PRESENTATION TO FATHER PEOPLES, THORNDON

New Zealand Tablet, 25 April 1912, Page 36

PRESENTATION TO FATHER PEOPLES, THORNDON

(From our Wellington correspondent.)

April 20.

;■ The high esteem in which the Rev. Father W. J. Peoples, S.M., is held by the parishioners of Thorndon was fully evidenced last evening at the Guildford Terrace Schoolroom, where there was a -large attendance to say farewell to the Rev. Father on the occasion of his transference to St. Anne's, Wellington South. Colonel Collins, C.M.G., occupied, the chair, and there were present, on the platform, which was specially decorated for the occasion, Rev. Fathers McCarthy, Bartley, and C. J. Venning, and Messrs. J. E. Fitzgerald, W. C. Gasquoine, Henrys, and Mah'er. The presentation consisted of a splendid six-horse-power, twin-cylinder, Victoria motor bicycle, which cost £BS.

.;;/ Colonel Collins, on behalf of the parishioners, made the presentation. He said they were assembled that evening to do honor to one who served for four years amongst them, during which time he endeared himself to all. When it became known that Father Peoples was to leave them genuine regret was expressed, because in him they lost a good priest and a good friend. Father Peoples came to them as a stranger. To many he became known by his good works. He was ever ready at the call of duty, and no one knew the extent of the Rev. Father's devotedness, except those who were unfortunate enough to have experienced sickness or death in the family. He was always found at the bedside of ; the sick and the dying, extending to them the comfort and. consolation of our holy religion. It was not surprising,* therefore, when people came forward anxious to show in a slight way the appreciation of his work. In conclusion, he asked Father Peoples to accept the motor bicycle as a slight token of the esteem. and regard in which he was held by the people of Thorndon. i

" ■ Rev. Father Peoples, on rising to reply, was greeted with prolonged applause. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Thorrldon for the handsome tribute they had paid him on that evening. He could not; he said, find words to express his feelings in this regard. He regretted he was taking his farewell from a people he. was amongst for a period of -four yearsa sharer in their joys and in their sorrows. What they had done for him that night did not surprise him, as he had experienced the same feeling; during the many days he labored amongst thema feeling that they were a generous and kind-hearted people. It was true he was not going far— to another part of Wellington working for. the same cause,but he would always consider his association with the people of Thorndon as ', the brightest gem in his memory. How devoted they were to their priests,-to- the Catholic education of their children, which was the happiness of homes and the

foundation of society. , He would never, forget his association with his Grace the Archbishop, who tended to him every consolation, and treated him like a good father. He trusted that the peoplewould; rally around the Archbishop on the occasion of the silver jubilee of his Grace's elevation to the Archbishopric. In the Rev. Father Hickson he; found a true friend. To the esteemed chairman (Colonel Collins) he-.-.'felt, exceedingly grateful. To the ladies and- gentlemen of the committee he also expressed his gratitude, and in conclusion regretted that he had to leave them.";:. Councillor J. E. Fitzgerald took the: opportunity of welcoming to Thorndon the Rev. Father C. J. Venning, S.M., who succeeds Father Peoples. In Father Venning they had one of the keenest and busiest men in Wellington. In him they had one of the greatest defenders of the Catholic faith in New Zealand. He (Councillor Fitzgerald) had been connected with the Rev. Father for many years, and was in a position to assure his hearers of the great work that Father Venning had done and is doing in the cause of charity in Wellington, and how that work was appreciated, by nonCatholics as well as Catholics. He extended to Father Venning a real hearty welcome. \:

Father Venning briefly thanked them lor . the reception which they had accorded him. - ~ .

During the evening musical items were contributed by the Misses Gibbs, Mesdames Blythe and Costello, and Master Fergus Reeves. Before "the gathering dispersed hearty cheers were given for the Rev. Fathers Peoples, Venning, and Colonel Collins.

Apologies for non-attendance were received from Sir J. G. Ward, Rev. Father Hickson, and others. -