Gives'Em Fitz

NZ Truth, Issue 1180, 12 July 1928, Page 6

Gives'Em Fitz

OF the clergy m Christchurch,. there is no more popular figure than the Reverend Otho "FitzGerald of the Avonside 'Anglican Church.; - ■.'■':;,'■• - • Amongst the faithful ■'■ the vicar' enjoys the sobriquet, "Fitz." Otho is a son of the late James Edward FitzGerald, one time, superintendent ,of the Canterbury Province and one of the founders of the Christchurch Press. Originally Intended for a commercial career, he joined the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. After passing through various stages of banking, he forsook the ledger for the scriptures. He spent some time m the African: mission field, where** he contracted malaria, later returning to New Zealand and.becoming.vicar of St. Thomas' Anglican Church, Newtown. Later he went to Christchurch and became .vicar of Avonside, where he has sown the good seed for many years. . ••.■■■■■ First and foremost, he is a broadr minded churchman, dealing with realities rather than with theories. ; He has organizing ability that would docredit to a company director, with the result that his parish is never short of funds. As a preacher his sermons are short and to. the point. It is when he goes amongst his-flock that this good shepherd lets his light shine before all men. '