WINTON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIII, Issue 6, 29 May 1885, Page 16

WINTON.

On Sunday, the 24th inst the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Kehoe in our little church of St. Thomas, when about 30 or 40 received the Most Holy Eucharist. After reading the epistle and gospel for Whit Sunday and dwelling some time on the usual explanations of both, the Rev. Father proceeded rather feelingly in the following manner :—: — " My dear people, — On the last occasion I had the pleasure of addressing you I mentioned that this was to be the last Sunday I would be with you, and that quite probable I would be in a position to announce to you to-day the arrangement come to about my successor, and when the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass would again be celebrated here. These lam unable at present to inform you of, but should any sick calls occur in the meantime, you are to apply to Invercargill and the priest there will attend them. Before parting I have to offer you all my very great thanks for the very kind and liberal way in which you have responded to every call made by me on behalf of your church, which is a credit to all concerned, and though reckoned large enough at the time it was built, from the number present to-day, 1 see it will bavejto be enlarged before long. I have further to thank you and Almighty God for the very pious and attentive manner in which you attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and partook of the Sacraments. I might say that I have not found better anywhere. When speaking to you on this subject a twelve months ago I said that the number of Catholics in the Winton district who had not complied with their Easter duties could be represented by the fingers of one hand, and this time I may safely say it could be done with less. This, my dear people, is very con* soling to a priest, for were it otherwise he might think it was through his own fault and consequently have a feeling that he was not performing his duties properly. What you have done in the past I have no doubt but you will continue to do in the future, and if so the Almighty God will not fail to bestow on you abundant blessings which I beseech him from my very heart to do to-day. In conclusion I have to ask you to remember me in your prayers and [ promise not to forget you in mine. So with these few remarks I shall say good* bye to all." The feelings of those present were visibly moved and a good few could scarcely suppress the " briny tears." A short time after Mass a great many of the gentlemen of the congregation re-entered the church, when Mr. Horan, addressing those present, made the following remarks :— Gentlemen, — /a soon as it became known in this part of Father Kehoe's mission that he was about to depart, we met and appointed a committee consisting, as you are aware, of Messrs. P. Deegan, D. Mcßae, B. Carroll, John Kinchey and your humble servant, for the purpose of devising the best means of expressing our thankfulness to our priest and regret at his departure. I might state for your information that this-com-mittee met immediately after and requested me to act as chairman and treasurer, and to communicate with the various other centres of his mission so that the testimonial and presentation might be some* thing worthy of the gentleman to whom it was to be given, bat Riverton people thinking proper to make- one on their own behalf, we had no other course left than to follow suit. Each member of committee was supplied with a subscription list, and I am proud to say that our efforts were crowned with success. This, then, Bey. Father (addressing Father Kehoe, who was present), is our object in meeting- you here this afternoon, and the following is the address which I am requested to hand yon, trusting that it will be received wito the same cordiality with which it is given :—: — " To the Bey. Thomas Kehoe. ■'Rev. and. Dear Sir, — The announcement of your intended departure from this mission was received by one and all with feeling!

of Borrow, more especially when this departure is through health. " Though being perfectly conscious that your place will be fi by another equally devoted and zealous priest by our good Bishop, •till we cannot allow you to depart without testifying, in some way, our appreciation of the services rendered us during your stay in our " The good you have effected in the cause of religion in this mission is marked and evident. " The quiet and' unostentatious way in which you have administered the various duties appertaining to your sacred calling in this large and important district has been the subject of favourable comment, not only by your parishioners, but by a great many nonCatholics also. MBe good enough, then, rev. and dear sir, to accept this address and purse of sovereigns as a slight memento of the love and respect with which you have been held by the Catholics in the Winton district. " Trusting that with a change of climate and rest for a time from your arduous duties, Divine Providence may restore you to perfect health. " Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Winton by "John Kinohkt, Duncan Mcßab, "Thos. Hoban, P. Dbeoan, " B. Caeeoll." Father Eehoe in reply said : " Gentlemen, — Testimonials in general I do not agree with, though in particular I do, and this being a particular one I accept it. I have to thank you sincerely for the good wishes expressed in your address, and also for this magnificent purse of sovereigns. The kindness and hospitality manifested towards me by one and all of the Catholics in the Winton district since I came amongst them will not soon be forgotten, and your expressions of good feeling on this, the eve of my departure, fully maintains your previous feelings towards me. Your good Bishop will, no doubt, very soon supply you with a priest. Indeed, the weight on his mind must be very great in trying to supply the wants of the various parts of his diocese. I must say that it is with feelings of regret that I leave this mission, but, under the circumstances, it cannot be helped. Though leaving with regret, yet I cannot help feeling proud of this congregation, who, after building this neat and substantial church, and clearing it of debt, have a large amount on hand for the purpose of enlarging it. Soliciting the assistance of your prayers on my behalf, I have again to thank you for your kind and heart-felt wishes." After the usual shake of the hand and the cordial wishes frequent on such occasions, the priest and his people separated.