PRESENTATION TO FATHER DAWSON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 41, 18 February 1898, Page 19

PRESENTATION TO FATHER DAWSON.

Owing to an irregularity in the arrival of our mails from Wellington, our valued correspondent's report of the farewell demonstration to Rev. Thomas G. Dawson did not reach us in time for publication in our last issue. The news that the rev. gentleman was about to leave the parish came (says our correspondent) as a surprise to the Catholics of Wei ling ton, and expressions of regret were heard on all hands. Father Dawson had been ministering in Wellington for the past six years, during which time he had not only endeared himself to the members of the congregation, but had earned the respect and esteem of all civeds and classe-. A farewell demonstration in his his honour took place at St. Mar} "s schoolroom, Wellington. The Archbishop of Wellington, the \ery Rev. Dr. W attars and a large body of the laity and clergy were present, and the chair was taken by the Hon. Dr. Grace, M.L.C. An interesting musical programme was provided by pupils of St. Mary s Convent. A purse of sovereigns was then presented to Father Dawson, together with the following address :—": — " We desire te express our profound esteem for your holy character, and admiration of your exemplary life. Your zeal, purity of intention, and absolute unselfishness have commanded our deepest respect. i'our unwearying, affectionate attendance on the sick, your enthusiasm for the spiritual welfare of children, your burning advocacy of religion, purity of faith, and simplicity of life have en leartd you to us a 1 !. We part with you in a spirit of sacriiice. with profound regret. We recognise the marvellous work you have done in this parish, and know thr.t it is your mission to work and suffer, to adjust complex problems, and look for your reward in the next world. With sentiments ot sympathy affection and respect, — We are, et; , Morgan S. Gr.ice. \V W. Johnston, Martin Kennedy, lliuhirl Duignai. E. W. Gibbs. R. J. Collins, John O'Meara, Bernard F. Wbitaker. P. Sheridan, W. C. da-quoine, John Maginnity. A. A. Corrigan. W. M. MaskeH, J. E. Henry (lion, secretary), O. T. Moilanaway (hon. treasurer)."

The Hon. Dr. Giaoe, who made the presentation, was proul to be able to say that no solicitation had been made to induce any person to contribute to the presentation. Father Dawnon had won a great hold upon thtir affection^, and, speaking on b.'half of the people generally, he expve sed great regret at losing him. In the course of his reply, Father Dawson deprecate 1 ths (Littering quaUties ascribed to him by the Hon. Dr. Grace. The grief ielt at his severance from the parish was mutual. Dr. Grace had often spoken to him privately in the same kind terms that he used in public that night, and this to i, at times when he needed encouragement. He (Father Daw.-on) could lay cUi.n to nothing beyond being a sincere and faithful friend and servant of the congregation at all time?. Only under obedience did he accept charge of this pirish. and in the spirit of obedi nee hi did what lay in his power tor the honour of God and the spiritu il \\p 1-being of the congregation. He parted from them with grief ; yet it was a pleasure and a consolation to him to feel that some degive of sue jess hai rewarded his efforts, and that, apart from \vh it Almighty God might mercifully grant him as a reward, he carriel away with him the good-will of the congregation of St. Mary's. The address and piesentation spoke for themselves. When he was asked about the deputation to the Archbishop, he wai inclin I to advice that it should not take place, as he knew that the circumstances were such as to render it unavailing. For one reason, and one only, did he consent t > the deputation's taking place, and that was that it might c clear evidence in the bight of the whole city tint there vas cordiality betwevn the congregation and him-elf. The parting, which gave him as great grief as it ga\e anyone, had uot cj no abjut entirely from his o\\ .i will.

When the pre-entafon was over a large number of people pressed around Father Dawson o-id bade him good-bye.