VALEDICTORY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2284, 24 November 1891, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

The many friends of the Rev. Father Aubry will learn with regret that he has left Temuka, At last mass in St. Joseph’s Church last Sunday he announced in very feeling terms that he was about to be removed from the parish, but where he was going to had not yet been settled. Wherever he went, however, whether far or near, he would always remember the kindness and the affectionate regard with which the people had treated him while in this district. He wished to return all of them collectively his sincere thanks for the many acts of kindness he had received at their hands. As he was leaving immediately he would not have time to go to see them individually, so he would say “ Good-bye ” to them all now. He very much regretted he would not be able to go to Kerrytown or Pleasant Point, as it was with the people there he was most associated, and he hoped those present would convey his sincere thanks to them. He wished also to express his hearty thanks to non-Catholics for the great many acts of kindness he had experienced at their hands, and the great assistance they had frequently given him in matters connected with the Church. With these few words. bid them all “ Good-bye.” This announcement was a surprise to the congregation, as nothing definitely had previously-been heard of Father Aubry’s removal. The rev. gentleman always identified himself with the Convent School, and often entered with boyish enthusiasm into the sports and games of the children during their play hours. He taught them various games, and provided them very frequently with meaxis of innocent amusement. It waS only natural that he should be very popular with them, and though the notice was very short, they determined to present him with a token of their esteem. When the school assembled at 2.30 on Sunday afternoon the rev. gentleman was invited to attend. As soon as he was seated Master Lavery stepped forward and said :—“ Dear Father Aubry,—-We are indeed sorry to hear of your departure, and we thank you most sincerely for all you have done for us. Accept this little book as a small token of our gratitude and affection.” The book, which was the Crown of Jesue Hymn Book, by Hemy—a convertjto Catholicity —was then handed to the rev, gentleman. The fly-leaf was beautifully illuminated, and bore the words “ Presented to the Rev. Father Aubry by the pupils of the Convent School. This was beautifully; illuminated,’and the balance of the leaf was taken up with beautifully painted flowers.

■ The rev. gentleman said he was very happy to receive their gift. It was a very happy way they had chosen to express •regard for him in presenting him with the best hymn book in the Catholic Church. He had done very little for them, because he never had much time to do anything, and he must thank them very sincerely for their kind gift. And now that he was leaving them he hoped they would always feel thankful to the good sisters .undw whose direction they were. It was one thing to be learned, and another thing to , be good, and the sisters would teach them both. There was danger in being learned without being good, but if they were both they would be more useful in the service of God. It was a consolation to him" in leaving them to know they had passed an excellent examinaion when they were recently examined by Brother Basil, aiid he hoped they would continue to improve. While in Waimate last week, where His Lordship the Bishop held confirmation, he could not help thinking whether they would pass like

the children in Waimate when the bishop came to examine them. He had no doubt they would, but he wanted them to excel. They must not only know their Catechism, but also the meaning of it, for the bishop would not confirm anyone who had hot a clear knowledge of I the Christian doctrine. He would always remember them and always pray for them, and:he would ask them in return' to pray for him. They may possibly meet again, but if they did not meet in this world they would, he hoped, meet in Heaven. He wished also to mention the wonderful progress made by the choir. At Mass that morning he had been very much pleased with the choir, and when he was pleased with music it must be good. He hoped they would continue to progress uuder the care of Sister Mary Anne, so that if he ever came to celebrate mass in Temuka again he would have the pleasure, of listening to a good choir. He asked the sisters to give the children a holiday for the rest of the afternoon, and the proceedings closed. At about 3 o’clock on Sunday afternoon a deputation, consisting of Misses D. and L. Hoare and B. and M. Goughian, arrived at St. Joseph’s Presbytery to present Father Aubry, on behalf of the scholars of St. Joseph’s Convent School, Kerrytown, with a token of their affection. Shortly after entering, Miss D. Hoare stepped - forward, and in suitable terms presented Father Aubry with a handsomely-bound volume of “ Moore’s Irish .Melodies ” (by Sir Henry Bishop),, which was inscribed as follows“ Rev. P, Aubry, S.M., as a small token of the love and esteem of his affectionate children, the pupils of St. Joseph’s Convent School, on the eve of his departure from Kerrytown, November 19th, 1891.’’ Around the inscription was an artisticallypainted border, which consisted of a rail fence, around which roses were gracefully climbing. Father Aubry, in veiy feeling terms, returned thanks for their expression of kindness, and in so doing said the “ Melodies ” would ever be sweet to him,. especially when he would remember that they had come from Kerrytown. He had received many kindnesses from the people, of Kerrytown ; there, indeed, one always received an Irish welcome. The rev. gentleman again thanked and assured them he would ever be mindful of the people of Kerrytown. ■

Father Aubry left for Christchurch by the first train yesterday. His successor has not yet arrived, but is expected here before next Sunday. His name is Father Le Petti, and comes from Blenheim, the same place from which Father Aubry came to Temuka.