PRIEST FAREWELLED

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 8

PRIEST FAREWELLED

REV. FATHER MARLOW. PRESENTATION FROM PARISH- • lONERS. The Federal Banquet Hall was crowded last evening when the parishioners of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church assembled to bid farewell to the Rev. Father O. R. Marlow, who has been transferred to the Oamaru parish. Many tributes were paid to the good qualities of the departing priest who had endeared himself to all sections of the congregation. Mr G. Martin, who presided, extended a welcome to the visiting clergy and also to Mr and Mrs J. J. Marlow, of Dunedin, the parents of the guest of honour. It was with genuine regret that the parishioners learned of Father Marlow’s transfer to- Oamaru, and they all wished him every success in his new sphere of activities. Mr Martin then presented Father Marlow with a well-filled wallet, and hoped that he would be long spared to carry out his duties. The Rev. Monsignor Howard referred to the good counsel he had always received from Father Marlow while he was a curate in the parish. He trusted that the health of the departing priest would improve in the sunny climate of North Otago. Father Marlow’s good qualities could be attributed to the influence and guidance of his father and mother. Fathers Feneton (Riverton), Martin (Wyndham), McKay and Murphy (Invercargill) referred to the outstanding ability of the guest of honour and said that they would follow with interest his work among the Oamaru parishioners. On behalf of the laity Messrs F. G. O’Beirne, F. St. J. Loughnan and M. Miller expressed regret at losing Father Marlow and assured him he carried away the best wishes of St. Mary’s congregation. • / In reply Father Marlow said he appreciated the very kind remarks made by the various speakers. A pleasing feature of his stay in Invercargill was the fine spirit of co-opera-tion which existed between the priests and the laity. He would always look back with pleasure upon the friendships he had made in Southland. Mr J. G. Hickey, on behalf of St. Mary’s branch of the Hibernian Society, made a presentation of a goldmounted fountain pen to the departing priest. In the course of his remarks Mr Hickey said that members of the society joined in the general expressions of goodwill that had been voiced during the evening. Father Marlow’s removal from Invercargill would undoubtedly be a loss to the parish and to the Hibernian Society. The guest had always taken a great interest in their activities, and they wished him well.

Father Marlow briefly acknowledged Mr Hickey’s remarks, and assured him he had spent many pleasant hours with society members during his term in Invercargill. During the evening enjoyable items were given by Mrs J. V. Carmody, Misses R. Shepherd and B. O’Connor and Messrs J. Ferry and C. Pasco. Miss M. , Fitzgerald acted as accompaniste.