PRESENTATION TO THE REV. A. M. GARIN.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 329, 8 August 1879, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. A. M. GARIN.

A deputation of the Catholic congregration waited upon the Rev. Father Garin on Wednesday July 23rd. upon the occasion of his 69th birthday, and presented him with an address, of which the following is a copy :—: —

" Reverend and Dear Father. — The fact of this being your birthday only became known to us this morning, and we felt that, although there was not much time to enable us to make you such a presentation as we could wish still you would like us to come to you to wish you many happy returns of the day, to say how glad we are to know how that you are recovering health and strength, and to express our thankfulness to Grod, who in his goodness has spared to us one whom we venerate as our Pastor, and warmly love as our counsellor and constant friend.— Signed on behalf of the Congregation by the Deputation."

To this address Father Garin replied in very feeling terms, and in several points of his address was evidently moved. Later in the day the boys of St. Mary's School presented him with a very handsome present — " The Lives of the Catholic Martyrs," accompanied with the following address, which was read by Master R. Ryan :— Reverend Father Garin.— We beg to congratulate you on this 69th anniversary of your birthday, and present this volume as a token, however inadequate, of our warm affection toward you, and in return for the great interest you have taken in these schools whilst you have been patron, extending over a period of 29 years. It affords us great pleasure to see you again amongst us for the first time since your recent illnass, and we pray God may spare you to us for many years to come. — We remain, dear Father Garin, your devotjd children. (Signed by 69 boys.) Father Garin thanked the boys for their affectionate address and veiy handsome present, and also remarked that his whole life had been spent in the advancement of the education of children, and his first duty when he arrived in Nelson, some 30 years ago, was to establish the present school, and although having to battle against many vicissitudes and to depend entirely upon their own resources, he was gratified to see the large attendance, which proved that this school still held a high position amongst the many educational establishments throughout the Colony. Again on the same day the pupils attending St. Mary's High (Girls') School presented Father Garin with a set of handsome vases, and address, written in French, which was fluently read by Miss Everett. To this address also the recipient responded in warm terms.

The proceedings terminated with some well executed pieces upon the piano, ably performed by Miss Kennedy, who was warmly applauded. — Colonist.