Palmerston North

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 7, 18 February 1925, Page 27

Palmerston North

(From our own Correspondent.) February 13. Monday last brought death again to the Yard family; and Miss Mona Yardley is now numbered amongst the departed. She, was on the road to recovery after an operation, and had turned the corner safely, as everybody thought; but God’s plans for her were otherwise. Miss Yardley was the sister of the late Mrs. Ned Sheehy who died at Matamata a few. years ago. , Sincere sympathy is offered to Mr. and Mrs. Yardley and family.R.l.P. The new Council Chambers were opened on M ednesday afternoon, and occasion was taken to present the mayor with the mayoral chain, which was the outcome of a happy thought on the part of a past mayor of Palmerston North. Each ex-mayor (if deceased, his relatives) has presented one link to the chain, which consists of fifteen gold pieces bearing the names of the various

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donors and the dates of their terms of office. The pendant of the chain is inscribed with the date of the first mayoralty, 1877.

The school children are still enjoying their extended holiday on account of the epidemic. Some of them think it’s a first-rate idea: but others, with a great deal of foresight, say: “But we’ll'have to work all the harder when we do go back to school again” ; and so say all of us! That they arc carrying out mother’s orders is plainly shown by the behavior of several small boys who enjoy a dip in the river several times a week. Down the road they come with towels over their heads and looks of grave concern that speak of life and its responsibilities as a serious business. Anyway it’s a healthy sight and a decided change from the usual run of things, to see a few obedient youngsters in a world where children are mostly precocious know-alls.

Sunday, the 22nd of March, will he “open-ing-day” for the new church. . Can it he true? a new church in Palmerston North after all these years of weary waiting! Yes, it’s a fact, as a walk along Broad Street will prove to you. There it stands, a huge grey building with a red tiled roof ; and a spire ending in-three “spirettes” surmounted by three crosses —a landmark in the district. If you think you are subject to an “optical illusion” go up to the structure; touch the plastered walls, as smooth as velvet; peep in at the door and see the interior fast nearing completion and you will be convinced that a great day will soon dawn upon us. And then ho who has been the mainspring, the “moving spirit” in the gigantic task of building the church- —our popular and beloved parish priest, Father MacManus — will take the train to Wellington and the boat to Sydney and join the Australian pilgrims in their journey to Home. From Borne Father Mac will go back to • his home in Holy Ireland, after an absence of over 21 years. With our pastor departs also his cousin (Miss Nesdale) whose name is a household word in this parish; and who has a place all her own in the hearts of the people.