Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

FATHER P. KILLIAN FAREWELLED.
Balranald's Expressions of Esteem.

Much regret was expressed in Balranald and the surrounding district, by people of all creeds, at the impending loss of Rev. Father Patrick Killian, B.A., who had been transferred to another part of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes. At a valedictory gathering in the Theatre Royal, Balranald, on the 20th ult., representative speakers paid high tributes to Father Killian 's priestly ideals, his generosity and comradeship, and to the fine service he gave during the stress of the Great War. The Mayor of Balranald (Alderman M.H. Harben), presided. Seated with him on the stage were Rev. A. Dougan, B.A.(Presbyterian minister), Messrs. W. A.Kimber, T. P. Connellan, W. F. Wilkes, H.B. McHugh, and E. H. Malcolm. The Mayor read a long list of apologies from the following: Rev. Father Eyan, Eev. Gosper, Messrs. A.Ellis, C. Besley, T. Ellis, O. S. Wright, Major J. W. Chanter and Mrs. C. M. Carter, Messrs. D. M. Dowling, K. E. Whitehead, A. Greenham, A. Trewin, C. Coady,T. C. Jolliffe, Frank Coates, J. V. Coates, J. Fitzgerald, J. P. Murphy J. Taylor.G. Davis and W. H. McHugh.

Eulogistic Tributes.
The Rev. Father Doughan said that Father Killian was a friend to the people, a hearty and tolerant leader, a notable builder and a great worker in the interests of the people, particularly the needy and the poor. Mr. W. A. Kimber said people loved and respected Father Killian, and were very sorrowful at his departure. He wished him every happiness, and all that was good in his new sphere of activity. He (Mr. Kimber) knew the worth of Father Killian, who was both a gentleman and a very fine type of citizen.Mr. T. P. Connellan said the building of the new convent and school would be a lasting monument to Father Killian's memory. 'Tho parishioners are proud of their priest,' added Mr. Connellan, 'especially as Father Killian has been a true friend to the people. He fostered that spirit of friendliness between the denominations, which means that he will never be forgotten wherever he goes. His field is the world, and we can only accept his departure with profound regret.'

Mr. W. F. Wilkes said the public were showing their esteem and gratitude for what Father Killian had done in Balranald, and their attendance in great numbers was ample demonstration. 'Father Killian would have made a mark in any sphere he wished to enter,' continued Mr. Wilkes.' Fourteen years ago he came to Balranald, and not long after he had the new convent erected. The next to follow was the beautiful school to educate the children. He enjoyed life to the fullest, but he never neglected his spiritual duties, and in sickness and in trouble there was not a better man than our guest. His parishioners were sorrowful at his departure. He had a great heart and nature, and the future held much for him. They felt his place could never be taken.' Mr. Wilkes then handed Father Killian a wallet of notes with the love and esteem of the parishioners. Mr. Harben paid glowing tributes to Father Killian, on behalf of the Returned Soldiers' League. He presented the guest with an inscribed gold watch, and a wallet of notes on behalf of his many admirers.
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Father Killian 's Reply.
Rising to respond amidst a wonderful ovation, Father Killian at length said that he was sorry to part with his many friends after such a long association, during which he found nothing but kindness and happiness. He thanked them all for their kindness, courtesy and generosity. All the years he had been in Balranald he did not believe that he had made an enemy and he would never forget the Balranald people and the wonderful friendships he had made. Father Killian added that he had started out under great difficulty when he came to Balranald. He commenced with £50, and bought a block of land, and handed it to the church. If it had not been for the co-operation and trust of his parishioners he would never have done what he so much desired to do. Bishop Hayden (now Archbishop Hayden), who was in charge in Broken Hill, made the efforts possible by giving his sanction and whole hearted support to the building of the school and the new convent. The buildings would stand for years to come, continued Father Killian, and he felt proud of them and the work of the people. The rising generation must be catered for in a good education under the best hygienic conditions. Father Killianpaid a tribute to the 'Diggers,' with whom he had spent many years and many happy nights; to the Sisters and the pupils: to the members of the tennis club, the Catholic flock, and the people in general. There was, he added, a wonderful spirit of co-operation in Balranald. He invoked the blessings of God upon the people.
Those who contributed to the vocal part of the programme were Miss S. Kelly, Mr.W. Hignett, Miss McErvale and Mr. R.Malcolm.