Hastings

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 7, 15 February 1906, Page 19

Hastings

St. Patrick's schoolroom (says the Hastings ' Standard ) was crowded on the occasion of a gathering to bid farewell to Rev. Father Galerne, S.M., who had been appointed to the Cathedral parish, Christchurch. Among those present were the Very Rev. Dean Smyth Very Rev. Dean Binsfeld, Very Re\'. Dr. Kennedy and Rev. Father McDonald. The musical . portion of the programme, which was given by some of the best local talent and performers from Napier, was excellently arranged and enthusiastically received. The Hastings Concert Party { opened the proceedings with a selection and -fcrlso rendered two other items. The following ladies and gentlemen also contributed : Misses Lee, Reidy, Vickers, and McCarthy and Messrs. L. Fail, O'Connor, and O'Shannessy. Misses Scott and Lee, and Mrs. S. G. Poppelwell accompanied the singers. At the conclusion of the first part of the programme, Mr. W. Y. Dennett, on behalf of the parishioners, presented Father Galerne with an illuminated address, purse of sovereigns, and a handsome set of razors. In the address the parishioners, in union with their esteemed pastor, Very Rev. Dean Smyth, expressed their deep regret at Father Galerne's departure. During his three years' ministration in the parish he had won the respect and affection of all. They had ample proof of his devotedness during Dean Smyth's absence in Europe, when he administered the affairs of thb parish with a fatherly kindness and apostolic zeal. In asking him to accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns they expressed the hope that God would long spare him to continue his work of love and sacrifice. In making the presentation, JVIr. Dennett said that they had assembled that evening to bid good-bye to Father Galerne, but they would not let him depart from their midst without showing their appreciation of his sterling qualities, and the good work he had done amongst them during his three years' stay in Hastings. He trusted that the Rev. Father would be spared for many years to continue his noble work of sacrifice, and hoped at no very distant date to have the rev. gentleman back in their midst. Very Rev. Dean Smyth also referred to the good qualities of Father Galerne, and to the great loss he (Dean Smyth) would sustain by his departure. He too would wish him au rcvoir, and hoped to have a visit from Father Galerne at an early date. Very Rev. Ffran Binsfeld and Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy also spoke of the good qualities of the rev. gentleman. The Rev. Father Galerne said the parting that evening brought back to him the parting which he underwent some 1<» years ago, when he left his dear home for a land 20,000 miles away to enter the priesthood. He had had many partings during the last 12 years, but, as the soldier must obey the general, he also had to give w<ay to his superiors, though he assured them he felt it very much. He referred to the kindly feelings of friendship which had always existed between him and the congregation, and the many lessons of piety, zeal and devotion which he had copied from his superior, Dean Smyth. The Rev. Father Galerne was the recipient of numerous other presents at the close of the evening, and the large congregation took the opportunity of personally bidding him good-bye.