Farewell to Dean Van Dyk and Father Jansen

New Zealand Tablet, 17 April 1924, Page 17

Farewell to Dean Van Dyk and Father Jansen

Th* Hibernian Hall, at Dargaville, was recently the scene of a delightful little social to . the Ver: Rev. Dean Van Dyk and Father Jansen, who are leaving New Zealand for twelve months leave oi absence on business connected with St. Joseph s Missionary Society, the headquarters of which is in Mill .Hill, London, NAY. These priests arc general council' delegates for Now Zealand provinces. The entertainment (says the A orth Auckland flutes) commenced with a brilliant pianoforte overtuie by Miss Mary Mart indale, which was followed by a song, .“The Minstrel Boy,” by Mr. D. A. Williams; this singer, who was in fine voice, sang as an encore, “Songs of Araby.” Mr. A. J. Martin, on 'behalf of the parishioners, then presented the Dean with a handsome cheque and Father Jansen with a travelling rug. In addressing the Dean, Mr. Martin said his many gentle qualities had endeared him to the whole congregation. They admired his character both as a man and a priest and their sorrow at losing him was tempered because they knew that he would return. The flock had all learned to love and respect Father Jansen and on their behalf he wished him a happy holiday and a safe return full of vigor to continue his good work. Father Spierings, who was official announcer for the evening, then asked Miss Mary Martindale to sing, and she rendered in a charming manner “Break of Day” and “I Love the Moon” as an encore. Father Spierings then called on the Hibernians to “do their worst,” and these gentlemen in regalia, headed by V.P. Bro. Murphy, who made a neat little speech, presented the Dean with a Hibernian medal and Father Jansen with a pipe. Mr. A. J. Martin then delighted the audience with t\Vot musical monologues “Coming Home” and “The Street Watchman.” • Father Spierings, who said he would show the other artists how it should be done, sang “When the Heart Is Young” and followed this with “Terence’s Farewell,” which he altered to fit Dean Van Dyk. The Children of Mary, headed by Miss Mary Jones, presented the Pean with a tobacco pouch," and the juvenile Hibernians, under the lead of juvenile P. Bro. Nola, handed in their token of esteem in the shape of a silver “Eversharp” pencil for the Dean and a dozen Irish linen handkerchiefs for Father Jansen. Miss Martindale then sang “The Swallows,” followed by “The Dawn.”

i . Mr. R. E. Hornbiow (Mayor of Dargaville), on behalf of the citizens; spoke a few ehlogistie Words, after which the Dean and Father Janseii spoke Very feelingly, bdiii

saying that they looked forward anxiously to the day they would return to their friends and parishioners. Through their many long years of association New Zealand ■ had become their home and the land of their birth was now a foreign country.

Supper was served by the ladies, after which all joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne” before breaking 'Tip.'