FAREWELL GATHERING AT GREYMOUTH

New Zealand Tablet, 18 August 1921, Page 33

FAREWELL GATHERING AT GREYMOUTH

MISS AND MESSRS. M. AND P. FITZGERALD, HONORED. Last evening (says the Grey River Argus of the 21st ult.) there was a large gathering of the friends of Miss Fitzgerald and Messrs. M. and P. Fitzgerald at Columba Hall, the occasion being a largely attended farewell social tendered to them on the eve of their departure from Greymouth to take up their residence in Wellington. During an interval Mr. J. Greaney, addressing the gathering, referred to the loss the community was sustaining by the departure of the guests of the evening. Miss Fitzgerald, by her kindness and courtesy, had Avon the regard of all who were privileged to know her, while the Messrs. Fitzgerald were gentlemen whom to know was to respect and esteem. The speaker referred to the interest Mr. M. Fitzgerald .had in past years shown in the welfare of the town and district, and felt sure that he would prosper in his new locale. Mr. P. Fitzgerald had, by his musical ability as well as his fine personality and genial nature, made friends of all with whom he came into contact, and with his brother would bo greatly missed by a very wide circle of acquaintances all over "Westland. Wishing them every happiness and success in the future, the speaker called on Rev. Father Long to make the guests a number of presentations. Rev. Father Long said that while he had not the privilege of knowing their guests so long as most present, he yet knew them well enough to appreciate their worth. He could say that in parish matters their departure meant a real loss. He specially mentioned Mr. P. Fitzgerald's valuable and spontaneous work in organising excellent entertainments on many occasions for parish funds, he having in that way alone done yeoman service. As a vocalist he was second to none. Miss Fitzgerald and Mr. M. Fitzgerald would be missed most by those who knew them best, but the speaker felt sure they would speedily make many friends wherever they went. Father Long then, on behalf of their .friends, presented to Miss Fitzgerald a well-filled purse, and to Messrs. M. and P. Fitzgerald each a wallet. Mr. M. Fitzgerald briefly but appropriately returned thanks to each and all for their handsome parting tributes, which were altogether beyond the deserts of the recipients. They naturally felt regret at the breaking of old associations and their departure from the genial West Coast, wherewith their family had been so long associated; but they would never forget the many fast friends whom, in leaving Greymouth, they were leaving behind them. . Once again he heartily thanked them for the honor done bis relatives and himself on the occasion. The social was continued till a. late hour, when the lady friends of the guests dispensed a dainty supper. Songs were contributed during the evening by Miss Agnes McGrath and Mr. Pat. Fitzgerald.