OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2871, 8 September 1916, Page 6

OBITUARY

VERY REV. DEAN SMYTH

The Very Rev. Dean Smyth, whose life v>'as despaired of some days, ago, died at 2 a.m. yesterday, after a trying illness. The deceased priest, who was loved and respected in Wellington, was born on September 8, 1849, at Rathaney, County Limerick, Ireland. He' received his primary education in his own parish school, and when he felt called to the priesthood he placed himself under the direction of the Marist Fathers at their wcll-kpowii College of St.- Hilary's Dundalk. After several years at' scholastic study lie proceeded to the Seminary of the Marist Order at Belley, in France, and made his profession as a Marist Father on September '29, 1875. Then he went through his coui'Sß of philosophy, and afterwards went to San Foy for his theological studies. Here, with Archdeacon Devoy, of St. Anne's, Wellington South, he remained some time, and then returned to Dundalk to prepare for ordination. After his ordination he went to America to join the staff of Jeft'erson College, under the late Bishop Grimes as president—-where lie remained many years.. His desire for missionary life prompted him to serve as assistant priest at St. Mary's, Algiers, and after fruitful labours he camo to New Zealand about thirty-one years ago. He wa's appointed to the newlyfonned parish of Hastings, which at tho time was but .a little country village. He saw its gradual growth until it reached the important position it holds today. , He built there- a» magnificent church, which is recognised as one of the best equipped ii the Dominion. He introduced the Sisters of St. Joseph to that parish, and built a splendid convent and schools for them. He ale© built' a- presbytery and a Catholic hall,' thus making for the Roman Catholics of Hastings one of the best served parishes in the Dominion. _ After twenty-five years' faithful and devoted he was placedjby his religious superiors in charge of, the Marist Seminary at Meance. He 60011 realised that great work had to be un-dertaken-to safeguard the futnre of bis society by removing the large buildings of the seminary from the low-lying land of Meanee —subject to floods —to a, more secure and healthier place for the students. His task 6eemed wholly im-possible,-but with stout heart and undaunted courage lie soon undertook the huge task.. of transferring' the college to the sunny slopes of Greenmeadows, a distance of three miles. When this was successfully accomplished he set'about the building of a beautiful Gothic chapel in bluestone, at a cost of over £6000. His superiors _ rewarded his labours by promoting him to tho highest position of the Marist Order in New Zealand, and two years ago appointed him to the office of, Provincial. His loss will be a great ' one.. to the_ Marist Fathers, and to tho many friends ho has made throughout: the .Dominion. Great sympathy is felt for his nephew, the Rev. Tather Smvth, Administrator of tho Sacred Heart Basilica, Thorndon.