OBITUARY.

Thames Star, Volume III, Issue 1660, 25 April 1874, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Ws sincerely regret having to record the death of the Rev. Father Norrris, which sad event took place at the Whau yesterday evening. The rev. gentleman's indisposition first shewed itself, we believe, during Easter week, bat nothing would induce him to relax the severe discipline which - he had imposed upon himself; and after Easter Sunday Father Norris' illness assumed such a painful form that his immediate friends became alarmed, especially as it war noticed that the strain upon his physical capabilitiei had affected him mentally. It became evident that serious mental aberration had supervened, and the condition of the respected priest became more alarming. It was found necessary to take Father Norris to Auokland, and subsequently to the Whau Asylum, where he succumbed to an attack of brain fever yesterday. Father Morris succeeded the Kiev. Father Nivard as minister in charge of the Catholic Church, and very soon established himself in the affections of his flock and the respect of the Thames people, by his zealous labours in the cause to which he was devoted, and by his quiet, unassuming demeanour as a citizen. Father Norris was ordained to the priesthood in Auckland, and was for some time in charge of a large district on the East Coast, residing at Opotiki, in which place he was universally liked by Europeans and natives. He was then removed to Dunedin, where he remained some time, and on the arrival of Bishop Croke Father Norris returned to Auckland Province, and subsequently succeeded Father Nivard at the Thames. Father Norris was a gentleman of considerable attainments, an eloquent preacher, and earnest Christian. His early death will be a source of regret wherever he was k< own, and the loss to the Church and the ministry to which he was so devoted will be irreparable. We notice that the members of the Hibernian Society are going to Auckland to attend the deoeased's funeral; Father Norris having been their chaplain.