THE PAPAL LEGATE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 109, 1 February 1940, Page 4

THE PAPAL LEGATE

Hundreds Attend Impressive Reception

Many hundreds of congress members attended an impressive reception given by the Papal Legate, Archbishop Panico, at the National Art Gallery last night. The main hall was used for the presentation ceremony and remaining galleries were filled with a constantly moving stream of guests, many of whom had come from the far north or south.

The reception gave each person the opportunity of personally meeting the Papal Legate, who was enthroned, with his immediate suite, at one end of the gallery on the slightly raised dais. Guests moved in a continuous line through the spacious and dignified hall, iu which some of the Centennial collection of pictures was displayed. These made a colourful setting for the display of the mediaeval pagentry which culminated in the assembly of purple robed bishops and monsignori, who accompanid Archbishp Panico, their rich vestments forming a glowing picture of colour which was visible from every vantage point. The gold and white Papal flag was draped in the reception room. After members had made their obeisance they passed on to the crowded halls and galleries where many took the opportunity of studying the flue displays of paintings including that of the Coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth. The Papal Legate, accompanied by his suite, later adjourned to the supper rooms where refreshments were served. Bowls of flowers decorated the official table and the long white covered tables which extended the length of the room, where a buffet supper was enjoyed by guests. A small orchestra dispensed music from the balcony overlooking the main entrance, the music being carried by amplifiers to all the galleries. Mr. Maxwell Fernie was at the piano, Mr. J. Rodgers was flautist and Miss Olga Burton was violinist.