A POPULAR PRIEST.

Shannon News, 5 April 1927, Page 4

A POPULAR PRIEST.

V PRESENTATIONS TO FATHER r VIBAXJD. ■'• (From the Otaki Mail). V, The large meeting house at "Pukeka- -" raka" (Taimii) was more than comS' f ortably filled on Wednesday night, when r. ""friends of.the Rev. Father Vibaud, who '■ has been transferred to the Wangamn district, assembled to say farewell and '-' to make presentations. The interior of £' the building had been tastefully dccori- ated for the occasion, coloured strcam■i' ers, suspended from-the ceiling, making I: ■ an attractive display. Among the vis- "' itors were the Rev. Father Butler (Le- - vin), the Mayor and Councillors, and » representatives of various sports bod- ■ ies. The Fathers Melu and Meynard were also* present. Mr. Gr. H. Harper, who was asked to make a presentation on behalf of. the \ Catholics, stated that he had a pleasant duty to perform as it was his'intention - to say some nice things about Father ■ Vibaud. Yet his remarks would be ■■" tinged' wijth Tegjret), although Father Vibaud was not going far away. The • Rev. Father, stated Mr. Harper, had . been in Otaki for ten years, having ' come from France at great personal sacrifice, he having left home, relatives ' and friends, and being obliged to learn a strange language, which he had to ' read, write, and preach, as well as having to acquaint himself with the customs of our people. Besides, he had done all this with great suc- ] cess. Besides he had proved himself a friend and comrade t.o all, had set a fine example in all walks of life, and had mixed with other denominations without sacrificing the principle of his own religion. As a digression Mr. Harper stated that he desired to extend a welcome to the new Father, the Rev. Father Meynard, who. had come with a reputation as an earnest and zealous priest, worthy of all esteem and honour. Mr. Harper wished Father Meynard a prosperous and happy time, and said all would accord , him a whole-hearted welcome. Reverting to the Rev. Father Vibaud, Mr. Harper stated that he remembered well the time of the epidemic in 1918, at which time. Father Vibaud was earnest a9id energetic to all who had been stricken down, no. matter what religion. Etc was everyone ; s friend, and helped ' , all; he was always a friend and com-1 rade. He was also prominent in sport, and catered well for the young. Mr. Harper, amidst applause, asked Father Vibaud 's acceptance of a well filled pocket wallet, which carried with it the goodwill and affection of the whole parish. (For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" was heartily sung.) Mr. Arekatera te Ra took the opportunity of thanking the various sections of the community for attending, stating that all denominations were-' represented. In true Maori fashion he extended a welcome to all, and then made feeling reference to the departure of Father Vibaud. The Natives were all very sorry that Father Vibaud was leaving but the departure was made easier owing to the fact that he was going among Maoris. He wished him God speed, and concluded a characteristic speech by placing a substantial . gift on the table. (Applause). The Rev. Father Vibaud expressed his gratitude to all for the evening's entertainment, and stated how much he appreciated the honour done him. It gave him pleasure to meet all present, and stated that the work he had done had been carried out by the co-opera-tion of the people. All had known the uphill fight they had had, but they had succeeded in their object. (Applause). He thanked all for such hearty co-opera-tion, and asked that the same be extended to his successor, the Rev. Father : \ - Meynard. (Applause). The Rev. Father then addresed the Maoris in their own language, thanking them for their well-wishes and present. He trusted that they would look well after Otaki while he was away. The Rev. Father Meynard, who was also greeted with applause, said that he. was a stranger in a strange land, but the sight of so many smiling faces to allow the representative of the secthere was good feeling among all, and he was' glad to see representatives of -all 'denominations present to say fare-, well to their esteemed friend. The Rev. Father Meynard, in conclusion, stated that he would do his best to fill the vacancy to which he had been appointed. (Applause).

Mr. C. V. Reeve, who represented thj Paraparaumu district, stated that he felt it an honour to be present, and more so when he had been asked to make a presentation. He apologised for the absence of Mrs. Lynch, who, unfortunately, was in ill-health, but it was her wish that he should represent ;■ ''that district- Paraparaumu, stated Mr. Reeve, had happy recollections of " ' Father Vibaud's visit although it had not seen so much of him as the Otaki people. They took this as a compliment —Father Vibaud had not paid so many visits to Paraparaumu as Otaki people were more in need of him. (Laughter). They had noticed that Father Vibaud, on arrival at times, was cold, and thought perhaps where he was going would be even eolder, so it was thought a good idea to give him something that would keep in the warm and keep out the cold. He therefore asked the acceptance of a rug, stating that all felt sure that when Father Vibaud felt the warmth of it it would remind him of the warmth in the hearts of his parishioners at Paraparaumu. (Applause). Mr. J. O'Connor stated that he was pleased to have been given the opportunity of attending, and to say a few words on behalf of the Horowhenua v. Rugby, District Council. He stated that .-, . Father Vibaud had been intimately coriS neeted with the game of Rugby ror .' years, and was known by all as a real good sport. Ho had been asked by i his colleagues to tell Father Vibaud fy, s . that he would leave carrying with &<jXhim.the good wishes of all, that his M?'A gpodi.work for football was recognised, Hii-„»ii<l *tli6t-, wherever he went he would

have the best wishes of all. (Ap plause).

Father Vibaud expressed surprise at a further presentation, but, nevertheless said that he appreciated it very much. He stated that when a little boy he had always ran to his "grannie, '' and this was the way he looked at "Pram." He always went there to see "grannie," knowing full well that he would get sweets and all things nice. (Laughter). The Rev. Father Vibaud stated that wherever he went the rug would go with him, and he would always value it. As for football he had only done his best, and was anxious to encourage sport of any sort. He looked upon sport as a necessary thing in life, and stated that, if "sporty" on the football field players would be likewise through life. My successor, added Father Vibaud amidst laughter, is hefty, and his weight should tell in the scrum.

During the evening several vocal and instrumental items were rendered, while an appetising supper was served. Dancing also took place,'and young and old enjoyed the pastime. Mr. T. o'Rourke. made a very capable director of ceremonies.