PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER SIMPSON.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 45, 7 March 1874, Page 10

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER SIMPSON.

UN Sunday evening, tne iota instant, a meeting was held in tho Panmure Hall for the purposo of presenting an address and a purse of sovereigns, to the Rev. Father Simpson, curate of Howick and Panmure, pri^r to his departure for his new mission at Gisborne Poverty Bay. The Rev. Father Boibieux, who occupied the chair, stated the purpose for which they had assembled, viz.. to wish the young clerevman success in the new sphere of labor which had been assumed to him, and to testify how endeared he had become to them during his short residence auior.gst them. He was about to proceed to a nlace which has lately attracted the attention of the colony, and where the work would be arduous ; but he, the ohairman, felt sure that the labors of his late confrere would be orowned with., success Father Boibieux then invited Mr J. P Gavin to read the address, which was as follows :-" To the Rev. Father Simpson : Rev. Sir,— Lsarnina that you are about to be removed from our district* to a new and more important charge, we hereby wish to assure you. of the very high esteem which, we have always entertained for you ; and aa-some small proof of the same, ask that you will accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns. Sincerely regretting your removal, and wishing you all prosperity, we beg to remain yours most respectfully " (signed by the inhabitants of Panmure and Howick).— Mr Gavin, on behalf of the people, then presented the purse.-Father Simpson then returned thanks, and, during his- response, stated that next to the discharge of his duties as a pnesN one of his greatest endeavors was to please and give satisfaction to every one with whom he was connected in his sacred calling. By this avowal of esteem and affection, he feit happily assured that his efforts had not been in vain. It ga Te him additional pleasure to call to minu that the presentation chanced to have been made on the first anniversary, as regarded the date, of his ordination. He returned thanks to those who so actively interested themselves in Uus testimony of regard, aud alluded especially to the people of Howick who took pait in the offering, and who evinced towards the recipient so many kind testimonies oi favor during a rosidonce cf six months in the parishes of Howiok and Panmure. Father Simpson then signified h<s intention of converting the money into some lasting testimony of tho people s regard* and concluded by a few feeling remarks expressing his wishes (or the spiritual welfare of his peonle aud Ins continual nmembnince of them. Ihe meeting then terminated. Father Simpson leaves for Gisborne by the next steamer destined for that port.— [Correspondent.]