PRESENTATION TO FATHER DEVOY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 993, 13 March 1891, Page 25

PRESENTATION TO FATHER DEVOY.

An entertainment took place at St Patrick s College on Wednesday in honour cf the Rev Father Devoy, late Vice-Rector of the College. A literary and musical programme was supplied by the students, in which the brass band under Mr Cimino, and the orchestra under Mr Trowell, took a prominent part. Occasion was taken to present an illuminated address and a massive silvei chalice to the late Vice-Rector. The address, which was illuminated by Mr S. Ross, was presented by Master Michael Hanning. The rev gentleman having suitably replied, the proceedings terminated. The following isa copy of the address:— “The Rev Father Devoy, S.M., Vice-Rector St. Patrick’s College.—On the occasion of his removal to the pastoral charge of To Aro Parish ; from the students of St. Patriek’a College. Rev Dear Father—We, the students of St. Patrick's College, beg to-day to come and bid you formal good-bye. It is hard to believe that you are leaving us, and that we shall no longer know you in the offices you have so successfully filled from the beginning of the College. It is hard to believe and to feel that the boys will no longer be able to look to you as guide, philosopher and friend, and that we are to have no longer your kindly, fatherly aids in our many wants. Your name is so much part of the College, so inseparably interwoven with the scheme and foundation, the rise aud progress and history of the College that it is with difficulty we can believe that you are called away from us to minister in a higher sphere to the ne:ossities of others. We shall try hard not to repine at our loss, for we know that the spiritual good of a community wider and more important than ours is looking for your services. But we wish before you leave us and wo speak for our predecessors as well, to say how grateful, deeply grateful, wo are for the kindness and care, often unseen and unknown, of which we were the recipients, and for the many times in moments of difficulty and trouble yon have faithfully stood by the boys. In yon we had a kind father, a faithful friend, a willing help, a sound counsellor, an unfailing advocate and a safe bank. We shall miss your sweet, kind face in days to come, and shall look for you in vain, to cheer us in our games, to encourage us in our duties, to reconcile us to our troubles, to share in oar little sorrows, and to share, too, in our triumphs aud our joys. Bnt vve are glad to know that, though not within these walls, you will still ba near us, and that, when your many cares allow, you will, in your affection for the boys, sometimes come amongst us, and extend to us a little of the interest that has shed so much solace and light over our school days. Before saying tarawell we ask you to accept this chalice and [paten, willing offerings of the boys, as a token of our love and respect, and we bog that amid the interests confided to you, you will still remember at the altar your loving, faithful children, the students of St Patrick’s College.”