PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER BELLIARD.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1879, 10 August 1874, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO THE REV. FATHER BELLIARD.

♦ A meeting of the Roman Catholics of Greymouth, and the district, was held at the Catholic School-room, in Gresson sheet, on Sunday afternoon, to "hear the report of the Committee appointed to select an appropriate souvenier, and to prepare a valedictory address, both of which it was decided some time since, should be presented to the Rev. Father Belliard previous to his departure from Greyraouth. Among those present, we noticed — Messrs D. Lundon, M. Kennedy, P. Dungan. J. T. Fitzgerald, P. M. Griffen, D. Sheedy, P. Crogan, J. M'Dayitt, J. 0. Ahearn, J. P. Hickson, P. McCarthy, D. M'Kinty, A. Eissenhardt, P. Stratford, J. O'Conor, D. Twohill, Heaphy, Captain Conway, and others of the leading Catholic residents of the town aud the vicinity. Mr Lundon was called tfi the chair, and briefly explained the action taken by the Committee. It was decided that an illuminated address should be prepared for presentation to Father Belliard, and that a gold watch should also be presented to him previous to his leaving for the scene of his future clerical duties. Mr M. Kennedy entered more fully into the details of the arrangements made by the Committee, and explained at full length 'the: motives and aims of the congregation in paying the tribute of respect and affection to Father Belliard, which he had consented to accept. ■"■■'; Mr Griffen read the address, which was unanimously approved, of by the meeting. i The watch was then placed for inspection. It is a very handsome article, pi the latest and most improved workmanship and intrinsically the. most valuable that could be procured in New Zealanefc T he massive gold cases.were elaborately anjd beautifully chased and ornamented alt the establishment of Mr F. C. Dupre, of this town, and an appropriate inscription referring to the gift, and the occasion of the presentation is engraved on the inside. . Accompanying the keeper there is a set of : valuable and tastefully chosen appendages, suitable to the profession of the future , wearer. After approving of the address, and admiring the other portions of the testimonial, the adjourned to the presbytery, adjoining St., Patrick's Church, where' the members and those accompanying the Presentation Committee, were received by Father Belliard. : i The address was here read again by Mr Griffen, and the watch with its accompaniments were handed to the clergyman. I Mr Lttnbon explained to Father Belliard that it was the intention of the CO9l--mittee to have the address illuminated and, appropriately decorated, and as jit was not found practicable to have the ornamental work yet done, it would be detained and forwarded to him when finished. -.•■•■•■ U •:.- .' Father Belliard,' who seemed much affected, replied to the address, and thanked the congregation for the beautiful and valuable gift accompanying it. He expressed his regret at leaving the co-n---gregation it* whose spiritual welfare he had ever taken such a deep interest, and in- whose future well-being he would always be concerned,, though living at a distance. The rev. gentleman concluded a graceful and feeling address, by taking an effect ion ate and tender farewell of his formerparishiouers, most of whom were in turn deeply affected. After the formal part of the ceremony of presentation, Father Belliard took leave individually of those present, addressing a tew words to each," and again j expressing : his sorrow at separating from them, but trusting that his solicitude for ; them; would be attended with; the, best results, and hoping that' the ' kind ' and cordial feelings continually exhibited towards himself would be found ;always existing between his successor and the congregation. ■■■■. .-. : We may add that regret at the depar-' ture of Father Belliard is not confined to the members^ of the Roman Catholic congregation, for the rev; gentleman is respected by numbers of those of every religious denomination in the district, as a good citizen and an estimable man. Had subscriptions to the testimonial not been, confined to those belonging to the recipient's own persuasion. Many friends and admirers of Father Belliard, outside his own flock, would have gladly taken the opportunity of testifying their esteem for him by contributing to the presentation fund. Father Belliard leaves to-day for Christchurch, and will be succeeded here by the Rev. Father Eouyer, now ; of Ghristchurch, . ' <>ih I ■-■■■