VERY REV DEAN SMYTH, HASTINGS

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1909, Page 1092

VERY REV DEAN SMYTH, HASTINGS

FAREWELL DEMONSTRATIONS

(From our Hastings correspondent.) July 3. • Occasion was taken of the presence of Very Rev. Dean Smyth at the half-yearly meeting of the Catholic Young Men's Club to place on record the members' appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the society and their sincere regret at his coming departure. Messrs. Frank Vickers and T. Downing spoke of the deep interest Dean Smyth had always taken in the welfare of the young men in the parish, and referred to the affection and esteem in which he (Dean Smyth) was held by them. Very Rev. Dean Smyth feelingly replied, and urged upon the young men to band together and unite their efforts towards making their club a fine Catholic body and a credit to the district. He always had the welfare of his young men at heart, and they could best show their gratitude towards him by loyalty to their Church and being true to themselves and their country. Rev. John Hobbs, vicar of St. Matthew's (Anglican) Church, Hastings, paid a graceful tribute to Very Rev. Dean .Smyth at the morning service in his church last Sunday. Mr. Hobbs referred in eulogistic terms to Dean Smyth's modesty and of his kindly consideration to other denominations, though, in so doing, he never compromised his own principles, or asked others to do so. ' Years ago,* said Mr. Hobbs, ' Dean Smyth and I worked together in canvassing for the relief of those who had. suffered by the floods in Hawke's Bay, and he then proved himself to be distinctly characteristic of the warm-hearted Irish race." Continuing, Mr. Hobbs said he understood that on Monday, July 5, some form of testimony was to be given to show the admiration and respect in which Dean Smyth is held, and he hoped St. Matthew's congregation would be strongly in evidence on that occasion. Unmistakable proof, if any proof were needed, of the Affection and esteem in which Very Rev. Dean Smyth

is held by the younger members of his flock was shown yesterday morning, wh'en the children attending the convent schools assembled in St. Patrick's schoolroom to bid farewell to their devoted pastor, who has been appointed to take charge of the Meeanee Seminary. A large number of parents was present,, as well as a number of former pupils of the schoools. A nicely arranged programme of vocal and instrumental itertis was contributed by the pupils and reflected great credit on the Sisters of St. Joseph, the singing being exceptionally good. The . programme was as follows : — Song, ' The minstrel . boy, ' senior pupils; action song, infants; song, 'My native land,' boysf recitation, 'Tiny Tot,' Miss Alma Poppelwell; song, 'In happy moments,' senior girls ; piano solo, ' Killarney,' Miss Ella Pothan ; song, ' Come to the hedgerows,' junior girls ; Indian clubs, junior pupils ; recitation, ' Give the little boys a chance,' Master Peter Bridgman; song, 'The shamrock,' senior girls; piano duet, ' Wearin' of the green,' Misses Pimley and Conway; flower drill, little girls. At an interval in the programme Rev. Father Quinn, on behalf of. the children, spoke of the great love and respect they had for the Dean, who had endeared himself to them | by his kindly and affectionate nature. They were very sorry to hear of his removal, and felt very sad at having to part with him, because he had done so much for them. \Through Father Quinn the children said they would remember Dean Smyth in their prayers, and hoped God would bless him in his new duties. Master Willie Blake then read the following address: — ' Dear Very Rev. Dean, — It has been our happy privilege on many past occasions to assemble in festive group i in order to greet you and offer you our gratitude and love. These were bright, happy days — days when we were full I of happy thoughts and earnest wishes. To-day we are assembled to perform a very sad duty — the saddest that has befallen our lot — to express our deep sorrow at your departure from our midst. There are no happy hearts or smiling faces among us, for our loss is great and keenly felt. Must that cruel word "farewell" be spoken? We are Aled to overfloAving with sorrow and regret. Dear Very Rev. Dean, in glancing over the past, how many marks of your paternal solicitude do we review. Look at your interest in our schools — your great devotedness and self-sacrifice in everything regarding our spiritual and temporal welfare. Grouped around you, ,then, we thank you a thousand times for all the care and attention lavished upon us. We know you look for no material recompense, for your thoughts and aims are directed towards that land " Where the golden sun never sets, and where sorrow never comes." Amidst the sorrows of this day there is at least a consolation : you are not going far away ; therefore we shall look forward with delight to your visits. And now, dear Rev. Dean, we ask you to accept this little address as a souVenir of love and esteem. •We pray that God may bless you in every undertaking, and we ask a kindly remembrance in your prayers, and beg ever to be, your loving and devoted children, the pupils of the Catholic schools. The address was beautifully illuminated by £he Sisters of St. Joseph, and was enclosed in a handsomely-bound album containing photos of the school children and of the members of the sodalities and societies connected with the parish. Very Rev. Dean Smyth replied in a feeling speech, in which he thanked the children sincerely for their beautiful address, which, he said, he would cherish far more than anything they could have given him. He always had a warm corner in his heart for the pupils of his schools, because he considered that their welfare was the most important of his duties. He could not tell them how much he regretted having to be separated from them. Dean Smyth also thanked the Sisters of St. Joseph for all they had done during the last twenty ; years in the work of educating the children, who, he Said, .were an honor to their Church, their schools, and their country. The children were dismissed shortly after for their midwinter holidays, but before dispersing they gathered round Dean Smyth, all eager to shake hands with him before leaving. I , ~ ', July 7. St. Patrick's Hall was crowded on Monday night, when 1 Very Rev. Dean Smyth, after spending 23 years in charge of the Hastings parish, was tendered a farewell concert by his old parishioners, and presented with an address and a purse of over one hundred sovereigns. The heavy downpour of rain did not affect the attendance, which numv bered close on five hundred. The gathering was presided over by the Mayor (Mr. J. A,. Miller), and was a thoroughly representative one, including members of the legal and medical profession and of the various local public bodies. On the stage were the guest of the evening (Very Rev. Dean Smyth), Very Rev. Dean Regnault (Provincial), Rev. Father Quinn, Drs. Macdonell and Barcroft, Rev. J. Hobbs, the Mayor, Mr. A. Dillon, M.P., Mr, A, L, D. Fraser, and

Mr. H. Lan Simson. The visiting clergy were Rev. Fathers Cahill (Dannevirke), Johnston (Waipawa), Tymons and McDonnell (Meeanee), and O'Connor (Napier). The proceedings opened with an overture by the Hastings Orchestral Society, and during the evening musical items were contributed by Miss Ruby Cronin, Messrs. Hudson and Avison, the Sacred Heart choir (assisted by St. Matthew's choir). The accompaniments were played by Mrs. V. R. Roach. The Mayor said that a noticeable and pleasing feature of that evening's gathering was the assemblage of all classes of the "community, irrespective of creed, which was proof of the respect and esteem in which the Very Rev. Dean Smyth was held. During his twenty-three years' residence in Hastings Dean Smyth had labored diligently for the good of his parishioners and Church, and also for the advancement of the district, and he (the speaker) trusted that the Dean would be long spared to continue his good work. Mr. J. T. Blake said that he, as one of the oldest parishioners, could not let the present opportunity pass jy without thanking Dean Smyth for the many kindnesses ho had shown to him and his family, and for his kindly and valuable advice he felt deeply grateful. Mr. Blake, .^n behalf of the parishioners, then presented Dean Smyth with a- beautifully illuminated address, which read as follows: ' Very Rev. and Dear Father, — It is with deep regrot we meet to say farewell t6 you. We cannot permit you to depart without placing on record our appreciation of your noble priestly labors amongst us. For over twentythree years you have been our devoted pastor and trusted guide, working unceasingly on our behalf, giving of your best, spending yourself to promote our interests both spiritual and temporal. You have been a true father to your people. Your zeal for our spiritual welfare has ever been the same — earnest and unflagging. Thousands have been blessed by your priestly ministry. Your untiring energy and administrative ability stand revealed in our beautiful church, fine convent, large and comfortable schools, commodious hall, and neat presbytery, all of them worthy monuments to your name and memory. We aro very grateful for all you have done for us and our parish. We had fondly hoped to see yoii spend the remainder of your days in our midst, but Providence has ordained otherwise. While we regret your approaching departure, we desire to appreciate the high estimation in which you are held, by your superiors as testified by your appointment to so important and responsible a charge as the Meeanee Seminary. We earnestly hope that God's grace may be ever abundantly with yoii to enable you to fulfil the onerous duties of your new position, and whether near or far from us you will always hold the same place in our hearts that you have ever held. Signed on behalf of the parishioners— C. O'Donoghue, D. O'Reilly, F. Pimley, J. A. Pothan, J. Hennessy, C. Hughes, W. Y. Dennett, J. T. Blake.' Mr. W. Y. Dennett, speaking as an old parishioner, said that during Dean Smyth's many years of labor in this district the people had learned to love him, which made the pain of parting so very much greater. He (the speaker) well remembered the time of the Dean's arrival in Hastings. In those days there was only a very small church — there was no presbytery, convent, or school. But very shortly after the Dean arrived he set to work to enlarge the church, then followed the presbytery, convent, and the magnificent church; and his latest labor was the fine hall in which they were assembled. The Dean's devotion to his people would make his memory live lon^ in their hearts. Dean Smyth had also been the means of bringing the Sisters of St. Joseph to Hastings to teach m the schools, and the formation of a branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society. He had also established a Young Men's Club. On behalf of the parishioners, he had much pleasure in handing Dean Smyth a purse of sovereigns, which little showed the wealth of the kindly feelinoin the hearts of the subscribers. Mr. A. V. Avison, conductor of the Sacred Heart cho ; r, on behalf of the members, presented Dean Smyth with an enlarged photograph of the choir and a silver inkstand suitably inscribed. ( ' Master Patrick Carroll, on- behalf of the altar boys, presented the Dean with an enlarged photograph of themselves; and on behalf of the Children of Mary, Master Lee handed Dean Smyth a beautifully-bound photographic album, containing photographs of the church buildings and parish .societies. Mr. Alfred Dillon, M.P., referred to the good work done by father Reignier in the early days, and said the De/m was a worthy successor to such a man, and was l respected by all classes and denominations. Meeanee had •sustained a great loss in the departure of Dr. Kennedy but the Dean would prove an able successor The Rev. Mr. Hobbs (Anglican), said that he had to apologise for the absence of Rev. Mr. Kayll, who was unfortunately unable to be present that evening. Dean

•Smyth had been a very intimate friend of the speaker for many years. He believed, however, that the parish of Hastings, and far beyond it, would benefit by what at present appeared to be their grief, as the good labors in which the Dean would be engaged would be a distinct gain to the district. He felt that he must congratulate the Archbishop of Wellington on being able to supply this diocese with a man who was both severe and gentle to -train the students for the very solemn work before them. In conclusion, he had to thank the ( Dean on behalf of himself and his congregation for the many kindnesses extended l)y him, and he hoped Dean Smyth would ' be long spared to continue his good work. v ■ Mr. A. L. D. Fraser said that he had been asked by Sir "William Russell to say a few words on his behalf, and lie could assure those present that it was with regret that Sir William had been unable to attend, as he was a very old friend of Dean Smyth politically. Personally, he had known the Dean in connection with works for the public welfare, and all through his career he had not been found wanting. Dr. Macdonell and Mr. Lan Simson also added, their meed of praise, and expressed their regret at Dean Smyth's departure. Rev. Father Quinn said that to see such a large gathering, representative of every class and creed, was indeed a great source of pleasure to him, as it was^an indicatio?i of the high esteem in which the Dean was held. It was now about two and a half years since it had been his good fortune to be associated with the Dean. ' You have to live wi€h a man before you know him,'" said Father Quinn, ' and I can honestly say that even with the aid of the most powerful microscope it would be impossible to find any fault with Dean Smyth.' Continuing, Rev. Father Quinn said the Dean was indeed a man who forgot himself in his zeal to help others. He was one he could look upon as a wise counsellor ; in fact, his departure was to him like the parting of father and son. He trusted that God would bless him in his new' work. On rising to reply, Dean Smyth received a great ovation. He said there had been certain philosophers who, we were told, denied their own existence, and he thought there were times when people were placed in such extraordinary circumstances that they might be pardoned if they did not know themselves. This reminded him of a> little legend which is said to have happened in Limerick. In the olden days the people of Limerick could not come to an understanding with regard to the election ofL.a Mayor. At last they agreed to elect, as chief magistrate of the city, the first man that crossed Thomond Bridge leading to the town. It so happened that the lucky individual was a poor man carrying a bundle of rods. People laid gentle hands on Mm, telling Ipm they were about to make him Mayor, and led him into the city, where he was clothed in the robes of office. The poor man was naturally almost beside himself, and a little later on in the day his dear wife, who liad been anxiously searching for him* found him seated in the Mayoral chair, clad in his magnificent robes. Regardless of conventionalities, she ran up to him, saying, ' Shon ! Shon ! don't you know me ?' ' How could I know you when I don't know myself!' came the reply. The Dean said he felt himself to be very much in the same plight. "When listening to the beautiful address and the eloquent speeches, prompted, no doubt, by kindly and generous feelings of heart, he asked himself, 'Am I Father Smyth at all, or has there been a transmigration of souls?' He sincerely hoped that this had not happened, and that he was still the same old Father Smyth. In the address arid eloquent speeches he had been spoken of as priest, pastor, and citizen, and reference had been made to the success which had attended his efforts in the parish during the past twenty-three years. Well, he could say without any shadow of vanity or egotism that he had tried to conceive the true idea of priesthood, and what a priest should be in himself, in his relations to his people, and to the public at large. A priest was not placed merely to fulfil certain functions, but he was there to educate and bring out what was best and noblest in the human composition; to do fcis share towards increasing the reflection of the adorable Trinity which is in man, and thereby to bring out the noble qualities of the mind, the heart, and the will — the mind to know-, the heart to love, and the >will to do. To succeed in these it required that he should not only be in his church every Sunday, but also in the nursery of the churches — that is, the schools. They had referred to this in their addressHo him. And it was on this account that priest and people united to build and maintain their own schools, and this he considered was one of the noblest works in the parish. His Grace Archbishop Redwood, in speaking to them of the necessity of attending to their schools, had said he would rather see a school in a parish than a church, because if we had no schools our churches would be empty. When he came to the parish of Hastings

twenty-three and a half years ago, there was a small, neat church, but no school or presbytery, and he might tell them that the offerings he received on the first Sunday were spent in buying that necessary commodity — a bed. In 188S their school was established with an attendance of 50, which had now increased to 285. It would be ungrateful of him Were he not to avail himself of the present opportunity of testifying his gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph for the excellent work they had done in every department of school training, and also controlling the Christian education of the young. The increasing population had demanded a larger church, and again the parishioners had come forward, and the present church was opened on May 12, 1895. Three years later the new convent was built. They had now built the hall in which they were seated at a cost of £900, thus making a total of £10,000 having been spent since he came. To whom was this due? It was to the people themselves, who with their generosity and constant efforts had assisted him in the further advancement of religion in the parish. He offered them his sincerest thanks for what they had done, and he also offered his thanks to the other religious bodies who had so kindly given them their support and good wishes in the furtherance of their works. The address had given him proof of their sympathy, and their loyalty was shown by being present that night to wish him ' Good-bye and God-speed 'in his new work. They had also given him a tangible token of their appreciation of his efforts on their behalf. The poet had said, ' Man wants but little here below, nor wants that little long.' In his case that was so, and it was his intention to tell them that to-morrow he would be taking to Meeanee half his heart and leaving one half in Hastings. He would also be leaving one half of the purse of sovereigns in Hastings, and the other half he would take with him to Meeanee, where he was to conduct a college for students. There in the new church he would have erected a stained-glass •window from the parishioners of Hastings. The other half he would ask them to accept towards the liquidation of the debt on St. Patrick's Hall, which was now £400. He wished to thank them one and all for their kindness to him during the period he had been in Hastings. He had worked in harmony with them, and he did not think any people could have placed greater confidence in their priest than they had done with him. He wished to thank Rev. Mr. Hobbs for the kind words that he had spoken that evening, "and also for the kind reference he had made to him in St. Matthew's Church the previous Sunday. He (Dean Smyth) had always held Mr. Hobbs in the highest esteem, and knew him to be a man devoted to his people. In the floods of 1897 he had found Mr. Hobbs devoted to one and all regardless of creed and class. And he hoped that Mr. Hobbs would long be spared to the parishioners of St. Matthew's. Dean Smyth also thanked Mr. Dillon, M,P., who had come so far in unfavorable weather to be present that night; the other speakers, the orchestra, and the organisers of the gathering. In thanking the medical profession, of which Drs. Macdonell and Barcroft were representatives that night, the Dean spoke highly of the kindness and courtesy extended to him whenever their respective duties brought them in contact. Dean Smyth paid a high tribute to Father Quinn, who, he said, had been his right hand for nearly threee years. Continuing, Dean Smyth said that in a few weeks they would have another priest — one who had been admired and esteemed by every creed and class, and whose fame had gone far and wide. He wished Father Keogh all success in his new work, and hoped they' would all be united in the bonds of holy charity. ' Duty calls me from you,' concluded Dean Smyth, ' and I must say good-bye, and may God bless you.' After the speeches, the function took the form of a conversazione. Dean Smyth then mingled with the people in the body of the hall, and received a hearty handshake from nearly everyone present. At the Sacred Heart church on Sunday evening, Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., preached an eloquent discourse on the dignity, duties, and responsibilities of the' priesthood. He made particular reference to the work accomplished by the zeal and energy of the Very Rev. Dean Smyth during his stay of over twenty-three years in Hastings. Such fruitful labors, combined with his wide experience, sound judgment, and other high qualifications, eminently fitted him to fill the responsible position of superior of St. Mary's Seminary at Meeanee, so long and ably filled by his learned predecessor, Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy.