HASTINGS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4, 25 January 1900, Page 6

HASTINGS.

(From an occasional correspondent ) On Sunday, January 14, the Very Rev. Father Smyth, S M., held a meeting of his parishioners for the purpose of electing a school committee to assist him in the management of the schools. The meeting was a representative one, and seven members were elected On the same evening after Vespers the choir of the Sacred Heart Church, Hastings, assembled in the presbytery to make a presentation to Mr. J. 11. Loughnan, on the occasion of his departure from Hastings. Mr. Lee, on behalf of the choir, thanked Mr. Loughnan for his untiring services and courtesy to the members of the choir, and requested Father Smyth to make the presentation. Father Smyth spoke most feelingly, and thanked Mr. Loughnan not merely for his services to the choir, but for his great devotedness in furthering every good work in connection with the church. He Baid Mr. Loughnan's services on behalf of the Church were never to be forgotten, for they could not enter the church without seeing a souvenir of his devotedness staring them in the face. His departure made a void not easily filled, perhaps never. He thanked Mr Loughnan therefore for the choir and congregation, and he thanked him especially as a friend, and paid a glowing tribute to his prudence and piety. Mr Dennett, as Mayor, also made a few complimentary remarks on behalf of the parish. Mr Loughnan, who was evidently affected, thanked one and all for their kind gift, which he would treasure as a pleasing souvenir of the choir and of the Sacred Heart Church, which was dear to him and which he could never forget. He thanked especially Father Smyth for his good opinion, and hoped that he would not be forgotten in his prayers. The presentation took the shape of a black ebony baton, which was procured from Wellington, and was beautifully and artistically mounted, and the engraving was very neatly done by Mr Shanly. Father Smyth also presented a magnificent prayer book, beautifully illuminated After the presentation refreshments were handed round, and some time was spent in relating pleasant memories of the past.