WONDERFUL OVATION

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

WONDERFUL OVATION

WELCOME TO ARCHBISHOP PANIGO 6,000 CATHOLICS PARTICIPATE Silt thousand Catholics united in an exultant welcome to the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Panico, in the Town Hall to-night. Nearly 4000 people packed the building long before the commencement of the function, and thousands more waited hopefully for an entrance, and when this hope was not realised they listened to the enthusiasm within on the footpaths of Queen street or in the vestibules of the hall.

Unsurpassed in the history of Auckland was the concourse of people, the enthusiasm of the children and the splendour of the procession of the prelates as they moved amidst thunderous applause to take their places on the platform. Here they were joined by the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage), the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis) and Lady Davis, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr D. G. Sullivan), and several members of Parliament and representatives of local bodies.

_ An hour before the reception was timed to commence crowds lined Queen street awaiting admission. When the doors were opened there was a rush for seats, and any who arrived even half an hour before the, start of the proceedings found it almost impossible to secure even standing room. A score or more of monsignors, bishops, and archbishops, representing dioceses in Europe, Asia, and the islands' of the southern seas, were greeted with round after round of applause as, clad in their rich vestments, they took their places on the dais.

Four hundred children, grouped around the grand organ, led in the clapping and cheers as Commandant Auphan and a group of officers from the French cruiser Jeanne d’Arc appeared. Here was a significance that was fully appreciated. France was remembering one who. to New Zealand Catholic eyes was one of her greatest sons. They were accorded an ovation that must have been unequalled. in volume and sincerity as they proceeded up the aisle. Spontaneous as this welcome, was, it proved but a prelude to the tumuli' that arose when the Apostolic Delegate, accompanied by a group of archbishops and Bishop Liston, who acted as chairman for the function, arrived. Simultaneously thousands of men, women, and children rose to their feet, clapping and cheering. Long after the party had reached the platform the uproar continued, to subside only when Bishop Liston appealed for silence with upraised hand. A message received from the Gov-ernor-General (Viscount Galway) was read by Archbishop O’Shea, S.M, His Excellent said;

“ I send to you my very best wishes for the success of the Catholic centenary celebrations, which are about to take place, and my warm congratulations on the outstanding progress made by the Catholic Church in New Zealand since its establishment by Bishop Pompallier. The splendid record of achievement made by the church. fh such a comparatively short space of time is one of which all may feel well proud.”

His Grace went on to speak of the sincerity of the welcome to the representatives of his Holiness the Pope from all sections of the Catholic community, clergy, and laity. With his Excellency they desired to associate the many other distinguished visitors. Cheering was renewed as he spoke of the expectation that the presence of Archbishop Panico would give fresh zest to the efforts of the church in New Zealand.

“ The largest and most amazing assembly of distinguished ecclesiastics” was the description applied by the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis') to the gathering.

The three speakers who followed were representatives of the Catholic laity, Mr Justice Callan, Mr Justice O'Regan, and Mr Robert McVeagh. “ The goodwill of all New Zealanders who know the history of their country is assured,” stated the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage). He referred to the historic occasion of the centenary, and said that in pioneering service the Catholic missionaries and the church and its great institutions for social welfare, which were their enduring monuments, had played a full part. Associated in the welcome to Archbishop Panico was Captain Auphan, of the Jeanne d’Arc.