FAREWELL TO REV. FATHER KELLY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14688, 21 August 1918, Page 3

FAREWELL TO REV. FATHER KELLY.

A farewell send-off was tendered to the Rev. Father Kelly last evening in Robb's hall, under the auspices of the Hibernian Society. Every Catholio Society was well represented, there even being present representatives from Ormond parish. Needless to say the hall was packed- to th© doors. A fine musical programme was rendered until 10 p.m v when a "halt" was called, as Mr. Dudson termed it to perform the main feature of the evening, "and that is to farewell our beloved curate.' And . I have much pleasure in calling upon Mr. Dan Parker to make the presentation." * Mr. Parker, in a few well-chosen words, congratulated Father Kelly on hi« appointment to Remuera, but at the same time said they fully realised tne loss the parish was going to have, particularly the various societies which Father Kelly always took a keen interest in, and he said Father Kelly always made himself beloved -by liis genial ways. On behalf of the Hibernian Society, Children of Mary, and other Catholic bodies he had muoh pleasure in handing to Father Kelly a small token "as an appreciation of the good feelings that existed between m." He hoped, he said, that Father Kelly would be long spared to carry on the good work he was doing. Father Kelly, amid great applause, was. made the recipient of a wallet, well filled with notes. Father Kelly, on rising to respond, received a great ovation. He desired, he said, to thank tihem most heartily for the present they had given him, but above all he appreciated the golden words that were spoken in his favor. He was delighted to see such a responsible gathering. He was greatly pleased while in Gisborne to note the advance that was beinp made by the Hobernian Society, and ne sincerely hoped they wonld always prosper and receive the support they richly disserved. Then, nn turn, he .thanked each and every society, also Messrs Parker, J. J. Martin, and Dudson, also the ladies who had added to the evening's enjoyment; and concluded by again thanking them all, amidst great applause. A damty supper was then partaken of, which reflected muoh credit on the ladie3 who provided it. The musical programme was resumed and continued until midnight, when all present joined hands and sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Father Kelly added consid- <.• ibly to the evening's pleasure by his urn *cal talent, and his humor and wit kept the house, in a high state of merriment. Miss Dower, who so ably played the accompaniments, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. , The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought to a close a very pleasant evening, one that will live forever in the minds of our looal Catholic societies.