Presentation to Mr. J. J. O'Brien.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 7, 13 February 1902, Page 20

Presentation to Mr. J. J. O'Brien.

(From our Auckland correspondent).

When it became known that Mr and Mrs O'Brien intended to make a trip to Ireland and the Continent, it was felt.by the Very Rev. Dr. Egan, 0.5.8., and the parishioners of the Sacred Heart, that they should in some way mark their high appreciation of the labors and rreat generosity at all times displayed in parochial matters by them. Steps were at once taken, and the master took definite form. Two addresses were presented — one from the parishioners and another from the Young Men's Club, of which Mr o' Brit n is president, and in which he takes a keen interest. The address from the former was read by the Hon. J. A. Tole and was as follows :—: — To Mr James J. O'Brien, J.P. Dear Mr O'Brien, — Amongst the many tokens of goodwill and esteem which you and your good wife are receiving from all classes of the community on the eve of your departure fur Europe, we feel assured that an expression of the same from yoirr fellow-parish-ioners will not be out of place. We all feel that it is only our duty to take an active interest in ttu; welfare of our parish, but in claiming our own share we cannot but recognise the generous portion which you have at all times allotted to yourself, in spite of the incessant attention to business which your position must render imperative. We wish to congratulate you upon the succes of your special work in favor of our young men, which has shown its value in its happy results. We are conscious that you love to do good by stealth and hope for higher praise than ours, but we cannot forego this favorable opportunity 01 giving you the satisfaction of knowing that your fellow-workera in the parish are ready to acknowledge the value of your services, and of recording their sentiments towards you iv as permanent a manner as a printed address will ailovv. Wishing you and Mrs O'Brien an enjoyable trip and a safe return amongst v.-, we remain your.s sincerely, on behalf of the parishioners, J. A. Tole M. Casey W. J. Ralph C. B. Plunkett P. Darby. Mr. Cole prefaced the reading with an eloquent tribute to the sterling qualities of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien, who as parishioners were always prominent in every goad work. Their presence would be misled, though somewhat atoned for by the thought of the piea-ure lv hoped they would derive from their trip. Mr. Maurice Oa-.ey said th>it not only the parish but the district, and oven the province of Auckland were indebted to Mr. O'Brien. Mr. D. Flynn read the address from the members of the Young Men's Club. Mr. O'Brien, in replying on behalf of himself and Mrs O'Brien whilst repudiating his worthiness of such tributes of e&teem and' affection, said be valued them as the outcome of a true and cordial affection. They would enhance the pleasure of his holiday and foster his attachment to the friends with wh-joi he had been privileged to live and work. The Very Rev. Dr. Egan endorsed all that had been said by the people. He knew the good Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien had done by stealth and he felt assured they would return to Ponsonby more deeply imbued with that generous spirit of self -sacrifice for God's glory ai.d their neighbors' welfare, which was being recognised in bo marked a manner at this fme well gathering. Last Fnday ■ venmg a smoke concert was tendered by some of our leading citizens to Mr. O'Brien at which there was a large gathering, arnongsb whom were Dr. Egan tend Father Patterson. (Speeches highly eulogistic of Mr. O'Brie.n were delivered to which he responded with genuine feeling. On Saturday the employees of the Ley laud, O'Brien Timber Company tendered a J are well to Mr. O'Brien, and pre->entei him with a tiavelling case and a suitable pr<S' nt for Mrs. O'li.ieu. The Deautiful exhibits from New Zealand wnich Mr. O'Biieu intends placing in the Cork Exhibition and subsequently iv (he Cork Museum, were visited on Friday last by the Kvht Hon. Mr. Seddon and party all of whom were delighted with the collection. On Tuesday last Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien left for Sydney on their way Home, quite a large number a BJinblcd to bid Lutm bon voyage.