PRESENTATION TO FATHER TOBIN

New Zealand Tablet, 5 March 1914, Page 47

PRESENTATION TO FATHER TOBIN

(From an occasional correspondent.) , February 24. Shortly after our priests returned from the retreat at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel, it became known that the Rev. Father Tobin was under orders for removal to Invercargill, and that Rev. Father Foley was to be his successor. Rev. Father Tobin having labored in our midst for some three years, a number of his late .parishioners decided that they could not let the occasion pass without showing Father Tobin that his work for them was appreciated, and without welcoming Father Foley amongst them. The enterprise was brought to a successful issue when the Rev. Fathers Tobin and Foley were entertained in Mr. James Hoffman’s Tea Rooms. The attendance was excellent, and among those present was Rev. Father Woods, of Invercargill. Mr. Owen Kelly presided. The proceedings were opened by a good programme of music and song, and after supper.had been partaken of Mr. Kelly explained the object of the gathering, which was to present Father, Tobin 7 with, a token of esteem from his late parishioners, and also to extend a hearty welcome to his successor, the Rev. Father Foley. Addressing Father Tobin, Mr. Kelly stated that his friends could not let the occasion pass without showing him their appreciation of the work he had done in their midst, both spiritually and socially. Their efforts had been rewarded by the splendid assembly . present ; that evening, and alsp by the moral support they had received from many who could not attend. He (Mr. Kelly) was personally very sorry to hear of Father Tobin’s departure, and he could assure him that all his late

parishioners regretted his removal. There were, however, several consoling elements in that removal. Father Tobin was not going tar away ; his familiar figure would often be seen amongst them; and he was sure that Father Foley would soon endear himself to them all. He extended to Father Foley a hearty welcome to Gore. Continuing, Mr; Kelly referred to the loss the different Catholic institutions of Gore would sustain in the departure of Father Tobin, who had all along taken a very live interest in the H.A.C.B. Society, the Hibernian Football Club, and all that pertained to the spiritual and general welfare of the Catholics of the parish. On behalf of his late parishioners, he asked Father Tobin’s acceptance of a well-filled purse of sovereigns. Hearty cheers were then given for the Rev. Father, and all joined in singing ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow.’ - Mr. M. Carr said he was very pleased to be present that evening, to do honor to Father Tobin, and to welcome Father Foley to the parish. Gatherings like the present one showed the unity and good feeling that existed v between priest and people. He trusted that Rev. Father Tobin would enjoy health and success in his new parish. Messrs. Patrick Lynch and M. T. Francis referred to the good work done by Father Tobin, and to the interest he had taken in the different clubs and societies of the parish. They wished him every success, and also extended their good wishes to Father Foley, and trusted he would have a happy sojourn in their midst. Rev. Father Tobin, upon rising to reply, was greeted with applause.. lie said he found it hard to give adequate expression to his feelings, after the many kind things that had been said about him, and the substantial presentation that had been made to him. He had at all times tried to do his duty ; and if at times he had fallen short, he hoped that in their charity, they would overlook his deficiencies. As for the good qualities for which they had given him credit, anything which had enabled him to be of pse in the parish was the result of the excellent training .he owed to those under whom it had been his privilege to labor. He thanked them all from his heart, both for their good wishes and for their gift, and he assured them that he would long cherish the memory, of his sojourn in their midst, and that their names would be remembered with great frequency in his prayers. Rev. Father Folev unon rising, received a hearty greeting ; and in thanking Mr. Kelly, the other speakers, and those present, for their sincere welcome, trusted that their kindlv wishes would materialise, and that when his time of departure arrived their feelings towards him would still retain their cordiality and kindliness. By what' he had heard that evening of the work done by Rev. Father Tobin, he would have to bestir himself to keep pace with it; but he trusted that the people would bear with him if he seemed lacking in any of his duties. He hoped to assist in all that belonged to the work of a priest, and it would be his endeavor to follow his predecessors in furthering the interests of all Catholic clubs and societies connected with the parish, as he had great faith .in their beneficial influence; especially on the young people. He recognised that there was nothing better adapted to the formation of character than a club in which people met to exchange opinions and to acquire information. As a priest, however, his first duty was the spiritual work. He . sincerely thanked them all for their hearty welcome. ’ Rev: Father Woods said that as a brother priestof Father Tobin’s, he was very pleased to be present. They had been college chums, and had been togetheragain at Invercargill as brother priests. He had listened with pleasure to the many kind words spoken about Father Tobin; and he had seen the enthusiasm displayed in doing honor to one . of the youngest priests who had passed out of Holy Cross College. He was sure Father Tobin deeply appreciated their kind words and good wishes. ' A very enjovable evening was brought to a close by the singing of * Auld lang syne,’ and three hearty cheers for the Rev. Father Tobin and for the chairman.i