VALEDICTORY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2571, 4 August 1909, Page 6

VALEDICTORY

THE REV. FATHER ORMOND

There was a large gathering in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Social Hall last evening to bid farewell to the Rev. Father Ormond, who for the last six months has been assisting the Rev. Father Lane in the parish work at Gisborne, and 'has been transferred to Auckland, where he will fake up the office of curate at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Rev. Father Lane occupied the chair, and Father Dignan, of Ormond, was also present. The Rev. Father Lane, on behalf of the Catholic community of Gisborne, presented athcr Ormond with a handsome dressing case, suitably inscribed. He spoke in high, praise of the work done by his colleague in Gisborne. He was sorry, he said, that the guest of the evening was about to leave the parish, but proud that his superiors' had rewarded Father Ormond with a position that was tho ambition of every young priest in the Auckland diocese.

Father Ormond was a New Zealander by birth, and, as New Zealanders occupied prominent positions in all walks of life, it was only fitting that in ecclesiastical life they should occupy exalted positions. He felt sure Father Ormond would yet rise to a high position in the Church. He was now being called to a higher and broader field of labor, and his friends in Gisborne would look forward to his future success, feeling sure that honor and glory would crown all his works. Father Dignan also spoke in praise -of Father Ormond’s work in'Gisborne. Bro. H. G. Alley, Past President of the Gisborne branch of the H.A.C.8.5., said that all the members of the Society regretted Father Ormond’s departure from Gisborne, and wished him every success in his new field of labor. The Rev. Father Ormond, in thanking Fathers Lane and JJignan and liis Catholic friends for their kindness and for the many kind presents lie had received, said that he would always remember the warm hearts of the Gisborne people, who had been good friends to him during his residence in the parish. He also appreciated the friendship he had received from Fathers Lane and idgnan. lie expressed the hope that God would bless their work in the district. He would ho pleased to see any of his Gisborne friends when they visited Auckland, and to hear how Gisborne was progressing. During the evening songs were given by Mrs. Phil. Barry, Mrs. Hennessy, and Miss Power, the Rev. Father Ormond and Mr. H. Maynard, and Messr 6 Vita Bros, played a selection from “Lucia de Lammermoor.” Refreshments were served, and various games indulged in.

During the afternoon the girls attending the Convent High School presented Father Ormond with a handsome silver-mounted pockeUßook; the girls attending St. Mary’s School gave him a silver ink stand; and'the boys made him a present of a set of military brushes.