KIHIKIHI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2639, 11 June 1889, Page 2

KIHIKIHI.

PItESKNT.VNON TO RISV. PATH Kit LUCK.— A very interesting ceremony took place on Sunday evening, at the residence of the Rev. Father Luck, viz., the presentation of an address and purse of sovereigns by a committee of the parishoners, in recognition of the kindly interest taken by him in not only their spiritual, but also their temporal welfare. The utmost good feeling exists batween the Rev, gentleman and his congregation, and indeed members of other denominations also, for the Rev. Father is esteemed and respected by all who have the good fortune to be acquainted with him. The gentlemen composing the committee, met at the presbytery, and then went to the sacristry of the Church when the presentation was made by Mr Lx Prelle on be half of the other members of the committee. Mr La Prello read the following address : — To the K<iv. l< , . A. Luck, 0.5.8. Kev. and dear Father: For some tinio past we have felt a desire of making you a suitable presentation to mark our esteem and affection, and in token of our regard and gratitude for the many .services in the cause of religion which you have rendered to tho district, ono of which—the Church at Kihikihi—will remain as a standing witness to your zeal for the glory of God's house. We have considered that the most practical way of doing this would be by giving you the means of procuring a suitable conveyance to enable you to travel over your district without experiencing such fatigue as you must do at present. We have taken into account the number of journeys you have to make on horseback without being able to partake of any refreshment, owing to the nature of your sacred duties, and we have therefore concluded that a buggy would be not only useful but necessary under the circumstances. It affords us great pleasuro to inform you that the appeal of the committee has met with a hearty and generous response from every part of your district. SVe therefore beg you to accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns for the purpose we have mentioned, and wo sincerely hope that it will bo the means of lightening your labours, increasing your comfort, and of adding many years to your zealous life. In conclusion we earnestly pray God to bestow on you His choicest blessings, and to spare you long in our midst. Signed, in behalf of the parishioners, J. Fahubll, ff. Long, P. MoDoxnkll, J. Lα Pkellk, M. Delaney, M. Touknkv, E. Fitzi'ATKICK, and W. Ralph. Father Luck, who was much pleased at this exhibition of good feeling and love said : " Gentlemen of the Committee and my dear friends, the meeting of this evening is one of truly personal pleasure. It ■ shows the union that exists between priest and people and i° very gratifying to me. I have to thank you for the very beautiful address, but I feel you are somewhat like the alchemists of old who tried to extract gold from the baser metals, inasmuch as you have attached too high a value to my services. Regarding the kind offering you have made me I accept it with great pleasure as it shows beyond the mere value of it that a feeling of love exists between priest and people. I have been here nine years, and though it is said to be odious to make comparisons, I think I may safely say that the nine years I have spent here, has been as happy, if not tho happiest in my life. I place a double value upon your present, intrinsically becanso it will be of great assistance to me in the performance of my duties and in lightening my labours. I also value it for tho reason I have before given, that of tho very kindly feeling that exists between u?." An adjournment was then made to the presbytery where Father Luck entertained his friends, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. The address which was engrossed by Mr La Prelle, was very tastefully ornamented with a border of ferns, this being done by Mrs La Prelle. It was something unique, and was greatly admired by all, everyone expressing himself in very complimentary terms at Airs La Prelle's taste in executing this novel id,ea.