1857-1932 - Hutt Valley Biographical Index and Genealogies (HBIG)

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New Zealand Tablet 04 Aug 1882 The Departure of the Rev. Father Walshe from Lyttelton
An unfortunate circumstance over which we had no control prevented the report of two interesting circumstances being forwarded you
sooner. You are already aware, that to replace Father Devoy at the Kumara, Father Walshe has been removed from Lyttelton, and to
replace Father Walshe in Lyttelton, Father Tracey has been transferred from Te Aro, Wellington. To judge by the reports to hand Father
Devoy’s change was, to him, a matter of regret, and further, if we may infer by the newspaper accounts Father Walshe had no reason to
regret his change. Father Tracey, sincerely regretted by his Te Aro flock, took formal charge on Sunday the second ult., and though no
popular oration welcomed him, still the welcome was, as it should have been – cordial. When the news came that Father Walshe had been
selected to take full charge of the large district of Kumara, there was a feeling of sorrow came over all the parishioners, but this feeling of
sorrow was also mingled with joy when we considered that his Lordship the Bishop had such confidence in the ability and zeal of our dear
Pastor as to appoint him to such a fine parish as that of Kumara. On account of the very short notice given to the Rev Father the adult
portion of the parish had not sufficient time to take steps to present him with a suitable address; however, the children, to whom he was
indeed a kind and affectionate Father, with the assistance of their master, Mr Quirke, busied themselves with willing hearts in collecting
funds to make a presentation to him on the eve of his departure. On Monday evening the 4 th inst., about 100 children and several of their
sympathising parents assembled in the Schoolroom to wish the good Father good-bye; and present him with an address and a purse of
sovereigns. At 8 p.m. the Rev Father entered, at which the children stood up and sang with joyous spirit, “Faith of Our Fathers” – Master A.
McQuilkin then stepped forward and read the following address in a manner that quite surprised everyone present, reflecting great credit,
not only on the lad himself but also on his talented master, Mr Quirke proving that the Catholic Schools can cope with any institution of the
State:- “To the Rev Father Walshe, We, the Children of St. Joseph’s School, Lyttelton, take this opportunity of bidding you a hearty farewell
– New Zealanders though we are by the accident of birth, we do not forget the country of our fore-fathers – its past history, its present
struggles, its glorious future, are one and all, as dearly cherished, as sturdily supported and as fondly hoped for by us as any of Ireland’s
most favoured children could emulate. We need not remind you dear Father that Ireland, the land of your birth has been and is still a nation
of Apostles. And if we do remind you of this circumstance it is that you may know that we reckon you one among that glorious land. In far
past ages benighted Europe owed to them the gift of Faith, the torch of science, and the light of civilisation at a time when Faith was dead,
or nearly so. Short as has been your missionary career it has given evidence of its Apostolic origin – Modest, dignified, and thorough in
your ministerial functions, kind and charitable to the poor, but kindest and most indulgent of all to us you have been. And were it in our
power to show our appreciation of your worth in a manner more commensurate with your deserts, we your Lyttelton children would do so.
As it is, dear Father Walshe, accept this little address and accompanying purse as an earnest of our affectionate regard. Wherever your lot
may be cast, we shall watch your career with pleasure, we shall try to console you in your sorrows, shall feel proud of your successors, and
humble and unworthy though the prayers and good wishes of your sad young Lyttelton friends shall be – they shall ever attend you. Signed
on our behalf, Annie McGuire, Mary Cole, Mary Maher, T. Humphrey Moynihan, Maurice Kenney, W. J. Cole, Vernon O’Brien. Miss M. J.
Cole then presented the purse of sovereigns. The Rev. Father who was much moved delivered a reply to the children, saying that if he had
any idea of what was about to take place he should have come prepared with something more suitable than he was then able to express,
but whatever he omitted they should overlook and forgive under the circumstances. Ever since he left college he had taken a deep interest
in the welfare of children and the progress of education generally – his happiest moments were when with children, and wherever he should
go, no matter in what part of the world he would always look back on his associations with the children of Lyttelton as months of pleasure
HBIG A-Z Walshe Last updated 15 May 2012 Page 2 of 5