FAREWELL TO FATHER KELLY, GISBORNE

New Zealand Tablet, 12 September 1918, Page 17

FAREWELL TO FATHER KELLY, GISBORNE

Under the auspices of the local branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, a farewell and presentation were recently tendered to Father G. A. Kelly. Robb's Hall was crowded on the occasion, every Catholic society, and also the Ormond parish being represented. After the first part of an enjoyable musical programme, Mr. D. Parker congratulated Father Kelly on his appointment to the parish of Remuera. The parishioners of Gisborne, however, fully realised the loss they were about to sustain by the removal of a priest for whom they had the sincerest affection. The loss of Father Kelly (he said) would be keenly felt by the members of the Hibernian Society, Sodality of Children of Mary, and other Catholic organisations, in which the departing priest had taken very deep interest. On behalf of these associations he (the speaker) had much pleasure in asking Father Kelly to accept a gift as a small token of appreciation of his devoted services, and as an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by them, with their best wishes that he would be long spared to carry on the good work he was doing. Amid prolonged applause Father Kelly was made the recipient of a well-filled wallet, and in responding, he said he desired to thank the donors most heartily for their valuable present, but above all he appreciated the golden words spoken in his favor which accompanied it. It was,a delight to him to see such a large and representative

gathering, and he was very grateful to those who had organised it. He especially thanked Messrs. Parker, J. J. Martin, and Dudson, and all who had contributed to the enjoyment of the evening. He was greatly pleased while in "Gisborne to note the advance that was being made, by the Hibernian Society. The society had his best wishes^ for its prosperity, and he sincerely hoped it would receive all the support it so well deserved. A dainty supper was then partaken of, which reflected much, credit on the ladies who provided it. The musical programme was resumed and continued until a late hour. Father Kelly added considerably to the evening's pleasure by his musical talent, and his humor and wit kept the assemblage 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 the proceedings to a close.