BISHOP WELCOMED.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18673, 23 April 1926, Page 11

BISHOP WELCOMED.

BY SYDENHAM PARISHIONERS. • Tho Rt. Rev Bishop West-Watson and Mrs West-Watson were last night welcomed to Sydenham by the parishioners of St. Saviour's.' The parish hall was filled with a gathering of some 300 people, who greeted his Lordship with three hearty cheers. Accompanying the Bishop on tho dais were representatives of the vestry of St. Saviour's and Beckenham, Sunday school superintendents, and representatives of the Mothers' Union and the Girls' Friendly Society. Mrs West-Watson was presented with two bouquets from tho Mothers' Union and the Girls' Friendly Society. "1 have had several bouquets given to me since we came to Christchurch," she said, in returning thanks, "but this is tho first time I've received two at once." l'ev. Canon C. C>. Mutter, vicar of the parish, introduced Bishop and M,rs West-Watson to the Sydenham parishioners and expressed their delight in welcoming him. There were some who could.still remember the welcome to the last Bishop, but that had been a great many years ago. He hoped that in Canterbury his Lordship and Mrs 'West-Watson would experience tho greatest happiness. > " A Worthy Successor. Dr. D. E. Currie, the vicar's warden, welcomed the Bishop and Mrs West-Watson. They were deeply sensible of the great sacrifice he had made in breaking up his and coming out to this far part of the Empire. But there -were, compensations, and he trusted thai his Lordship would, in future years, as he came to know Canterbury better, find that the compensations more than made up for . the sacrifice. Christchurch was a fine example, of a town whose founders had realised that if they wanted good children they must choose their parents. Therefore all who had been brought out to Canterbury were of that splendid type of early settler' who were known and honoured as the Pilgrim fathers and mothers, and who had made New Zealand the country that it was. In conclusion, Dr. Currie conveyed to the Bishop a most hearty and homely welcome.

Mr Charles Hole, the' people's warden, hoped tliat_ the Bishop and his family would enjoy health and prosperity in this very English City of New Zealand. The Press of the City had already extolled the fine qualities of Dr. West-Watson, and 'the.Sydenham peoole had every pleasure in welcoming to their parish such a distinguished 'Englishman. They were sure that he would prove himself a worthy successor to the beloved Arch" .hop Julius. The Bishop's Eesponse. "Bishop West-Watson said that it was an immense joy to come to a parish where there was such a spirit of good feeling in the atmosphere. He congratulated them very much in having such an excellent and capable man as Canon Mutter for Vicar, and he also congratulated the Canon on his parishioners. He was glad to, find such a very fine Church Lads' Brigade at Sydenham. He had been connected as camp-chaplain with 6tich brigades at Home, and Itad been tremendously impressed by the value of the movement. Of the enthusiasm of tho Mothers' Union and the Girls' Friendly Society also, he had received ample proof, already. The extraordinary kindness and neighbourliness of the people of* Christchurch had been very much appreciated by his family. They had been very glad and nroud to be asked to come, to New Zealand to their work here, and although it had. not been j pleasant to break up. their English home there had been no question of sacrifice; they had been pleased to come.: (Applause.)