A Popular Priest

New Zealand Tablet, 9 March 1922, Page 31

A Popular Priest

FATHER FARTHING HONORED.

The Gore Town Hall was filled on the occasion of the farewell function in honor of Father Farthing, who has been transferred to the charge of Roxburgh. Included amongst those present was the Mayor of Gore, and many representatives of other denominations. • I

Mr. D. L. Poppelwell presided, and briefly opened the proceedings. An hour or so was spent in music, songs, and recitations, after which a presentation expressive of the appreciation of the congregation was made to Father Farthing.

The Chairman said they were met that evening to do honor and bid farewell to one they all knew and respected. Father Farthing had been curate at Gore for a period of six years, and during that time had made the acquaintance, not only of the congregation, but very many friends outside of it. (Applause.) So far as his official work was concerned they all recognised that Father Farthing was deeply devoted to it, and was possessed oj,' a. most kindly spirit. He carried out his duties in their large district in a manner that commended him to all as a true Christian clergyman and Christian gentleman. Then there was the public-spirited side of his character which appealed to other than those of his own communion. Father Farthing never spared himself in the general interests of the public. He had done much to raise the tone of musical and dramatic interests, and every entertainment he took part in showed the master mind. Pie was an all-round good sport: took an interest in clean, manly, and vigorous pastimes, and showed a fine example to the youths who came under his influence. There were many things that could be said about the rev. gentleman’s good work at Gore, and especially among bis own congregation. However, he was leaving them to take charge of a parish and the experience gained at Gore would stand him in good stead. There was no doubt he would render good service at Roxburgh and all would wish him long life and every success in the work he was about to undertake elsewhere. (Loud applause.)

Mr. Owen Kelly said be had the pleasing duty of representing the whole parish, with the exception of Matauia. Mataura would make their own presentation. Father Farthing was loved by his own people and respected by the whole community. There never had been so popular a curate at Gore. Their guest’s departure from Gore was a distinct loss to the people. Father Farthing possessed a character that won men to himself and to his religion. He was constantly working for the people and leading them on to better things. It was always a pleasure to attend Mass when Father Farthing was present. His short, pithy sermons always hit the mark; there was always something to remember, something to take away. He (the speaker) now had the pleasing duty to ask Father Farthing’s acceptance of a wallet containing £l3s—(great applause)—as a token of their appreciation. With the wallet went their earnest prayer that Father Farthing would be happy in his new sphere and they hoped he would remember them in his prayers. (Applause.) The Rev. Father O’Donnell said Father Farthing had been his assistant for six years. They lived together most amicably, notwithstanding that he (the speaker) was what might be termed by some a “wild Irishman,” which Father Farthing was not. (Laughter.) Father Farthing was emotional and artistic and temperamentally more even. The speaker being an Irishman was more caustic and satirical. Father Farthing had been described as a good sport that was a good thing. Their relations had been of the happiest. Father Farthing was always bright and cheerful and did his work in a fine spirit. He was for selfish reasons sorry to' lose Father Farthing, but was pleased that the Bishop had promoted him; he would certainly make good. In a word Father Farthing deserved all they said of him. He was a good citizen, a good companion, a good friend, a good priest. (Applause.) Mr. D. Tither (Edendale) in a humorous speech spoke of the high esteem in which Father Farthing was held in the Edendale and Wyndham districts. The people of Edendale regretted exceedingly their guest’s departure and wished him every possible success. (Applause.)

On rising to respond Father Farthing was rapturously applauded. “I have listened,” said the rev. speaker, “to the eulogistic utterances of the various speakers with great interest and some embarrassment. Could I believe that these utterances were literally true, then I would conclude that at last I had attained perfection. I know that the u ords of commendation bestowed on me have come from generous hearts. I have been amongst you for over six years. During that period I made many friends, and as far as I know, no enemies. That is as it should be; that was part of the teaching of my Master. You know I was not always a Catholic. As a matter of fact, not one of my relations were at present in that much desired state. My own conversion to the true faith is a grace so great that I am lost in the magnitude of it. I have a most grateful heart to the Good God for it. My advance to the priesthood was accomplished under great difficulties—thank God I ever had a spirit of determination. God and myself alone know of those difficulties; for myself I never regretted the priesthood, my only regret being that I could never make myself worthy of such dignity. The very fact of once offering Mass was compensation for any trial I had to endure. The Catholic people, and especially Irish Catholies, have been most kind to me. I know their great big, hearts. I know their generosity of soul. I know their wonderful spirit of faith. My heart overflows with gratitude to them for all they have done for me. I am sorry in a way to leave Gore, but the time is over-ripe for me to have a place of my own. The Bishop has given me Roxburgh. You have said most kind things of me to-night; you are hero in great numbers; you have substantiated your words and presence with a handsome gift which speaks with a loud voice of your feelings towards me. I thank you with all my heart.”

Father Farthing then thanked Father O’Donnell for the kind remarks he had made. “Of course we always worked amicably together; we were most happy; we are great good friends. lather O’Donnell is a kind of Mecca for curates; there is a reason for that. Father O’Donnell is kind and just; I hardly like to say a ‘ good sport,’ but that is very near it.” (Applause.) ’

A pleasing little gathering was held in St. Xavier’s Schoolroom, Gore, on Tuesday, 21st inst., when Rev. Father Farthing, was entertained by the pupils of the Sisters of Mercy. There were also present Very Rev. Father O’Donnell (Gore), Rev, D. O’Neill (Riversdale), and Rev. B. Kaveney (Gore). The programme submitted was short, and the entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by the visitors.

The children took advantage of the occasion to present Father Farthing with a handsome travelling bag as a token of their esteem. Father Farthing was also presented with a fountain pen by the altar boys, in whom he had taken a very special interest during the years he has spent in Gore.

In a few well-chosen words Father Farthing thanked the children for the pleasure their entertainment had given him and also for their very acceptable gifts. He valued above all their spiritual bouquet, as he realised very fully how much he stood in need of prayers, in order that, having begun well he might end well.

Very Rev. Father O’Donnell in a happy little speech congratulated the children on the pleasing manner in which they had acquitted themselves in the various items on the programme of their entertainment. He was pleased to see Father Farthing in their midst that afternoon, and it also gave him very great pleasure to see the love and respect they bore Father Farthing evidenced in their little function in his honor. He felt sure they would not readily forget Father Farthing, who had taken a special interest in them, and he was equally sure Father Farthing would not forget them.

Father Farthing then petitioned for a half-holiday for the children, which was readily granted by Very Rev Father O’Donnell.

• Do not turn your eyes on your infirmities and capacity except to humble yourself; never let them'discourage you’ St. Francis de Sales.