TO THE REV FATHER HOYNE.

Waikato Times, Volume VI, Issue 329, 23 June 1874, Page 2

TO THE REV FATHER HOYNE.

TllE following letter appears in the New Zealand Herald: — TO TIIE KEY FATHER HOYNE, OF PANMURE. Dear Reverend Sir, — We, the Catholic people of the pastorate over which you hare presided so long, with such benefit to those committed to your spiritual charge, with so much distinguished credit to yourself, and from which you are now being separated, express our deep regret that we are deprived of the spiritual care of so loving a pastor, and one whose example and teachings were invariably illustrated by so much Christian piety and wisdom. Nor is tho feeling of regret, dear reverend sir, confined to members of jour own flock, as we have the best reason for knowing, since your removal is universally lamented by all classes of every denomination, and is regarded as nu irreparable loss to tho district, where your urbanity and truly Christian character, both as a minister of God and a member of society, have secured for you respeot and sympathy wherever you become known. But our loss will be a gain to the parish over which you have been appointed to preside, and the Catholic parents of that district will have the consolation of being assured that when they entrust the training of their children to your spiritual care, they will have taken tho best means of laying the foundation for their future distinction both as citizens and Christians. Accept then, dear reverend sir, the assurance of our heartfelt grief at this, to us, painful and sincerely regretted sepavation. For we had ardently hoped that such an event would not have occurred for many years to come. But wo bow to it in the spirit of duty and obedience, knowing that nothing but the ill of the Church could sever the tie that bound us so amicably together, dear reverend sir. The readiness that we have always experienced on your part to assist in any work that might conduce to your well-being ' and happiness, and the many arduous duties you had to perform in devising ways and means for the building and repairing of so many chapels in so scattered a district as the Waikato, make separating from you now, indeed, a trying ordeal. But we hope that there is a long life of happiness and psosperity in storo for you ; and we trust that we shall still continue to enjoy your sympathies and affections, and to share in the benefit of your prayers. — We are, &c, Your most Devoted and Sincere Friends. Alexandra, Waikato, Juno 17. 1871.