PRESENTATION TO MRS. SHARP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4387, 12 April 1875, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO MRS. SHARP.

A large gathering of the friends of Mrs Sharp, representing colonists of long standing of all denominations, took place on Tuesday in St. Joseph’s schoolroom, for the purpose of presenting to her a farewell address, previous to her departure for England. Originally it was intended to present the address on the wharf upon Mrs. Sharp’s actual departure, but finally it was decided, in accordance with Mrs. Sharp’s wish, to present it in the modest retirement of the Catholic schoolroom. The Ven. Father O’Keilly and the Ven. FatherPetit Jean (each venerable in many senses), with whom Mrs. Sharp has, been associated in the furtherance of Christian and charitable work ever since the primitive days of the colony, were conspicuous amongst those who assembled. Mr, Chas. Johxsto.v, availing himself of an opportune moment, addressed Mrs. Sharp and read the following address : Wellington, March 18th, 1575. To Mrs. Sharp—

We, the clergy and laity of the Catholic community of Wellington, and friends of. other denominations, cannot allow your departure from amongst us without expressing our deep sense of your manifold efforts in the cause of religion, education, and of the charitable works to which you have devoted your life for the last thirty years in this colony. Your benevolence and solicitude have not been confined to this city alone, but have extended to many districts of this province. To enumerate all your acts of generosity on behalf of the training of the young and providing for their recreation, your maternal care for the orphans, and your constant readiness to assist the afflicted and guide the faltering steps of those of the inexperienced of your sex, would occupy more space than tire limits of a simple address ; but we cannot omit to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered by your musical talents and diligent training of others in tiie due celebration of the service of God. We thank Divine Providence for having made you an instrument for something good, and we wish you and Captain Sharp God speed. Signed by the clergy and diocese, and about 200 persons of other denominations. Mrs. Sharp, in a few appropriate words, returned thanks to those who had expressed such kindly feelings towards her, and trusted she would be spared to carry out still further those objects which she conceived to be nothing more than Christian duty. Mr. O’Shea said he felt some regret that Captain Sharp’s name was not mentioned more prominently in the address. The explanation was that the committee were so engrossed with admiration of Mrs. Sharp’s private worth, that they had perhaps failed to do justice to Capt. Sharp. He made this explanation on behalf of the committee. Father O’Keillt announced that the school treat and picnic given annually by Mrs. Sharp would take place on Easter Monday as usual, and would be superintended by Mr. Charles Johnston on behalf of Mrs. Sharp.

Three cheers from the school children terminated the proceedings.