ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF BISHOP JULIUS.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7541, 3 May 1890, Page 6

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION OF BISHOP JULIUS.

As a-sort of proper and complete conclusion of the oereinoaiais wnicn have been proceeding since the arrival here or Bishop Julius, che Keceptiou Committee had arranged for what may be called a monster reception in the Palace Kink, so as to introduce the new Bistiop to the masses. Ie was, of course, manifestly impossible that a tithe o£ those who desired to hear the new Bishop could find room in the Cathedral, besides which the nature of the proceedings in the Cathedral were such as to- prevent almost entirely that fraternal recognition which the great body of the people of Christcnurch desired to give—those amongst whom it is hoped that the new Bishop will not only become popular, but alsj beloved and respected in such a manner as the revered Prelate who has now relinquished tue caies of ottice was. The opportunity was therefore ailorded by the Kaception Committee in the gatuering of last uighG in the Palace Kink, it is fortunate cnat Christchurch possessed so large a buiidine as tne Kink, and even the holdiug accommodation of that building, large as it is, was tested to the utmost. Neariyevery corner of thelarge building, the holding capacity of whicu is somewhere about 3UuO, was lilled to overliuwiug, the great majority of the audience being ladies. Tne arrangements were exceedingly good. The platform for tne speeeues was placed at tne south side of mc building, almost aoouc the centre, the seats for tne audience being ranged in semicircular lines Dsyond aiter tne first row in front, which were arranged in form of a square. Tnere was jusc this about tne gathering— that there was au earnestness and a kind of warmth of welcome which must have impressed the new Bishop very deeply. Tne platform was tilled with clergy men and didtiugui.siied laymen, alid the Oatuedral cnoir *yere also in attendance to lead the hymns. As the time drew on for the commencement of the proceedings the excitement, wnich had been of a repressed character, began to simmer. Presently a ripple of applause was heard, and tne more curious amyugst tne ladies, true to tne instincts ot tneir sex, rose and peered anxiously aoove tneir neignoors' heads to cacch a glimpse of the new Bisiiop. But, aias for Lue.mutability of human affairs, it was not the Bishop but the Uean wlio, heralded by applause, made his way to the platform. But in a few inoiuents the peculiar sound of the upstanding of a vast multitude rising to tneir feeo and the spontaneous burse of cheering which rose from the crowded building showed that the Bisnop had really arrived. As he made nis way to the platform, accompanied by the Bishops of Duueui.x and of vV'aiapu, che cheers broke forth again until he was seated* Then Sir John Hall, the Chairman of the meeting, rose and announced tne iirst hymn. Tnis was most appropriate, that grand old chant of cue people," The Old Hundredth," in wnich so great a faith in tne protecting hand of Providence is finely expressed. The etfecD of the great body of voices rising and swelling in che strains of che hymu was sometmng to remember. ... At its close Sir John Hall rose, and in a few well chosen words introduced the new Bishop co his people. A3 the Chairman touctud upon tne subject of cne late Bishop, who iv nis higu ortije had borne tne wnite flower of a blameless life, the hearty cheers which poured forth snowed how tne great heart of che people of Canterbury was touched by cue earnest Christian and loveable career which closed on Thursday by the consecration of his successor, rfo also when Sir John couched with much pathos on the fact that though they had tasen leave of the Bishop tney had not taken leave of the mail, the cheers again broke forth. Speaking of the successor to his Lordship, the Cuairinan paid a high tribute oc praise to Bishop Julius, pointing out chat he was not unknown to us, and here again the audience was moved to warm applause. This was intensified as Sir Jonn referred to the warm and generous sympathy which the new Bishop had always evinced in humanity, and his large-hearced and Christian feeling towards , all denominations. Sir John concluded a very excellent and practical address by urging those who heard him to remember that they had a duty to perform as well as the Bishop, by working with him and giving him their confidence.

The Jlban then called upon Mr Whifcefoord to read tne first address, that of the clergy and laity of the diocese. Mr Wmcefoord's clear ringing tones were heard all throughout tne ouilding as he read the items of the address, and frequent bursts of applause greeted the principal sentences. Particularly was the applause hearty and sustained when reference was made to the temporary difficulties which had stood in the way of the consecration of hie Lordship, but which had disappeared. Mr Albert Kaye, the President of the Young Men's Christian Association, then came to the front and read the address from that body, and he was followed by Mr F. S. Parser, the President of the Trades and Labor Council. Mr Parker struck the key-note of che feelings of the audience when he tendered in well-chosen sentences the hearty welcome of the working men of Canterbury. Knowing the deep sympathy, not alone sentimental, bat practical to a degree, which the Bishop has evinced in all that concerns the working classes, this last address was amongst all the most apropos. After a hymn had been sung, the President introduced the new Bishop. Then ensued a most wonderful scene. The vast audience seemed to rise as one man—and woman—as the Bishop stood up to speak. Cheer after cheer rose as his Lordship stood before them with a smile on his face, the warm-hearted welcome he was receiving evidently affecting him strongly. Then he commenced to speak, For the first few moments hi 9 voice trembled with emotion, as well it might, for such a right* royal welcome has never been given to any man in Christchurch. Then the Bishop with that elocutionary power which those who* have heard him so much admire, proceeded to sketch briefly his career in Ballarat. His reference to the beauty of the scenery of Lake Wafcatipu evoked loud applause, as did his description of his reception en route to Christchurch. Touches of humor were not wanting, as witness the Bishop's quaint description of the cry of the working man outside the station, "Give us a grip of your flipper, old man," and his equally quaint reply, " And so he got a grip of my nipper," evoking as it aid laughter ana cheers, and the equally homely touch which closed She address when the Bishop acknowledged his longing for his pipe. The Bishop was at once en rapport with his audience, and his eloquent address will not soon bs forgotten by those who heard him.