DEAN FABEWELLED,

Prior to leaving Timaru (says the. Timaru Herald) Dean Tubman was farewelled by a gathering that filled the Lyiic Theatre both up and down-•stair-s. Among those present were many non-Catholics, and the gathering was a most enthusiastic and successful one, although tinged with sadness at the thought of parting from one whom his people had learned to love so well. Dr J. R. Loughnan presided, and with him on the platform were:—Monsignor McKay (Oamaru), Fathers Peoples and Herring (Waimate), Fathers O'Sullivan and Quinn (Temuka), Fathers Bartley, Barra, and Malouey (Timaru), Mr F. J. Rollestdn (chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board), Messrs T. ; Lynch, .M. Mullin, M. O'Meeghan, P. Downie, C. Casey, M. J. O'Brien, J. Leagh and C. Byrne The chainfnnn said that apologies for absence had been received from the Mayor (Mr Win. Raymond), Archdeacon Jacob, Mr J. W. White, and Mr James Maling, alll of whom expressed deep regret at the departure of the Very Rev. Dean. The chairman referred to the unsuccessful attempts made by the congregation to retain Dean Tubman in Timaru, Avhere he had laboured nearly t3O years. The Dean had won a most affectionate place in their hearts, and had bound all to him by his unfailing sympathy and uniform kindness. When they spoke of him as Father Tubman they used the word m its full meaning. After a demonstration of the feelings of the large assemblage, Mr T. Lynch read an address to the Deafl, which stated: It is indeed under an overwhelming sense of sincere sorrow that. we are assembled hereto bid you farewell. It is -the parting cry of a devoted flock to our loved, revered, and affectionate shepherd — our spiritual father who had dxiring the past 30 years guided and directed us with such loving care. and generous consideration, and with such interest in our spiritual and temporal welfare that we feel that words fail, and cannot convey to you the deep and affectionate hold you have on our hearts, which be?.t for you with sentiments of undying love, appreciation and gratitude. You came amongst us a young priest full of life and vigour; you have given us the best an most active years of your life you have .laboured incessantly, both for our spiritual interests and for the many parechial undertakings until you have made this parish of Timaru the best, equipped rmd model parish of the Dominion, from which after thq strenuous effoi-ts of 30 years you are now transerred and thus prevented 'from enjoying the fruition of TO?ir long, energetic and capable labours. Beloved Dean, your r->rishio?i---ers will neve- forfro' yon. They will ever cherish you. The bond of symP'^hy and love which has existed between priest and people for more than a quarter of a century shall not be broken; it shall continue i n eternal remembrance. To many of «= you are the typical embodiment of the everrevered Soggart Aroon of Holy Ire•'l«nd, now pre-ent at our marriage feasts and christenings, enlivening

them by your ever-welcome and cheery presence and racy humour; again at the bedside comforting the dying, conSoling the widow and orphans and assuaging their grief, sharing alike (like your national protype) our joys and our afflictions, and ever regarded with the same trust and affection. .We know we are encroaching on jour native modesty and risking your displeasure by recounting the many different works you have completed, arid the properties you have secured throughout the district for the parish of Timaru, hut your generosity will forgive us. as we believe that in your zeal and indefatigable efforts you yourself cannot appreciate (through familiarity with them) the valuable additions in lands and buildings you have accumulated during your able administration, and from very limited sources or supply. On your advent in Timaru the presbytery and the old church were hoth. wooden structures. Primarily and mainly through your foresight and advice !he adjoining property, curiously called the Priory, was secured for the parish at a price that at. trie. fresent day would be considered nominal. The fine Presbytery and grounds thu s obtained having an extensive frontnse. provided the magnificent site on which the Basilica now stands. As our- psnish -nriest we beg to compliment you on the crowning work of your many labours, the erection and completion of hte beautiful - Basilica we now possess. Erected to tb e honour find glory of God, worthy of a Cathedral city, its lofty towers are land-m?rks to the surrounding country, while its noble proportions and graceful outlines arrest the attention of all beholders. A magnificent tribute t o God's holy religion,

lan appreciable additron '«o the architecture of the town, it has written your beloved name indelibly in the l.^ tory oorf r Tim aim, and stands a superb monument to your zeal, foresight and '. financial acumen. We consider, dear Doan, that you must have established an Australasian , record in church building. Commencing with the nuc- . lens of a building fund, and while practically acting as clerk of works during the election, your extraordinary financial ability and skill enabled you on the memorable opening day to declare the magnificent building with its handsome altars and equipments, practically free of debt. When the value of the building is considered (the present value being about £60,000) your financial feat will ever rebound t o your capacity and business ability, and give a small idea of your strenuous and unceasing exertions. Space will not allow us to enumerate the properties scattered throughoutthe district which stand as a glorious record to your tireless energy. The total present value of these properties carefully estimated is £72,000. "By their works ye shall know them;" After referring t 0 the Dean's priestly ministrations in the country and organisation of the parish activities, anci his generous . donations, tsie, address concluded : We must express our admiration at the spirit of priestly resignation shown by you in making this great sacrifice when called upon hy your spiritual rulers, when we know that your heart and soul and affection ,are centred in this parish, viand its people, for whom you have so long laboured. The possibility of removal never entered the minds of your parishioners and was received with consternation. The shock was unexpected I ....... - 1

by us, who always hoped that when your labours were finished you would, as you once expressed it, leave your ashes amongst those you loved so well, and we may add who loved you ireariy in return. And now we are told that our beloved Dean, after spending nearly 30 fruitful years' in Timaru, must recommence labours in a new parish, amongst new environments, and undertake fresh duties while the works he has not completed here are placed in fresh hands. It only remains iuf us to bid you a reluctant but fond farewell. You r familitr figure and kindly greeting we shall sadly miss, but our love and affection for* you shall remain un altered and undiminished. Our prayers shall earnestly appeal to God to give you strength to bear the sacrifice of your dearest hopes, that your health may not be impaired, and that He may bless you with many more years of usefulness in His vineyard, and an eternal reward hereafter. Imploring your blessing, and with sentiments of undying love, gnatitude and airection. Messrs M. Mullin and M. O'Meeghan then asked the -Dean's acceptance, on behalf of the parishioners of a substantial cheque and handsome album, the latter containing an illuminated address in book form, and an appropriate selection of views of the church buildings and South Canterbury generally. Mr Eolleston was next invited to speak. He said: — "I am pleased to be at this gathering "as a citizen ot the town, arid by my presence here to show that i\ is possible for men of all shades of opinion to join in doing honour to a'good.jnan. (Applause). Of a necessity a parish priest is best known to his own flock^ but his personality reaches beyond . the small crrcle of his own congregation . and a good pp.stor like Dean Tubman spreads his influence through the whole community. Looking back over a .20 years' residence in this town I can recall many splendid men who have ministered to the various congregations here, a.nd have left a' lasting influence for good and names that "will never be forgotten. Among them there must be now numbered your Venerable Dean, whose outstanding virtue was that of tolerance for. other people's opinions. The Dean would* always greet men of different creeds as warmly and heartily as any of his own flock. (Hear, hear). I am reminded to-night of the cneerful and willing service which the Dean lias always given, not only to matters affecting the town 5 not only t o matters a ecting the Dominion, but to those . far greater and weightier matters af- 1 f ecting. the Empire at large. The time may come when the great war will be only a memory, but no one can forge* the loyal and ungrudging assistance which the good Dean was always willing and ready to give to every patriotis effort. — (Applause. ' "To-night the time has come to 'say farewell to one who has been such a conspicuous figure in the town for so many years. An inexorable fate reminds us that we "cannot always hare the best 'of everything. ."We have a beautiful climate in Timaru; we have a beautiful Bay. These arc peirnancies and we are tempted*^ a sk, 'Why should not Dean Tuinan be a peraniiicy toor" I suppose it is Ducuuse liic l»ean has done such excellent ,cork here that he is going to be taken away. Timaru cannot always have the best ot everything (Laughter). Those poor folk on the other side of the ranges have never known what it is io have a man like Dean Tubman amongst them, and I rejoice to think that tne .Dean is going amongst such a. warm-hearted people, who "will soon make him forget tiic wrench it, has been to part with his friends in Timaru. Some day 1 shall look forward to seeing him again to seeing his cheery smile and feeling that hearty handshake. For t«e present, I am glad to be here to show my appreciation for a good man and his work, and I think you for the opportunity you liavo ,given me of paying a tribute, however inadequately, t o an earnest, tolerant, and God-fearing man." (Applause). .