THE REV. FATHER CHATAIGNER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2853, 17 May 1882, Page 2

THE REV. FATHER CHATAIGNER.

We learn, unexpectedly, that the llev. Father Chataigner, Roman Catholic pastor of this town, has been transferred to another sphere of labor at Wellington. The rev. gentleman’s modesty was such that he abstained from notifying his congregation generally of his intended departure, and they were not informed of it until it was too late to make any public display of their regard for him. We learn with regret of the departure from amongst us of any one who has been a guide of others, or who has faithfully fulfilled a trust or discharged a duty ; and this feeling is quite apart from any consideration of creed. For this reason wc are sorry to lose Father Chataigner. We are aware that he has ever been most zealous, self-denying, and attentive in the discharge of his duties as pastor j that in every effort for the spread of ids faith and the instruction of the young, he has been faithful, energetic, and vigilant. These qualities are sufficiently rare now-n-days to call for a word of recognition, and we heartily wish the rev. ;Father godspeed in any sphere of labor to which ho may be called, confident that be will there display the same high and sterling qualities that have distinguished him here. A faithful pastor, and a courteous, high-bred gentleman ; who, above all things, minded his own business, can ill be spared by his people, who, one and all, sincerely regret his departure. The rev. gentleman’s services to this community are not to be forgotten. It was in a great measure by his wise and peaceful counsels that a serious disturbance did not take place in the town on a lato unfortunate occasion, and on (his account alone we all owe him thanks.