PRESENTATIONS TO REV. FATHER TYMONS, WANGANUI.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 23, Issue 47, 23 November 1899, Page 6

PRESENTATIONS TO REV. FATHER TYMONS, WANGANUI.

There was a large meeting of parishioners in St. Mary's Hall Wanganui, on the evening of November 16, on the occasion of a farewell social to the Rev. Father Tymons, prior to his departure for Palmerston North. An excellent musical programme was rendered during the evening by Mesdames Lloyd, Ryan, and Meehan, Misses Dempsey and Simpson, and Messrs. McCulloch, Hoden, and Day. During the interval two addresses — one from the congregation of St. Mary's, and the other from the St. Columba Literary and Debating Club— were presented to Father Tymonß. Prior to the presentation of the addresses the Very Rev. Dean Kirk referred to the approaching departure of Father Tymons, who had been amongst them for some years, during which time his exemplary life and devotion to duty had endeared him to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He (Dean Kirk) was pleased that Father Tymons had been rewarded for his zeal by being appointed to the charge of the large and important parish of Palmerston North. His many friends desired that he should not leave Wanganui without some plight expression of their esteem which would call to mind those years he had spent amongst them. Mr. Lloyd then, on behalf of the St. Columba Club, presented Father Tymons with an address in which the members expressed their sincere thanks for what he had done for the club, for he had Bhown himself a true friend of the members, and had always at heart their moral and intellectual improvement Whatever results had been achieved by the club were du^, in a great measure, to his fforts. Mr. J. K. Simpson presented the address on behalf of the congregation. This was signed by the Very Rev. Dean Kirk and Messrs. Lloyd (chairman of committee), and E. Loftus (hon. sec). After referring to the regret felt at the approaching departure of Father Tymons, the address went on to say that during his sojourn in the district he had been in every way a worthy coadjutor of their beloved pastor, and by his zeal and energy in carrying out the good works of the parish, and his devotion to duty, he had endeared himself to all. Whilst regretting his departure the parishioners of St. Mary's congratulated him at the same time upon the recognition of his abilities by his Grace Archbishop Redwood. As a slight token of their affection, they hoped he would accept the accompanying present, which would serve to keep him in mind of the days he had spent in Wanganui. In replying, Father Tymons said it would be very hard for him to say how deeply grateful he felt to them for the exceedingly kind way in which they had expressed their appreciation of his humble services The handsome tributes showed their generosity to one so little deserving of it, as he knew he was. He accepted them with great pleasure, not only for their intrinsic value, but also because they were given as representative of their generosity and kindness and as a token of their appreciation of his services. The gifts would serve as souvenirs of the happy days he had spent amongst them. The addresses somewhat disconcerted him, for he felt they told him what he ought to have been, not what he vas He thanked them heartily for their kindness, the more so because outside the sanctuary they had seen bo little of him, a* the large country districts engaged most of his time, thus preventing him from holding social intercourse with them or seeing them in private life. He expressed regret at leaving Wanganui, and explained it was not his choice. He had no say in the matter ; it was according to the discipline of the Church. During his Bhort Btay he had learned to appreciate the congregation of St. Mary's, and had always found them indulgent and sympathetic. He was sorry to sever his connection with the St. Culumba Club, as he had taken a great interest in it. He paid a tribute to Brother Alfred, who had done much for the Club in a quiet way. He could not conclude his remarks without referring to the \ery great kindness he

had always received from the Very Rev. Dean Kirk He was pleased at having the opportunity of placing on record his indebtedness to the Dean, who some four years ago had received him very kindly, and ever since had set him a priestly example. Father Tymons concluded his remarks by ag*in thanking his friends for their kindness, and then wish'd them good-bye. Before his departure Father Tymons was also the recipient of an address from the pupils of the Marist Brothers' school.