Town and Country News

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LII, Issue 50, 16 December 1925, Page 49

Town and Country News

New Plymouih Notes 'fefc (From our own correspondent.) I December 7. : Special church collections are, as a rule, sources of worry and disappointment to all concerned, and it is to be regretted that in some cases the response is not always what it should be. To obviate the necessity for taking up such collections and to enable the parish priest to have a definite sum of money available to meet the expenses of the parish. Father P. J. Minogue recently introduced to this parish a method of raising money which on account of its easy terms and definite time of payment .should appeal to all. ;l It is, briefly, that on one Sunday in each month a retiring collection be made, and, if the adult members of the congregation make a contribution of say 2/- each, sufficient money would be available to meet ordinary expenses. This method will be given a. fair trial, and if it proves successful will be adopted, but if on the other hand it is a failure, recourse will have to be made to the ordinary system. In the interests of the priests and of the people as well, it is to be hoped that it is a success, as it would relieve the priests of a duty which cannot be, by any means, a pleasant-one. Messrs. J. J. Powell and J. A. Clarke organised a highly successful concert, which was held in the Rolland Hall on November 23. The object was a worthy one, namely iojraise money to enable the' Sisters and pup&of the local Catholic schools to hold their annual picnic at the Ngaire Gardens. The following contributed items which were well received by the large number who Attended: Mesdames Ashey MacDonald, J. W. Oonnell, Kircher, Misses Waters, Hobson, Loveridge, Miss Elwyn Riley's pupils, Rev. Father P. J. Minogue, and Messrs. ' MacDonald, Kohan, and Ovendon. Mesdames Skelton, J. Austin, and Miss M. Jones plaved the accompaniments. As a result of the concert the funds benefit to the extent of £23. Mr. J. A. Clarke was the energetic secretary. The Rev. Father Power, recently curate at Hawera, has been transferred to this parish, and we take the opportunity of extending a hearty welcome to him. He is not altogether a stranger, for he was curate here some years ago. The work of the parish is steadily increasing, and if the oil wells m the town and in the vicinity of the town are the success contemplated, then we shall in the near- future require several more curates. Miss Mary Barry, who'has been on an extended holiday abroad, contemplates leaving for New Zealand early next year. She has; travelled widely in England, Ireland, and on the Continent, and has enjoyed the tripgreatly. She intends spending Christmas 11 Inland.

GOLDEN WEDDING MR. AND MRS. JAMES POFF, Sen. Mr. and Mrs. James Poff, sen., of Methven, Canterbury, were the recipients of numerous congratulations and presents on the occasion of their golden wedding, which was celebrated by a family reunion at Methven on Sunday, December 6. The members of the family were present at 9 o'clock Mass celebrated by the Rev. Father Price, who addressed to the bride and groom of fifty years ago the felicitations of the many friends they possessed in the parish and beyond. After Mass a breakfast was partaken of at Kilfilem House, when the following members of the family were present:—Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Poff, sen., Mrs. J. H. Selby (Aylesbury), Mrs. F. M. Simmons (Pleasant Point), Mrs. M. Cunneen (Christchurch), Misses M. and J. D. Poff (Methven), Mr. J. F. Poff (Papanui), Mr. W. Poff (Spreydon), Mr. M. Poff (Mt. Hntt), Mr. F. Poff (Highbank), and Mr. L. J. Poff (Wellingon). Apologies for absence were received from Mr. S. Poff and family. Also present were Mrs. M. Poff Mrs. p. Poff, Mrs. L. J. Poff, Mr. J. h! Selby, Mr. F. M. Simmons, Mr. M. Cunneen, Mrs. John Spring (Seadown), sister of Mrs. J. Poff, sen., and bridesmaid at the wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hall (Timaru), and Miss Margaret Spring (Greymouth). Nine of the twenty-three grandchildren were present. Mr. Poff was born at Mount* Nicholas, Ballymacelligott, Co. Kerry, Ireland, and come to New Zealand in 1871, landing at Lyttelton from the ship Zealand!*. (Captain White) on December 9. Mrs. Poff was born at Currans, near Killarney, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1872 with her sister (Mrs. Spring). The marriage took place at the Catholic church, Timaru, on December 6, 1875, the Rev. Father Goutenoire officiating. There were sixteen children .born of the marriage, of whom eleven survive.