sisters of the Convent, reflecting credit on their artistic conception and skilful execution. At the head was a photo of Monsignor Walshe, while it also bore photos' of St. Canice's Church, a view of the sanctuary, the Convent of Mercy, the presbytery, and also one of old St. Canice's, which was erected in the early days.

Mr. H. Moran, one of the old school, related some of the hardships under which Monsignor had carried out his early duties in the parish extending from Brighton to Karamea. No one ever heard any complaints of the way in which he discharged his onerous duties. He wished Monsignor long life and happiness and that he would live to see the Sinn Fein flag flying over Ireland. (Applause.)