NEW PLYMOUTH

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 24, 15 October 1897, Page 11

NEW PLYMOUTH.

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER JOHNSON. On Thursday evening (says the 'Innni'ili .X, iri of the 2nd inst ) in spite of the exceptionally boisterous weather, there was a lar"'e gathering of the Catholics of New Plymouth in St. Joseph's schoolroom, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Rev. Father Johnson who has been transferred to Wellington. The rev. gentleman, who came from Home with Archbishop Rrdwood a few mouths h;>'o, and who has been in New Plymouth almost since his arrival 'in the Colony, has made many friends, and nivat regret was felt by St Joseph's parishioners when it became known 1 hat lie was to be removed to the Empire City. That regret was shown in a practical form on Thursday evening. The schoolroom had bom tastefully decorated with flowers aud greenery, a pretty floral " Farewell" being particularly noticeable The Rev. Father MoKonna the rector of the parish, presided. Prior to the more serious proceedings of the evening, a music.il programme was <--one through items being rendered by Misses Robson (instmincnr.al i and L-iwson' and Messrs. L. 11. Cock, M. O'Neill and T. O Donnell. ' The Rev. Father M'Kcnna then rose, ami impressed hisdeep regret —a rogret which would be felt by all the congregation— ut "the projected departure of Father Johnson, who had endearod hims-lf to all. He (Father flTKenna) would keenly miss him, for Father

Johnson and himself had symp vthies and recollections that drew fiem towards each other. They came from the same parish at Home, they had been taught by the same masters, and the Old Country had been brought nearer to them by the talks they were wont to have of persons and place.* with which they were intimately acquainted. He would miss Father Johnson for other reasons more particularly because he was a young and active man, well able to assist in the arduous work of this large parish. Father Johnson keenly felt the parting, but there was no help for it ; God's will must be done. However, they would hope, if it were possible, that he would occasionally visit New Plymouth, when he would be sure of a hearty welcome (Applause). Mr. J. H. Parker made a few appropriate remarks, and, after reading a farewell address, which p iid a high tribute to Father Johnson's worth, presented (on behalf of the parishioners) the rev. gentleman with a handsome gold watch and chain and gold cross. The following is the text of the address :—: —

Rev. Dear Father,— We. the members of St. Joseph's. New Plymouth, wish to tenJer you our deep and sincere regret, at yonr departure irtun ainong&t us. During your short stay in this' parish, your unremitting attention to the sacred duties of your calling 1 has been a source of much edification, and everyone has always found in you a constant and faithful friend. We would indeed be wanting in gratitude if we did not cherish towards you sentiments of lasting and affectionate remembrance. We take advantage of this occasion to testify our regard for the great benefits we have derived from your instruction and wise counsel and to assure you of the esteem in which you are held. Every member of the congregation regrets your severance from the p irish, but when it became known that your departure was inevitable, all were anxious that some recognition of your services should be made. As an outcome of thia feeling we ask you to accept this address and the gifts which accompany it, as a memento of your connection with this mission. Also as a parting favour may we ask to be occasionally remembered in your prayers, and especially when you are offering the Holy Sacrifice. While we, on our part, will pray that God may grant you every bles-ing here on earth and the reward of the faithful servant hereafter. Signed by the members of St. Joseph's, New Plymouth Father Johnson said it was difficult for him to find language in which to appropriately express the pleasure he felt at receiving such a nice address and such a beautiful present, both of which he would treasure as mementoes of his pleasant stay in New Plymouth. He was deeply grieved to have to leave his kind friends here, but hoped

that some day they would all meet airain. He had been in New 1 lymouLh for a whoit time only, but -till he had made a great many friends, and he could a^ure them that wherever he might be he would always che.i,h in his heart the me oory of those friends, llf auain thanked them for their kind presentation, and resumed his sjat amid applause. Mr. Parkersaid Father Johnson was a particular favourite of the young people, and he asked them to give three cheers for the rev gentleman The invitation was heartily responded to The company then s.mg " AuM Lang Syne." and after the National Anthem had been played, those present shook hands with Kit her .Jo)m«on. and wished him " God's-spml."