MEMORIES OF BISHOP SELWYN

Evening Star, Issue 19839, 12 April 1928, Page 4

MEMORIES OF BISHOP SELWYN

TO.TIIK EDITOR. Sir, —1 was much interested in reading your leading article in the ‘ Star 1 last night. 1 am one of the few who knew Bi.s.iop Sehvyn in the flesh. He often stayed at my father’s house in Whangarei. I. used to sit on his knee and sing my little songs while he stroked my hair. He was very fond of one Little song, ‘‘Down in a green and shady bed a modest violet grew, which I often had to repeat. He had a. charming way with him, and loved little children. On one occasion I was told to call His Lordship to breakfast, and to be sure to address him as “ My Lord.” I nervously at his door, and in a trembing voice said “My God, will you come to breakfast?” One of my brothers had the honor to be baptised by the bishop. When ho visited the Bay of Islands in the early days he was moat kind in posting letters. My eldest sister used to meet him at some little distance from our home when she knew he would be passing, and band him the letters. He was a most reliable postman, and so punctual. He could bo very stern. I once saw him step down from the pulpit and admonish two young people in the congregation who wore giggling and behaving in an unseemly manner. They were covered with contusion. I. also remember lien ring a story told of Mis Lordship cm one occasion finding it, necessary to give some unruly individual a good “drubbing,” who was so astonished that he begged His Lordship to “shake” on the spot. He was not the only person who discovered that the bishop thoroughly believed in muscular Christianity.—l am, etc., Aged Seventy-six;. April 12.