PRESENTATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13904, 15 May 1909, Page 3

PRESENTATION.

AT WAIMATE. There was a crowded gathering in the Oddfellows' Hall, Wairnate, on Thursday night, tor the pur]>osc of making a presentation to the Rev. Don it Rogttitult, who was for over twenty years the priest in charge of the .Roman Catholic Churches in the Waimate district, a position which he left some time ago to take up a- more important appointment in the. work of his church, as chief of the Marist Order in New Zealand. An efficient orchestra (unthe Rev. Father Aubrv), the' Waimate

Brass Band (under Conductor Wills), ;nd the Pipe Band (under Pipe Major Cooper), played selections acceptably during the evening. His Worship the Mayor (Mr X. Francis), presided and a number of other representative men were on the platform. The chairman said they had met to show their appreciation of what the Dean had done for popular man he had no equal in the town for his genial disposition and the helping- hand he had given to many matters which had been brought forward for the advancement or improvement of the town and district. In these as in other matters he was always ready to assist, and could always drive the moral home tactfully and thoroughly. His business ability was evident in the new church which was a distinct ornament to the town, and it gave him (the speaker) great pleasure in testifying his appreciation of Dean Rcgnault as a citizen and his regret far his departure from the district. Rev. Father Tymons then presented an address bound in an album and bearing subscribers' signatures. Mr J. Foley, on behalf of the subscribers, handed Dean Rcgnault a cheque, subscribed for presentation "To a devoted friend and priest for 20 years." He said that Catholics and non-Catholics alike had subscribed, and he asked the Dean to use the cheque for his own use, and not devote it to the building of the church as he did the last one. Mr Foley wished hfnt long life and happiness on behalf of the subscribers.

Mr A. Harris said that in his promotion Dean Kegnault had reached an . important point in his history, and lie then dealt with the Dean's early distory. The Dean was born in Brittany, the most Catholic part of .France, in 1880 he went to Ireland, and later returned to France. This possibly accounted for some of the Irish characteristics possessed hy their guest, The speaker then dealt with the early hard years of the Dean's ministration in "Waimate, and with the wonderful growth of the Church's interests under his care and guidance. There" was a two-fold feeling in their hearts, regret at." his departure, and pleasuroj at his promotion, and they all wished him heaven's choicest happiness. Dr Barclay thanked the committee for the opportunity of saying a few words at this meeting. He referred to the important part the Dean had taken in the patriotic gatherings at the time of the Boer war, when his advice, his help and his cloqueuee were great factors in AYaimate's doings at that time. He also took a loa"Uing part in the Waimate Hospital separation movement, and was greatly interested in all musical associations, instrumental and vocal. Personally, he had niuch appreciated the advice and friendship of the Dean. He also mot him at the side of the sick bed, and had learned to look on him with affection. The Dean was an a.miablc and genial man with a hand-shake which all knew, a most sympathetic man who brought light and happiness to the sick, and he made no distinction between rich and poor. He considered the Dean as a personal friend from whom he parted with regret, and he was sure liis memory would he kept green bj his good works irrespective of creed, sect or denomination.

Mr Calaghan (Morven) on behalf of the Catholics of Waihao. wished to do honour where honour was due. Tne Dean recognised that churclies were needed in outlying districts, and now they had them. He saw their need of a creamery, and lie got them one at Morven. The Dean had never let weather interfere with his duties. The sick never sent for him in vain; the wedding bells found him present with his nu-rry speech; and in sorrow lus calm, kind words relieved tlieir grief. 'ihey felt the lot* very keenly, but consoled themselves that he had been promoted to a higher sphere. Mr O'iieilly spoke on behalf of the Catholics of Makikihi, and Mr John .Manchester spoke of tho hard work of Cainolic priesLS in the cany days, anu of the high character anu Cnristian principles which had made Dean Rcgnauit a power in \> annate. Dean Keguault on rising was greeted with a pericct storm of applause. Jle said lie had always met witii much Kindness Irom all members of the community, and his heart was full to overflowing at tins new token ot their approval and altcction. He felt his notice of removal irom "\\ annate as one of the most painful times of his life. Jle had lett tnem at that time quietly, he did not wish anything of tue. present nature to lake place at that time, and had declined to come down before, but I'eit it would not be lair to theiii not to respond to their wish to honour him as tuey were doing. He -as proud of the feelings which had prompted tlieir action, and these iixiings lound highest expression in the bond between a Catholic congregation and its priest; and he considered they were present not to honour the man but the priest. Praise had by several speakers been accorded to "him. He felt that when God gave his record perhaps it would not be so favourable. He had followed in the footsteps of good priests, and had found their example a road for him to follow, but was quite aware that ho bad fallen short ot their ideals. Regarding the erection of churches in the district, the wav in which the Catholics persevered in 'this work had been a surprise to others; but the reason was to bejovind in the deep supernatural religion and desire to do honour and glory to their God. The church Hearing completion was one which would he a credit anywhere, both inside and out, and he tendered his heartfelt thanks to the Rev. rather Aubry tor taking up the work of erection at a very awkward time, and also to Rev. Father Tynions for liis able work in this connection. A work which always went to his heart was imparting religious instruction to Catholic children wherever he iouud. tliem. He considered it the jincst s dutv. whether in the publje school, the bush! or wherever the child wn», to try to make him a good citizen lor this world and a world to come: and m this connection he thanked the teachers and school committees of the district for opportunities given him. A number of those present were not ot his Hock, had :-ome as a mark of friendship to himself, and to be able to speak as some of them had done seamed as thomdi tliev were all Irishmen and had kissed the "blarney stone. He thanked them for their kind words and their presence. He .-had often met them in meeting* to promote any good work in the district, and he • looked on all. whether Catholic or not. as children ot God,, and therefore entitled to any service he could render. He much regretted leaving Waimate. and would Jalwovs associate non-Catholics with the members of his Huck and would always

try to visit "Waimate when opportunity offered. He sincerely thanked the committee who had arranged the meeting, the subscribers, and all concerned in this demonstration of loyalty, generosity and love. Dean Rcgnault moved .1* vote of thanks to the chairman, and to the speakers, and called for three cheers, which were heartily given. Refreshments were then handed round to the audience by the ladies, while the orchestra and bands played selections.