LATE DEAN REGNAULT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1928, Page 3

LATE DEAN REGNAULT

AN APPRECIATION. (By W.M.IL. in the Christchurch ‘‘Press.”) As one who esteemed and venerated the late Dean Rcgnauit, 1 felt impelled to give some expression to my appreciation and admiration of the lovable and attractive personality wlm.se beautiful life has just run its course.

For the years during which the late Dean officiated as parish priest at Waimate it was my privilege to have frequent opportunities ol meeting him and of enjoying some degree ol personal intimacy with him. In this way some knowledge of his character and personal qualities was gained. To have any form of association with him was always a pleasure. The memory of those days is one of the bright spots of the past. A Frenchman horn, our language was not his mother tongue, hut. as frequently happens with those who have to acquire our language a* well as their own. he had a better mastery of it than many wlio spot* no other. There was, moreover, a particular charm in his way of expressing himself. Whether in such eases this is due purely to a natural gilt. or to power gained by having to think in two language's, it certainly, in bis case, gave hint a most effective command of pure English, lie was always hnppy in bis phrases ami his choice of forms of expression. He invariably chose elegant and effective forms of speech. His matter was always interesting and well thought out. he bad an irrepressible vein of humour, and liis utterances were punctuated with delightlul witticisms. At any time it was an intellectual treat to hear him speak, a nil more particularly when the occasions called for something entertnin-

mg. As a parish priest he discharged Ins duties with conspicuous distinction and success. He possessed a true sympathy for struggling humanity and earnestly strove for the spiritual and material good of his parishioners. Tie was an ever present help in time of need, whether it, was at the bedside of the sick, in the borne of the distressed, or in dealing with the sinner. lie could both relieve and lie could disci-

piinc. As a ciliv.cn he wa- '"'■emtdary. His heartv co-operation v. - always available for any doservioi t object. lIP influence extended far outside of bis own flock. It is no exaggeration to sav that lm was admired and respected hv all who knew him. and hived by all who knew him well. Though linn in is own faith and possessed ol great spiritual fervour, lie was devoid of bigotry, and was ready To believe that there could be merit in hitman endeavour under any form of religion, liis outstanding features might be said to be kindness, tolerance and broad Christian charity. A worker for humanity ho welcomed assistance from any quarter. This was the foundation of the close bond ol friendship which existed between him and another devoted servant of the community, one whose life was sacrificed in the cause. Dr Margaret Cruickshank. Her statue in Waimate bears eloquent testimony as to her place in the hearts of the people. In their work, ministering to the sick and the dving and comforting the bereaved. she and the late Dean bad much in common, and they both pave unselfishly of their Lest for the good of their fellows.