MY GREAT EXPERIENCE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22355, 19 March 1938, Page 3 (Supplement)

MY GREAT EXPERIENCE

I feel sure that very few readers have had the wonderful experience that I have, had, that is, of attending the Catholic Centenary Celebrations in Auckland, which commenced, a little more than a fortnight ago. This was to celebrate the establishment of the Catholic Church in New Zealand by Bishop Pompalier. On Wednesday, February 23. I left for Wellington, with 12 other Girl Guides. We had a great send off. and were all very excited. After a rather sleepless night, we arrived in Wellington. Having had break-

fast we all decided to have a good look round before commencing our long train journey to Auckland. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon we boarded the train ready to enjoy every minute of the journey. When we arrived in Auckland next morning I am sure we all felt black if we. did not look it. Buses were ready at the station to convey us to “Otiami,” the Girl Guide camp, situated about 14 miles out of the city. We all had a rest that day. The-- next morning, which was Saturday, we all came into town to welcome the Apostolic Delegate on his arrival. Hundreds of school children and adults thronged the streets leading to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Flags were distributed amongst the children, and when the Apostolic Delegate’s car came along, it was a great sight to see everyone waving their flags and cheering; this continued until the procession of cars had passed. Saturday afternoon and Sunday were free, so I went out to Herne Bay and Mount Eden to visit my relations. On Sunday night I returned to the camp. Monday afternoon we were taken to the museum, which was very interesting. While we were there, officers and sailors off the French warship came to lay a wreath on the cenotaph. It was

A Trip to Auckland

a wonderful sight, with all the officers and sailors dressed in white, standing there, and the harbour iu the background. The Catholic Woipen’s League entertained us to tea, "and later in the evening we went to the Town Hall for the reception to the Apostolic Delegate. On Tuesday, which - was heautifuily fine, we went • toa garden party at St. Mary’s Convent, Ponsonby. When the Apostolic Delegate and bishops and priests arrived, they were given a great reception. Photographers could be seen everywhere, and autograph hunters were

I all very busy. Wednesday and Thursday were free days. Although it was showery, Saturday, it cleared up beautifully for the “Credo” play. Before an audience of between 30,000 and 40,000 the “Credo” was played by nearly 2000 players. It depicted the Christians fighting against sin. The lighting effects, scenes, and singing were wonderful. On Sunday the grand procession was held in perfect weather. The route of the procession was crowded with' spectators, and thousands of people assembled in the domain. The grandstand was filled with nuns who sang hymns on the arrival of the procession in the domain. The Very Rev. Owen Dudley addressed the people, and then benediction was given. On Monday we went on a shopping expedition, and 3 o’clock that afternoon we left on our return journey, which was a very enjoyable one. We arrived in Wellington, and I went to Petone for the day. At the boat we met the Petone and Blenheim Guides, who came to see us off. We had a lovely trip across, and so ended a most delightful and enjoyable holiday.

—’MATE CLIFTON. P.8.H.. A. 8., 85 St. Janies avenue, Papanui.