The Enthusiasm Grows

Evening Star, Issue 22895, 1 March 1938, Page 13

The Enthusiasm Grows

Yesterday’s Functions

[Per United Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, Feb. 28,

The greatest possible enthusiasm marked the civic reception to the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop J. Panico, and visiting prelates in the Town Hall to-day. The hall had been beautifully decorated with flowers, greenery and long blue-and-gold banners bearing ancient religious emblems. Every seat was occupied and the dignitaries were greeted with applause and cheers as they entered in procession. The Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis) presided, having on his right the Apostolic Delegate and on his left, the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage). The visiting archbishops were accommodated with seats in the front row and also upon the platform, where Lady Davis, the Minister of Railways (Mr D. Or. Sullivsn), the Attorney-general (Mr H. G R. Mason) and members of both Houses of Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Adam Hamilton) and Mr Justice O’Regan were present in the audience. , „ In welcoming the Apostolic Delegate and all his visiting colleagues and offering them felicitations upbn the centenary, the Mayor said that the citizens of Auckland greeted them, not only as distinguished participants in the celebrations, but also as leaders of religious thought and ambassadors! of amity and goodwill. The centenary must be recognised by all as a momentous event in the annals of national progress, and the Catholics’ feelings of Joy and pride were supplemented by the congratulations upon 100 years of endeavour in the Dominion. Catholic energy had travelled side by side with the development of New, Zealand and had been closely associated with aspirations of the pioneers, to whom the present-day community pw.ed its existence. The Church s charitable works stood as a living memorial and a constant practical expression of gratitude for the blessings the past had bestowed. A FRIENDLY PEOPLE. “I count it a great privilege to be among you to-day assisting the Mayor in extending the right hand of friendship to the Apostolic Delegate and dignitaries who have come from far and near for the Catholic centenary,” said the Prime Minister, who was most warmly received. “ I assure them that they are among a friendly people. I was not always a New Zealander. Just over 30 years ago I came to this country. I was a stranger and they took me in.-—(Applause and laughter.) I am sure that His Excellency and the dignitaries will find the utmost cordiality among a friendly people and I hope that in their comparatively short stay here they will have an opportunity to see something of the country, of what we are trying to do in New Zealand, and whether they are all mistakes that we are making or whether after all some may be right.” Bishop Liston expressed his sincere gratitude to the Mayor for his ready help and co-operation through months of preparation for the centenary. Sir Ernest, he said, had been their “first and best friend.” The bishop added that the present was truly a magnificent demonstration of affection and the welcome made him proud of his native land and of Auckland. The people of •New Zealand had entered into a rich inheritance and were rising to their opportunities. It was the duty of their leaders to mould the nation into one which honoured God and served its fellow men. LAUDABLE ADVANCEMENT, - “ This civic reception opens at a touch your door of welcome to me, and, as your grateful guest, I offer the sincerest expression of my thanks to you, my courteous hosts of Auckland,” said Archbishop Panico, who was greeted with loud applause and cheers when he rose to reply. After referring to New Zealand’s well-known hospitality, which he said was redolent of the climate and the beauty of the Dominion, his Excellency remarked that the'country’s economic, civil, and social progress stimulated the interest and attention of the observer. “ This advancement,” Archbishop Panico continued, “is a laudable thing in the people, and, as I have had oc-' casion to say, and will always repeat, it can be secured and maintained only by harmony and the collaboration of the authorities which govern the life of man on earth—the Church and the state; This civic action, in which we are the principals to-day, amply illustrates the amity which should exist between the spiritual and temporal powers for the common weal. The aim of the Church is to make its adherents faithful. to the laws of God. It follows then that her children will be good and loyal citizens of the State which ■ claims their loyalty, for every Catholic ,in order to be a good Catholic must at the same time be a good citizen. The State on its part, in order to be worthy of the loyalty of its subjects, has its definite responsibilities to inspire and conduct its Government upon the principles of justice and liberty, in accordance with the cardinal principle laid down by the Divine Teacher Himself, •* Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. SPIRIT OF FREEDOM. His Excellency recalled that the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) at their meeting in Sydney last month had praised the work of the Catholic community in New Zealand, and in a recent radio message had expressed the hope that he (Archbishop Panico) would find reason for congratulation in the wonderful progress it had made during its first century. “ I am happy to say that these hopes in my regard have already been realised,” added the archbishop, “and with this pleasing acknowledgment I take the opportunity of expressing my admiration for the spirit of freedom existing here, which has aided the growth of the Church in this young nation and which may well serve as a shining example to many other countries. “In friendly admiration I applaud the virile race of this young Dominion,” Archbishop Panico continued; “they are worthily upholding the traditions of their forefathers and their pride in the past is manifested bv their development of primary products, which should ever be the nation’s strength and security. You have your definite aims and ideals for the promotion of civil culture and the well-being of your people, and I pray that Christian standards may, as hitherto, always govern your onward march as a nation.” Archbishop Panico added a graceful reference to New Zealand’s dauntless aviatrix and to the successes of the Dominion’s athletes at the Olympic and the Empire Games. “I renew my

heartfelt thanks for your greetings of hand and heart,” he concluded, “and in return I express a wish, which I frame in your poet’s words: ‘May the angel of happiness remain with you in your youth and in your age, strengthening the weak and inspiring the strong. May God defend New Zealand! ’ ”

The gathering concluded with three cheers for the Apostolic Delegate and the singing of thg National Anthem.