VALEDICTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17802, 29 August 1929, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO FATHER LEEN. AN ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. Father Leen, the assistant priest at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Hamilton East, during the last three years, was farewelled at a social function in the Marist Hall last evening. He was recently appointed to take charge of the Coromandel District. The hall was filled to overflowing and during the interval a presentation of a substantial cheque was made to the departing priest by Air T. Roach, on behalf of the parishioners. Mr Roach who presided, in making the presentation, paid a tribute to the work which Father Leen had done during his short slay in Hamilton. “Not only,” said the speaker, “has Father Leen proved himself to be the ideal priest in ministering tirelessly and zealously to the spiritual needs of his people in the hospital and in their homes, but he has also displayed marked ability in organising. This was evidenced by the wonderful success of the weekly, socials since he began to take an interest in them. The Catholic people of Hamilton, whilst rejoicing with Father Leen on his promotion to the pastoral charge, deeply regretted that such promotion necessitated his departure from amongst them. He was taking with him their prayers and good wishes.” Father Bleakley associated himself with the tributes which had been paid to his former assistant, and said that he sincerely regretted his departure. Coromandel district, he said, was the most difficult post in this Diocese and the ecclesiastical superiors were always careful to select the best man available. Hence when the vacancy arose it was only to be expected that their departing guest should be the one chosen, for no priest had done his work more thoroughly, and shown more priestly zeal and ability than Father Leen,

The guest of the evening, on rising to respond, was greeted with a demonstration of approval. “My parting from Hamilton and from so many sincere friends,” said Father Leen, “is a severe wrench for me, and is reminiscent of what I experienced when leaving parents and home when first setting out for New Zealand. Whilst thanking you for you generous gift, 1 would like lo say that too much credit has been given to me for the success of our socials. The merit and the honour belongs almost entirely to the various groups of lady workers who have toiled so zealously during ttie year. My work was a light one.” Tiie speaker concluded by expressing his gratitude to Father Bleakley for the assistance and encouragement lie had received from him during the years of their association. After the presentation supper was served and a very pleasant evening terminated with dancing. Father Leen left to-day for Thames, en route to Coromandel.