A VETERAN PRIEST.

Kumara Times, Issue 2584, 3 October 1884, Page 3

A VETERAN PRIEST.

[From the New Zealand Tablet.]

For some time past preparations have been quietly made for celebrating the jubilee of the Rev. Father Garin’s ordination. His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington was, We believe, the prime mover in the matter, and in accordance with liia suggestion a meeting was held at Nelson at which the Rev. Father Mahoney and His Honor Judge Broad were elected joint honorary secretaries to make the necessary arrangements. A printed circular was sent to all the clergy, and invitations issued to them and a number of the laity to be present at the celebration. The Rev, Father Garin was ordained on the 19th October, 1834. His “ Golden Wedding Day ” will therefore be on the 19th October next. As this day will fall upon a Sunday, there will be special religious services at which the Bishop will assist, and on the next day (Monday) it is proposed to entertain thn Rev. Father at a banquet and to make him a presentation. It may be interesting to our readers to inform them that the Venerable Father Garin arrived ir New Zealand in June, 1840, he is, therefore, one of the very oldest colonists. For ten years he toiled amongst the Maoris, and was present at the fight at the burning of Korovareka. In 1850 be removed to Nelson, where he has lived and laboured, beloved and honored by all classes, for the last 34 years. The Catholic schools which be founded were attended by hoys of all denominations, so excellent was the teaching there given. But the latter and most important act of his useful life, and the one for which all Catholics owe him a lasting debt of gratitude, was the founding of St. Mary’s Industrial Schools. Although only recently established, there have been already gathered in nearly 200 destitute Catholic orphans from all parts of the colony. It would be out of place in a short notice like this to enumerate the various good works for which the venerable priest; these will no doubt be referred to at the banquet.