(West Coast Times, February 28.)

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 22, 17 March 1893, Page 15

(West Coast Times, February 28.)

This event, which has been looked forward to for some time with interest by the Dean's numerous friends as well as his fljek. took place io St Mar>'« schoolroom at 9 o'clock on Friday mornicg. The Bey Father Ginaty occupied the chair, having the Very Rsv Dean Martin on his right and tbe Mayor on tbe left ; with him also were the members of the committee — Dr Rossetti, Messrs J. Toomey, J. O'Donoghue, and H. Gribben (hon sec). The Rev Mother and Sisters of St Colunibkille'a convent were also accommodated with ■eati, whilst in the body of the schoolroom were a large numbjr of the parishioners.

The rev chairman, in introducing the object of the meeting, explained that it bad been called at such an early hour became he had received a teUgram calling him to We lington and be had to proceed at once. It gave him the very deepest pleasure io be present on such ao occasion as ihi?. Dean Martin had been wjrking in the holy cause of tbe Church in this country for a great many years. He (the Bpeaker) had Been evidences of bis work in Otago, Wellington, and Canterbury, whilst in this district bis duties had extended for a period of a quarter of a century. Since residing amongst his bearers he bad been furnished with abundant evidence of Dean Martin's devotion to his work and the deep affection entertained lor him by his people. He waim'y congratulated him upon this and hoped be would live manj years amongst them. He now called upon Mr Gribbtfn, who read the following address :—: —

" With sentiments of true filial affection, we need hardly sar, we gather round you to welcome you back once more, to your beloved Hokitika and its devoted people.

"In this expression of joy to-day, we believe your own immediate flock is joined not ouly by the people of Westland but also by many admirers ia Otago, Canterbury, and Wellington ; wih o hera yon have laboured for a while, but with ub you have rested for a quarter of a century.

"Though we run the risk of incurring your displeasure by yielding to the spontaneous wish to present you with an address and purse of sovereigns, yet we are pleased to add that the desire to take ac ion was so warm that allusion to dull times could not have ctaillei the ardour of your devoted children.

" It does not belong to us to judge what should be the ecclesiastical spirit of the Lord's annointed, or what should be the gauge of hia love of sonic, but we may, without presumption, be allowed to ■ay that the recent judgment, in this matter, by his LorJship the Right Rev Dr Grimes, does not come on us with surprise, and therefore with grateful hearts to God, we come to-day to greet you as Dean and Vicar Forane of this distant portion of the Diocese of Christchmch ; gladdened in heart that the late serious accident which befell you has not protracted longer your restoration to health, whilst again welcoming you back amongst us, we earnestly beseech the Giver of All Giftß, to grant you heavenly favours to be enabled to

guide and console us in the future " ad mvltos annos ' as you have so wisely done in the pas\

" Praying your acceptance of this address ani the accompanying little tribute from your devoted flock, aid a king for a fresh memecto daily at the altar of the Lo»d."

Dr Riasetti then made the presentation of a purse of sovereigns subscribed by his parishioners, by his co-rehgionisti in other districts, and by friends of other denomina'ions.

Dean Martin, who was received with enthusiastic greetings, said that words utterly failed to convey to them his hank 9 for the warmth of their welcome and their splendid teception. His work amongst them had truly been a labour of love and he could only ask that his lifj might be spared for many long years with bis people here and that when the end came his ashes might rest emongst them. He enjoinei bis people n it to forget their duty to their Church, feeling assured that on y by doing so could they secure real happiness

The Mayor expressed his gratification at being present and tes ified to the deep respect entertained for Dean Martin by the citizens. His hearers should deeply appreciate the honour conferred upon them.

Dr Roasetti propose 1 a vote of think' to Fither Gina'y for tbe great assistance he had rendered them in organi-iing and arranging the presentation.

Mr James Toomey, in seconding tbe vote, said he did not know how they would have got on without Father Ginaty, he seemed to think of everything. They must all feel gratified at what had bean done.

Mr Gribben also spoke warmly in eulogy of their chairman.

Father Ginaty, in acknowledging the vote, said tbe work h.d been very pleasureable to him. He deprecated the eulogias passed, And said their thanks were principally due to the committee, to the ladies who had so pleasantly pe. formed the task of receiving the subscriptions, to the Sisters who had so beautifully illuminated the address, and to the Press which had given them so much assistance. He felt glad at being associated with such warm-uearted people, and felt he would like to live among them.

Mr O'Djnoghue propisei a vote of thanks to tha chairman, which was carried with acclamation, and cheers were given for Dean Martin, Father Ginaty, the Bißters, and the committee.