DEPARTURE OF FATHER VINAY: PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 87, 19 January 1872, Page 3

DEPARTURE OF FATHER VINAY: PRESENTATION OF ADDRESS.

Ox Wednesday a considerable number of Catholics and others met at the residence, of Captain Freer, for the purpose of presenting a farewell address to Father Vinay, of the. Waikato district, previous to his departure for France. J. Sheehan, Esq., Goldfields Secretary, in a few appropriate remarks, presented the address, which was as follows :—To the Itev. L. Vinay.—Reverend and dear sir, —On the eve of your departure from this province, wc cannot allow the opportunity to pass without recording our warmest acknowledgments as to the manner in which you have discharged your duties as a priest of this mission. The present satisfactory condition of the once unsettled district in which you have resided for so many years, and the cordial relations which have existed between yourselves and members of other religious persuasions, must indeed be a source of intense gratification both to youraclf and members of the Church. In you the poor have always had a warm friend, and the sick one of their most constant attendants. In bidding you farewell we earnestly trust that the Almighty will bless you with long life and health to enable you to continue the good work you have so successfully laboured in this distant portion of our holy Church.—We are, reverend and dear sir, yours most faithfully." (Signed by over 200 of the principal settlers in the province.)—Father Vinay suitably replied, after which his future prosperity was toasted by those present, who heartily wished him a safe and prosperous voyage.— D. S. Cro