Father Reignier's Jubilee.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 29, 5 January 1885, Page 2

Father Reignier's Jubilee.

(Napier Telegraph) . , j /Father Reignjer's jubilee at Meanee, Hawke's Bay, pia New. Year's Day, attracted an immense number of persons of all ages, anxious to testify by' their presence their affection and esteem for one who had labored amongst them for so many years; and who on that day completed the fiftieth year of his priesthood.. The presentation took place m the college hall, which Had been fitted' Tip for the occasion with a dais and a canopy of lace and flowers. On the dais were seated .Fathers Sauzeau, Le Mehant des Chesnais, Grogan, Lewis Kickham.and Reignier. Letters of congratulation were read from Bishop Redwood, Father Yardin, and Sister Mary Joseph. The address was read by Mr T. PI O'Shannassey. Mr G. E. Lee then presented Father Reignier with a velvet and gold purse, containing £125, and m doing so said it testified to the esteem m which the reverend fatherflwas held by all creeds as more than one-third of the purse had been subscribed by non-Catholics. Father Grogan next presented a testimonial from the children of St. Joseph's schools, Napier. Mr O'Shannassey followed with the presentation of a Maori worked mat, the gift of Mrs G. Pi Donnelly. Father Sauzeau next delivered an address m which he sketched the life and labors ot Father Reignier,. and brought his able speech to a conclusion by wishing the reverend father, m the name of the Catholics of New Zealand, " A happy New Year, and many happy returns of the same," Father Grogan' followed with another short address, and* then Father Reignier returned' thanks m; a most toucliing manner. He referred' to the warm, hearted kindness with which he had always been treated m Hawke's Bay by all classes and creeds.. After a few words from Dr Spencer, and: Mr F. Sutton, and the usual vote of thanks, the proceedings terminated.