CATHOLIC PRELATES

Evening Star, Issue 22893, 26 February 1938, Page 20

CATHOLIC PRELATES

GREAT WELCDME FOR CENTENARY NO SUCH SCENE SINCE ROYALTY'S VISIT [Pek United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, February 26. Four planes from the Auckland Aero Club, flying in perfect cross formation, swooped down over the Wanganella as she lay-to in the Waitemata Harbour this morning. About her circled a dozen gaily-beflagged fishing craft. It was Auckland’s initial welcome to the Apostolic delegate, Archbishop Panico, and a delegation of overseas prelates, priests, and laymen numbering several hundred who were arriving for the celebration of the centenary of the Catholic Church in New Zealand. If the first welcome was picturesque, the reception accorded the visitors when the vessel berthed was overwhelming in its enthusiasm. A dense crowd packed the wharf space beyond the barriers, and from above on the crane track came the music of Thomas Bracken’s ‘ God Defend New Zealand.’ • Cheers came in hursts from the crowd as Archbishop O’Shea, Metropolitan of New Zealand, and Bishop Liston, of Auckland, mounted the gangway—but they were as nothing to the cheers that came again as the Apostolic Delegate and his retinue of archbishops, bishops, and priests descended to the waiting cars. Again came the sound of the band—that of the Waverley Orphanage (Otago)—playing ‘ Faith of Our Fathers.’ As it rose, the crowd joined in till the wharf resounded with itAgain there were cheers as the procession moved off, but they were as nothing to the cheers that rose when the party entered Albert street. Never since the visit of Royal personages has Auckland seen such an assemblage of people, or heard such vociferous enthusiasm. Albert street was lined as far as Wyndham street with a tightly-packed throng of people. All that could he seen from the end of the road was a sea of heads waving handkerchiefs and hands, through which moved slowly the cars of the delegation. Similar enthusiasm was present at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, around which had gathered a huge crowd throughout the morning.