THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9094, 3 May 1890, Page 5

THE BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

THE LUNCHEON. A luncheon to the Eight Eev the Bishop of Christchurch and Mrs Julius was given in tbe old Provincial Council Chamber yesterday. The beautiful Chamber showed to great advantage, tho pleasing effect of its decorations being enhanced by tho judicious arrangement of pot-plants about tbe room. The catering was in the hands of Mr James Freeman, and it is needless to state that he carried out his work well. The beverages provided were all temperance drinks. Selections of music wore played at intervals by a string band, composed of members Of the Orchestral Society, who had kindly volunteered their services. The musicians, who wore under the leadership of Mr G. Bonnington, were accommodated in the old reporters’ gallery. What was at one time • the library of the Provincial Council, and in days before that the Council Chamber itself, had been appropriately furnished by Mr A. J. White as a reception room, and hero the guests were received. At the luncheon tho chair was occupied by Bishop Harper, with Mrs Julius (on his left). On the right of the chair were the Bishop of Christchurch with Mrs Hadfield, the Bishop of Waiapu with Mrs Jacobs, and Mr C. Whitefoord with Mrs L. Harper. On the left of Mrs Julius were tho Primate with Mrs NovilJ, the Bishop of Dunedin with Mrs Acland and the Hon W. Reeves. Tho three vice-chairs were occupied by the Dean (in the centre), the Hon H. B. Greseon (on the right) and Sir John Hall (on the left). Nearly two hundred guests, the number to which the issue of tickets had been re - stricted, attended, a large proportion of whom were ladies. Most of the Anglican clergymen of tho diocese were present, together with leading members of the laity, while other denominations were represented by the Eovs J. Aldred P. E. Monro, G. Webster, J. Hoatson, X Chadowski, and C. Dallaston. Apologies were received for the absence of the Bishop of Nelson and the Rev Father Cummings, who were unable to bo present. A full share of justice having been done to Mr Freeman’s catering, the Right Re» Chairman proposed the toasts of "Tho Queen” and of the "The Governor.” The Very Rev the Doan proposed "The Legislature of New Zealand,” in a very complimentary speech, and he also took occasion to refer in terms of eulogy to tha old Provincial Couacil of Canterbury, making complimentary reference to the men of mark who had sat thereon. He expressed his entire syropathy with what had come to be known as the Young New Zealand Party, for in them was the future hope of the Colony. The Hon W. Beeves, who responded on behalf of the Legislative Council, said that he was placed in a somewhat difficult position, because on occasions such as the present politics were invariably very properly eschewed; and as politics were the eudasa atm of all Legislatures, it was difficult to the toast without committing "a*-breach of tho unwritten law of these gatherings. Ho would confine himself in hia remarks to consideration or the attitude of the Legislature to religious bodies, and it afforded him sincere pleasure to state that the relations of the two had been most friendly, except in regard to the moot question of education. On this point, however, he would say nothing, beyond expressing tho opinion that the feeling of the religious people in regard to this subject was founded bn a misapprehension of th© state of tho case; The State had certain duties to perform, one of which was to see that its people were educated fully and thoroughly, and it left—and properly left —to tho religious bodies the duty of imparting religious instruction according to their several beliefs and tenets. What the religious bodies sought was impossible of attainment. Those who saw what was going on through the world recognised that the denominational system would never again be permitted hj tho State, and it was the duty and the interest of the Church to recognise this, once and for all, and instead of deploring the inevitable, set to work in real earnest to itself provide for the religious education of the people. Should any of them think that his remarks were not in place, they must forgive him, for he spoke as ho thought, and by the light of his experience. He thanked them for the manner m which the toast had been received, and assured them that the body to which he belonged would deem it a high honour. Mr W. B. Perceval, M.H.E., responded on behalf of the House of Representatives; He was a young member, but he had been a member sufficiently long to realise the misconstruction of his motives and the misrepresentation of his views to which a politician was forced to submit with as much philosophy as he could assume; but the kindly sympathy expressed on occasions such as the present was a pleasing antidote to the many bard things said against a member of Parliament. He was not able to speak for the people of Christchurch, except as a politician, but he could assure Bishop Julius of a hearty welcome from them, and conld also give expression to their opinion of the earnest labours and well-spent life of their late Bishop. Bishop Harper was now going to enjoy a rest from his work, but it was the earnest wish of all that he would live many a day to sea the abundant harvest which would be reaped from the good seed he had sown. Ho had listened with great pleasure to what the Dean had said about tho Young New Zealand Party, the numbers of which must increase as time went by. He could vouch for the patriotic feeling of its members, who were rooted here, as it were, whose whole hop© was in. the Colony, and ‘who, if they made their » pile” would not desert the land that had brought them success. He looked upon it as a healtny sign that clergymen were evincing a great and growing interest in tbe social problems of the day, for their position, independent of politics as it was, qualified them to become the instructors of tbe people; and it was a good thing for the Church that it had men like Bishop Julius, who were not afraid to speak their minds on subjects such os th©B©» The Eight Eev Chairman, in proposing the toast of “ The Bishop of Christchurch " said that it was a subject in which he could not hut take a deep interest. There was a peculiarity iu his position, inasmuch as he was proposing tbe toast of one who was taking the office and title which the speaker had borne for more than thirtythree years, and he was thankful that th© opportunity of proposing this toast had been afforded him. In tho whole history of tha Church he did not remember another instance where the Bishop who was retiring had been able to lay ms hands on his successor, aa it had been his privilege on the previous day. As long a a he lived he would take the greatest interest in the welfare of this Diocese, and in tho work of his successor, whoso great qualifications peculiarly fitted him for hi© high office. He felt assured that their new Bishop would do bis utmost to carry on tbe work that bad been begun, and that bo would add to it work that was of far greater importance. He had energy and youth, and with his great gifts his coming would, by the help of God, be for the welfare of the church of this Diocese, and for the good of the Colony itself. Sir John Hall, in supporting the pro- * posal of the toast, said that as one of the oldest lay members of the Church in this diocese it afforded him great pleasure to do so. 'He was sure he was speaking the sentiment of the laity when he said that they might congratulate themselves on having their new Bishop at last amongst them. (Hear.) They would all join with Jhimin wishing that Bishop^jellii©»ja^hl#

lire long to carry on the duties of Ms office. Bishop Julius had, no doubt, difficulties to contend with in his work; one .of these was the fact that he was the successor of one who had so well filled the 'office, and who had overcome a number of difficulties which the old settlers would remember 'well, and which showed the contrast between the present times and those when Bishop Harper first came among them. These were exemplified when ha arrived, when those who received him ' congratulated themselves on having secured for him the tallest saddle horse in the district, in order that he might cross the rivers without danger. Bishop Harper had worked energetically for the church in ■all parts of his Diocese, and had shown a tact, ft moderation, a Christian forbearance : which had earned the respect not only of members of the Church of England, but of those outside its boundaries. One of ■Bishop Julius’ difficulties was, therefore, that he had a hard man to follow. Another ‘arose from the fact that the information -received here from Australia had caused very high expectations to be formed of- him, and this was a difficulty which he (Sir John Hall} felt that be could not diminish. For, during his recent visit to Australia, he had heard everywhere bub one opinion, namely, an expression _of regret that Bishop Julius was leaving Australia, and an expression of congratulation to Hew Zealand for having gamed him. Another difficulty was part of the inherent difficulties of the position of a Colonial Bishop, namely, that his authority can be exercised only over those who voluntarily submit themselves to it. The position of the Church in these Colonies was very different from that of the Church in ■England. The experience of Bishop Julius in Australia would be very valuable to him in his position as a Colonial Bishop. In conclusion, he could assure the new Bishop of Christchurch that in hia work he would have the sympathy and support of the laity. (Hear, hear). Bishop Julius, who on rising was received with continued applause, said—My liOrd, and ladies and gentlemen, I thank ■yon with all my heart for the many kind expressions of esteem which you have given, for the most hearty reception which you have accorded to me on this my arrival in the Colony. I am not fond of talking, and I am afraid at this beginning of my work in the Colony I am landed into a good deal of it. A somewhat famous Professor in my own College at Oxford was known as the greatest talker in the city. He once made a visit to America, and on hia return was questioned in the Common Boom at Oxford as to his experience. «» What do you think of Hew York ?” and then, “ What do you think of Hiagara?” «I did not like it at all,” he said, " I could not hear myself speak!” (Laughter.) And I almost wish that a Hiagara of gentle music might descend on me from the gallery above. (Laughter.) Yesterday I was received as a priest of the Church of God into the high office of a Bishop, and in a service which I shall never to my last day forget, ip a service so full of grandeur, and so beautifully rendered, so perfect iu every detail—as perfect as any that could have bebn seen in the Old Land and in our own cathedrals there. In that service, with its strange, mystic beauty,! was received as a Bishop of the Church of God; placed iu the Bishop’s Seat, and entrusted with authority. That day, as T have said, will never pass from my memory and my heart, and God grant that its influence may never be lost upon me. To-day, I suppose, I am received rather as a man among my

fallow men, socially, and I am very glad to be so received. It is very certain that a - jgan may. pursue one side of his nature to the neglect of another, and we clergy are no exception to the rule. It ia quite possible. Just as a man engaged in commerce may forget the literary or the religious side of his nature, so it ia possible for the clergyman in the most earnest efforts after the spiritual good of his fellow men and his ovvn rejigious life, to forget that he is a m«Ln among men, to lose his touch of his fellow men, and to devote himself to dealing with matters which are not practical, aim of consequence only in his own imagination. And I can conceive that nothing more hurtful could arise. As a Bishop of the Church of God I feel I am no whit less a man, but I will, God helping me, take an interest in every good thing as concerns the social and intellectual as well as spiritual well-being of all around me. (Cheers.)' And it ia then, as a man, that lam received to-day, and I say with all my heart that I shall look around, and wherever I find anything to which I can lend my hand or my influence or my word to help forward the happiness of my fellow men, then, God help meto give the best I have. (Applause.) A remark was made to me yesterday, which was true, but painful: "We have heard a good deal about you, and are expecting a great deal; you will be very much criticised ! ” Well, I know it. It is a very painful position, but I must make the best of it. I have many dear friends in Victoria who know my faults better than anyone excepting my wife 5 and, just as she does, they do not talk about me. Sir John Hall travelled over Victoria. Ho heard only what was good. Why did not he come to those friends or to her to have heard the other side of the case ? What a delicious story that is ; it ia familiar to you, perhaps; although new to me, of that company of Maoris who met for the first time an

English lady, and sat in silent admiration of her complexion and her beautifulface. They ventured to touch her cheek, and wondered and wondered, until at last they caught eight of two inches of black stocking, and then they cried out “We knew it!” (Laughter.) Oh, ladies and gentlemen, I am very much afraid of those two inches. (Laughter.) I have some comfort, I must confess it, in the fact that I stand here, not the elect of a close majority, but of almost the whole Synod. (Cheers.) I confess it comforted me, for I know what human nature is. I must have sympathised with the minority, who lost tho man they wanted. ■ I should have felt deeply for them, and I should have stood round the new Bishop and waited for some expression of his failings, and then said “We knew it!” Well, you will find it out. I do not want you to expect anything supernatural, I only want you to take me as a poor man who loves his friends, who has something from God’s hands to use for his fellow-men, and who will endeavour himself so to be a faithful Bishop of the Church of God, and a true man in this Colony into which he has come, a stranger, that in the days to come you may never look back upon these hours with regret. (Great applause.) The Hon H. B. Qresson proposed—“ The Bench of Bishops in the Province of New Zealand.” He would, he thought, be able to satisfy the company that the Colonial Bishops, though in a different position to that of Bishops at Home, were entitled to very high respect. When men exposed their lives to perils among savage races for the sake of spreading the blessings of religion, and even perished in the wilderness, their names were often forgotten ; hub when a great traveller like Mr Stanley accom- • plished great, but not higher things, he , r 'was honoured by kings and emperors. Yet the courage and energy shown by ■those men were nob less than those of Mr Stanley. (Hear, hear.) The Colonial Bishops included such men as the heroic Selwyn, the sainted Eatteson, who gave his life for his beloved Melanesian mission. * In' the new Frimate also, in whose election to his high office, he, in common with many others, heartily rejoiced, —(hear, hear) —they had a man who in his younger days was thought highly of by Bishop Selwyn, and who formed, as it were, a link between the present and the past. He (Mr Gresson) did not know so much about the other dioceses in New Zealand as he did of that of Christchurch, but be knew that the Bishops of New Zealand did their work faithfully and jealously, and with a due care for the welfare of every part of God’s heritage committed to their charge. In passing, he might mention that one of the greatest difficulties in the way of the Church was the want of religious education for the young. He expressed great pleasure at the addition of ■Bishop Julius to the Episcopal Bench ofjthe Province. The Bishop of Dunedin, in responding, said that he was glad to have to express Benoh, r ofßiehopsfor

appreciation felt for their work: The consecration which had taken place on the previous day had vividly brought to bis mind his own nearly twenty years ago. He had been a visitor in the Colony at the time, and had been requested by Bishop Selwyn to take the office, which be accepted. Thanks to the liberality and assistance of the members of the Church in the diocese, and to the bravo_ selfdenying work of the clergy, his diocese had progressed favourably, and the churches therein had increased at the rate of a fraction over two each year of the nineteen years of his episcopate. He had heard it said that the endowments of the Diocese of Christchurch were somewhat of a white elephant. If the people hero really had no further use for that animal, perhaps they might hand their endowments over to theDioceseof Dunedin. (Laughter.) His Lordship concluded by alluding in feeling terms to the kindness and help he had received from Bishop Harper, and by remarking that he would be glad to work in hearty co-operation with such a one as Bishop J ulius. The Most Eev the Primate proposed—- " The Eight Eev Bishop Harper.” His first acquaintance with Bishop Harper was he said, thirty-three years ago, when they met in the conference at Auckland when the Church Constitution was established. It had been his happiness to have Bishop Harper as a consecrating Bishop at his own consecration twenty years ago, and he had from that time nad the opportunity of becoming thoroughly acquainted with him iu his capacity as Primate, and of becoming thoroughly acquainted with his high qualities. The whole of his relations with Bishop Harper had been conducted with the greatest courtesy, kindness, sympathy, and, he might say, aSection, which had endeared Bishop Harper to him to such an extent that he felt the greatest pain when he heard that one single affliction from which that Bishop suffered had deprived the Church of the benefit of hia further supervision. Having succeeded Bishop Harper as Primate, it would be bis endeavour to follow his footsteps as nearly as possible, even if at a considerable distance, and, for the short period which remained to him, to try to be of some service to his reverend brethren, and the Church. The present was not an occasion for the discussion of disputed political questions, or he would have liked to reply to some of the remarks of tho Hon Mr Eeeves. When that gentleman said that the educational system now established in the Colony was of such a permanent character that there was no danger of its being interfered with, he (Mr Eeeves) must have felt that some of the ground was slipping from under his feet. To refer to another subject, his brother of Nelson had once ventured to express a hope that Bishop Harper might hold office till the chancel had been built to the Cathedral. That hope had not been fulfilled, but now let them make an effort to finish that Cathedral, in order that his most reverend brother might see it before he laid down his life. Might Bishop Harper live for a long time yet in tranquil happiness, surrounded by the loving members of his family and by the reverence of all. (Applause). Mr C. Whitefcord supported the toast, and said that it might be well to consider the state of. tho Church when Bishop Harper arrived here, and the state in which he handed it over to his successor. Bishop Harper arrived here in October, 1856, having been appointed Bishop of Christchurch by letters patent under the Great Seal. One result of this was that Christchurch was constituted a city by these letters under tho Great Seal, a distinction which belonged to no other city in New Zealand, and, he believed, to only one city (Sydney) in Australia. When Bishop Harper arrived, there were only eight or nine clergymen in tho diocese, which extended from the Waipara to Stewart Island. Now, however, the five churches had grown to one hundred. There was a large body of clergy, eight thousand Sunday scholars, six hundred Sunday school teachers, and a fine Cathedral. Bishop Harper was of living Bishops the third in seniority in the Anglican Church ; Bishop Medley, of Guana, and Bishop Austin, of Fredorickstown, being the only two senior to him. Bishop Harper had, during his long episcopate, earned the respect and admiration of all classes, and had made a record of which any man might be proud, of which the laymen might be proud for the small part they had taken in it. and of which hia children and children’s children might be proud; and when he died, his name would not be forgotten, but his memory would ever be held in love and reverence. (Applause.) The Eight Eev Bishop Harper, who was very warmly received, thanked the company for the kind way in which the toast had been received, and the Primate and Mr Whitefcord for their kind remarks about him. On his first arrival here there were six dioceses in the whole of Australasia, only one being in New Zealand. Now, he believed, there were twenty-one, including tbe diocese of Melanesia, It was a great advantage to him to have seen all this increase. There had also been a growth in the independence of the Church. He came out under letters patent, and he then thought there was no possibility of any Bishop being consecrated except under the mandate of the Crown. It eo happened, however, that in his ease a contest arose between hia college and the Crown, and the result was that it was decided that the Queen had no jurisdiction in ecclesiastical matters over a Colony with a civil constitution. Christchurch remained a city under the Queen’s mandate, as had been said, bub since then they had consecrated the present Primate, and the Bishops of Dunedin and Waiapu, without having leave from the Crown. If he spoke of independence, he did nob wish it to be supposed that it implied anything like separation from tho mother Church. The church here held the same doctrine and had the same ritual, and would continue to have them. Ho hoped that whatever civil discords might disturb the peace of the country, churchmen here would bo still loyal to their mother Church, and look up to her with thankfulness for the many blessings they had received from her. With regard to hardships, the Primate himself had seen far greater hardships than he had himself. The only privations he had to undergo was in travelling about the country and in crossing a few rivers. One thing which had most surprised him when travelling in the early days was the coolness with which he was led up to a house by his companion, who began to unsaddle the horses without seeing a sign of a host or hostess. He felt thatjeven more than crossing the river. In conclusion he hoped they would go on in union among themselves, in union also with Christians of other denominations, without sacrificing any principle, and that they would go ou doing all to the glory of God and the welfare of hia Church. (Applause.) The Eev J. O’Bryen Hoare, in proposing the health of the clergy of other denominations, said that tho subject of reconciliation and of the union of different bodies of Christians had made great strides at Home, as was seen from tbe fact that it was brought forward at the last Lambeth Conference in a spirit in which it had never been treated before. Perhaps the colony had been a little backward in respect of this matter, but there were signs that a better spirit was about to prevail. He did not wish the Church of England to give up any principles, or the other Churches to give up the men, the memories and the principles for which they had contended in the past. He thought that the way to deal with the matter was by the fullest recognition of the work of other Churches. They might differ iu their modes of work, but their object was the same. _ So far as he knew, this was tho first time in which the position of other denominational churches had been recognised as it was on the present occasion, and he looked upon it as a part of the good results of the coming of their new Bishop. (Applause.) The Eev J. Hoatson (Congregational Church) responded, expressing the thanks of the clergy of other denominations for their kind reception. Ho said that when be heard that Archdeacon Julius was to bo Bishop of Christchurch he felt that there was coming into their midst one who would not only bo respected, sympathised and loved by the members of the

Church of England, but would receive equal sympathy, love and assistance in every good work from these of other churches. (Hear, hear.) Speaking for tho Congregational Church, a Church which took much interest in. the social questions of tho day, it was a matter of delight that there was one coming who was so well fitted to deal with those questions, which must be dealt with by the Church if tho world was to become bettor. Personally, he was much pleased to welcome Bishop Julius on account of his thorough manliness. He (Mr Hoatson) could speak in the name of a largo number of young men, and assure Bishop Julius that he would receive every help from them in any work he might undertake for their good. In the name of his brother ministers of other Churches ho would again thank them for tho kind invitation and reception extended to them. (Applause.)

The Yen Archdeacon Choliuondeley proposed " The Visitors,” expressing the pleasure of the members of the Church iu seeing among them representatives of other dioceses, and of those who, tnough not belonging to their own communion, looked upon them with a friendly eye, and were ready to wish God speed to him who had just come among them. It had been said by some that the present luncheon was a needless part of the proceedings in connection with the consecration, bub he thought that anything which tended to break down tho barriers of exclusiveness, and to make them feel that they were members one of another was a good thing, even if it were only a complimentary luncheon.

His Worship the Mayor responded, expressing the thanks of tho visitors to the Eeception Committee, and on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch warmly welcoming Bishop and Mrs Julius to the city. Mr T. W. Maude proposed "Tho Ladies,” remarking on the great good done by ladies in many ways : nursing the sick, working iu hospitals, managing convalescent homes, assisting in all manner of parochial work. Those who saw tho beautiful decorations of the Cathedral would be ready to pay a tribute to the willingness and taste of the ladies who carried them out. Ho would like to mention in connection with tho toast tho name of Mrs J ulius, and to assure her of the hearty welcome which all would extend to her and her family. (Applause.) The Eight Eev Bishop J ulius said that, though perhaps, he was but a poor accession to the community, ho congratulated himself on having brought to Christchurch Mrs Julius. He had been married for seventeen years, and knew her worth. Ho would not say more about her; for thoso who heard him would soon find out her worth. If any wanted sympathy, or were in affliction, let them come to her. He had had the pleasure of receiving at his house in Australia, for two days, a lady from Christchurch, Miss Torlesse, and lie was sure that they would join with him in wishing that she might soon come again from Home to resume her work. (Applause.) He looked for greathelp from the ladies in the work of the Church. (Applause.) Mr M’lntyro proposed " The Press, referring to it as the most powerful institution of the present day. It was really wonderful in its organisation and enterprise, and exerted an enormous influence for good. Its functions were to discuss, to educate, and to control. It was not only a mirror-like reflection of public opinion, which was often mere sentiment or the clamour of passion and excitement; it created public opinion and moulded and led it; and therein lay its great responsibility. Journalism attracted to its daily service of toil—he might say, its alluring service—men of genius and talent, and so long as it continued to do so there need be no fear that its high standard would deteriorate. (Applause.) Mr Eous-Marten, of Wellington, responded. The company then separated. PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting to receive the new Bishop was held in the Palace Eink last evening. The attendance was enormous, ticket-holders coming in in a steady stream immediately the doors were opened, so that long before the commencement of the proceedings the seating accommodation, extensive though it was, was pretty heavily taxed. In all there were about 5000 persons present. The chair was occupied by Sir John Hall, and occupying seats on the platform were the Bishops of Waiapu and Dunedin, the Very Eev the Dean, Canon Cholmondeley, Archdeacon Lingard, the Eevs Stack, Knowles, Gilbert, Scott, Gillam, Purchase, Flavell, Gibson, Hoaro, Pascoe, Turrcll, Yorke, W. Harper, Hare, East, Sheldon, W. Knowles, Chambers, Whitehouse, and Cruden, the Hon J. B. A. Acland, Messrs E. G. Wright, Maude, Fryer, Weston, Murphy, Eoae, Batham, Blakistou, Brittan, Whitefcord, Malet, H. Thomson, EousMarten, Kaye, Grigg, Eimbell, Gordon and others.

Punctually at eight o’clock his Lordship Bishop Julius arrived. His appearance on the platform was the signal for prolonged applause, the audience rising to their feet and loudly cheering the new Bishop. The proceedings were commenced by the singing of the hymn, “ All People that on Earth do Dwell,” the Cathedral choir leading. The Chairman said that very few words were required from him in. explanation of the object.of the meeting, which was to introduce the people of Christchurch to their new Bishop. *Some of them had had tho advantage of hearing him in the Cathedral and in the Council Chamber, but comparatively few bad been able to obtain admission, and no doubt tho Bishop, as well as they, was anxious for an opportunity such as this, of meeting the people of his diocese. Before, however, proceeding to speak on the immediate object of the meeting, he would nob be doing justice to hia own feelings or, ho was sure, to the feelings of those present, were he not to say a few words about the old Bishop, from whom they were now parting. Hiszealous, devoted, and untiring labours were known to all, and bis gentle, courteous, and conciliatory conduct had endeared him to every heart. His wise moderation had largely conduced to prevent those painful differences of opinion which might otherwise have arisen, and had happily been tho means of bringing about a friendly feeling among the various religious denominations. And now, full of years, and honours meekly borne, he was laying down tho burdens he had sustained so long, and committing them to younger hands ; but it was gratifying- to think that, in taking leave of their old Bishop they were not taking leave of the man, and that the influence of his gentle and kindly spirit would still be shed among them. They had been fortunate in their first Bishop, and they were also fortunate in hia successor. His face and form were strange to most of them, bub it could not be said that he was unknown, for reports of him and of his work had reached them from time to time from the neighbouring Colony where he laboured. He came to them accredited with the testimony, presented to him on his departure, of all creeds and classes, bearing witness to his work in Victoria, to his personal qualities, to tho manner in which he had infused life into the Church and had helped all classes of humanity. Those testimonies told of his eloquence, of his sagacity and wisdom, of his earnestness, and of his great-hearted sympathy with all humanity—that great-heartedness which was the surest key to the hearts of other men, and which the speaker was sure would be found a precious possession here. Though he came as a Bishop to the Church, whose fabric it would be hia care to extend and strengthen, he came also as a patriotic, eminent citizen. Any influence and power which a man possessed was given to him in trust for his fellow men, and their Bishop would nob give to part of mankind those talents which were bestowed on him for the benefit of all. Tho speaker doubted not that in any movement for the social, material, or moral advancement of the people, any movement for the relief of distress, for the consoling of sorrow, for making this poor world a little better than we found it, the wisdom, eloquence and counsels of the new Bishop would be found in the forefront of the battle. They a great deal, from. their- new

Bishop, but they must not expect too much, for a Bishop was but a man, and man was fallible. The Bishop expected something from them; he expected them to work with him, to give him their help and confidence ; and if they did this the Bishop would not ha wanting in his part. ADDRESSES. It was then announced by tho Chairman that the presentation of addresses would form the next part of the proceedings : Mr C. Whitefcord, on behalf of the clergy and laity of the diocese, read the following address: — “To the Eight Reverend Eather in God, Churchill Julius, Bishop of Christchurch, " My Lord, —Wo, the clergy and laity of tho Diocese of Christchurch, gladly embrace the earliest opportunity of gathering round you, and offering to you our most cordial welcome. The reputation of thoso high qualifications for the office of a Bishop with which it has pleased God to endow you, has long since reached us, and caused us with an almost unexampled unanimity to choose you for our ruler and head; and the difficulties and painful delays which ensued, and almost threatened to frustrate our choice, have only increased our enthusiasm and our hope. Wo do not fear that we shall he disappointed, for we are assured, if we needed assurance, by the words your Lordship addressed to ua from the pulpit of your Cathedral yesterday, that your trust is in tho living God, and that He will enable you to go on .from strength to strength to the overthrow of the strongholds of vice and irreligion, and to tho advancement of the Church of God amongst ns. Your Lordship has frankly thrown yourself upon the confidence of your clergy and people. With equal frankness and heartiness we respond to your appeal, and we earnestly trust that, by tho guidance and blessing of the Holy Spirit, we may be enabled, under your leadership, eo to labour iu the cause of our Master, and so to glorify His name by good works, that this Church may become a praise on the earth; that they who in this land love the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity may be drawn more closely together in bonds of unity and concord; and that the Gospel may go forth with increasing power into heathen lands. As we have _ loved and trusted your predecessor, so will we love and trust you; and we earnestly pray that, by tho blessing of God, you may rule over us for many years in health and strength, and that your name and family may take root amongst us, as his has done. Once more, dear and Eight Esverend Sir, we welcome you amongst us as a fellowcitizen, as a fellow-colonist, and as our deeply revered and heartiiy-heloved Bishop and pastor.” Mr A. Kaye, who read the address of the Young Men’s Christian Association, said that he, with others, had had great pleasure in hearing the sentiments expressed by his Lordship at the luncheon that afternoon. It had given him great pleasure to hear the Bishop’s reference to the young men of Christchurch; and there was no doubt that his Lordship would be a warm supporter of all institutions connected with, the welfare and benefit of young men, and that ho would be the means, by bis example and pre'cept, of leading many to a better life. The address was as follows : “ To the Eight Kaverend Churchill Julius Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand.

"Your Lordship,—The Young Men’s Christian Association of Christchurch wishes to join very cordially in the general welcome which is now being extended to you. As an Association non-sectarian in character, hut in fullest sympathy with the Churches represented. by its membership, we feel called upon to express our hope that the union now so happily cousumated between your Lordship and the diocese of Christchurch may long continue with equal blessing to both. We have heard with pleasure of the good work which you have already done among young men, and it is the earnest hope of this Association that you will lend your countenance and influence in assisting it to promote the highest interests of the young men of this city. Wo therefore bid you welcome, and pray that the blessing of God may be with you in all your work for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom in our midst.—Signed, on behalf of tho Y.M.C.A,, "A. Kaye, President. "Thos. H. Smeaton, Gen. See.”

Messrs F. S. Parker, Macintosh and others, on behalf of the Trades and Labour Council, made the presentation of the following address :

“ Canterbury Trades and Labour Council, “ Christchurch, May 2, 1890. “To the Eight Eev the Lord Bishop of Christchurch, “ May it please your Lordship, we, the undersigned, most respectfully beg to welcome your Lordship to your diocese, and in doing so it gives us great satisfaction to offer this memorial of our affection and esteem to one who has always been identified as the friend and fellow worker with the wage-earners of the districts in which you have hitherto laboured. Trusting that the Almighty will bless you in your high calling, together with the work of all leaders of the various sections of the Church in this Province, we subscribe ourselves, “ Your Lordship’s obedient servants, “ F. S. Parker, President. “ J. E. Jehkinsoh } Vice- “ J. Macintosh ) Presidents. “ T. J. Cowley, Treasurer. “ F. J. Bidmeade, Secretary.” Bishop Julius, on rising, was received with loud and long-continued cheering. When at length it had subsided, his Lordship spoke as follows : Mr Chairmau, my Lords, my reverend brethren, ladies and gentlemen,—l stand here with a heart overflowing with gratitude to you all in Christchurch for the kindly and magnificent reception which you have given me. (Cheers.) I pray God that in the days to come I may prove myself worthy of it. It is nearly eighteen months ago when I, Archdeacon of Ballarat and Yicar of Christ’s Church in that city, first heard of the diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, and of the thought in the minds of some that I should take the place of the honoured Bishop of that See. Eighteen months is a good long time to be thinking about a change, and you will not wonder that I was, to some cstent, upset in mind and in work by the long delay which ensued upon those first tidings, nor that, through the rumours that reached Victoria, those to whom I ministered were in like manner somewhat disconcerted and involved in very strange misapprehensions. For instance, I, wandering up tho country, met a good farmer, who said to me, " Archdeacon, you had better stop amongst ns here, because, you know, they have changed their minds over yonder, and they don’t want you.” (Laughter). I need not enter into those circumstances which caused such long delay. Thank God, I had nothing to do with them. (Cheers). Thank God that wo are clear of them now; and I am sure of this, that I shall be the very last man in all the world to ever touch upon, or thrust myself into them. (Applause). Well, my_ friends, they are dona with—and God be with them. And yet, I must confess, that so far as I was personally concerned, that delay was not altogether unproductive of benefit. It enabled me to take what I was very thankful for, a thorough holiday, such as I have never had since tho days when I was married-some —I hardly know how many years ago. (Laughter.) I think it is about five and a half years ago siuce I left dear old London to come to Victoria. Whether I am a Londoner, or a Victorian, or a New Zealander, I cannot say ; hut I am, apparently, a make-up of the lot. I came to Victoria at the invitation the diocese of Ballarat, to take up the work in which I have since remained, and I found in Victoria, friends, so good, true, and dear that their memory will never fade away from my heart. (Cheers.) From the day that I first set foot in Ballarat to the last day when I said farewell to _ the crowd on the platform, I never received aught but the most unfailing kindness. I wrought there under the leadership of a Bishop, I think the most hard working mau I ever met in my life ; a man with a head on his shoulders ; a man of keen intelligence, of strong and statesmanlikegrasp of his diocese; a man whom it was an immense ■ advantage? to myself. t<* fee-associated.,

with, and from whom I received more than I am able to acknowledge. I do here, to-day, and before you all, express my thanks to tho good Bishop of Ballarat for the counsel, for the advice, for tho wisdom, and for the help he gave me through the five years of my life in that diocese. (Applause.) Well, I left it and you know why. And yet I left it before I was wanted. (Laughter.) I left it to find a refuge in what I understood was a sufficiently secluded spot where I could not be entangled in the difficulties of the New Zealand Church (Laughter), namely. Lake Wakatipu. Before I received a letter from friends in Christchurch I did not know there was such a lake in ail creation. Since then I have learnt it to my great comfort, for I spent there four very happy weeks, boating on that splendid lake, walking on those glorious mountains, drinking in tho fresh air, and rejoicing iu rest and quiet, gathering round me my company of children—a very large company too. (Laughter.) For, once upon a time I was a poor curate, and all poor curates have their quivers full of them. (Laughter.) And so I come to Christchurch, nor shall I readily forget my entrance on the diocese, the first grasp of the hand on the border, the hand of a brother clergyman. And then, those that found us out in the carriage, and came to give us greeting all along the line—Mr March, with three bouquets of flowers from—What do you call it ? (A voice .- “ Arowhenua.”) Oh yes, Arowhenua; I could not pronounce the name—and two other places (Laughter) ; the bells ringing in Ashburton, the crowd on the platform at Timaru, and then the greeting on the platform in Christchurch, tho pleasant, kindly faces there, not least of all, that of your dear, venerable Dean (Applause), nor least of all tho cry of one outside the station, “Give us a grip of your flipper, old man”—(laughter)—and he got a grip of my flipper- (Laughter.) Nor shall I readily forget the solemn services of yesterday, whose influence, God grant, may never fade from my heart; my first introduction to your dear and Venerable Bishop. (Applause.) One worthy indeed ox your love, your reverence, and your trust. May the blessing of God be upon his closing days. (Cheers.) Yet I was sorry when I heard the Cathedral would not hold quite all that would have come, and that it was necessary to employ tickets—l hate them—(loud applause)— and so does the Dean. (Applause.) Of course I suppose they were a necessity; everybody says that, but I am right thankful for the opportunity of speaking to this great company here in a hall where no tickets are needed. (Applause.) And, moreover, I hope, in the mercy of God, that ere many years are passed, Christchurch churchmen will rise up and complete that noble building. (Applause.) A splendid building, which, I am not afraid to say, is one of the finest Gothic structures in Australasia. (Cheers.) Well, so it is that I, Churchill Julius, like my great namesake in the ages gone by, have come to this, "a certain island,” and I feel ready to burn my ships behind me, to make me stay here, and, God helping me, to fight with all my heart and soul, and with the help of my brethren about me, for righteousness, for truth, and for freedom. (Cheers.) Now, if you are to know a man, you must know something of what he thinks. I want to know you, and I want you to .know something of mo, and, therefore, I must try to tell you something in the little time I have, for I dare not keep you too long. (Voices: “Go on.”) It is all very well—you do not know what you are in for if you say, " Go on.” I will endeavour to put before you some few of my views on certain subjects, which are mainly suggested to me by those most kind addresses, which I do so thankfully accept to-night. (Applause.) the diocesan address. And, first of all, let me speak to the clergy and to the laity of the Church of England, who, in their address, have expressed such kindly sentiments towards me, and have assured me, as I know full well they mean it, of their hearty and loving trust and support. I thank them from my soul for the kindly words of that address, words which I shall read again and again, and take to my very heart, words which shall encourage me, and raise me from that fear that oftentimes breaks in on my peace, and shall rouse me to work with them in the cause and service of God. (Applause.) It is no small comfort to me to know that I was elected to the Bishopric of Christchurch by the almost unanimous voice of the Synod of the Church; for, first of all, it assures me that there can be no great party feeling in the diocese. (Applause.) When the whole diocese, of clergy and laity, can thus meet together, can pitch upon any man, and most of all, upon such a one as I, and vote for him with almost one voice, it means that there can be none of those bitter, burning differences which makes Christians often hate one another with the very bitterness of hell itself. (Applause.) In the next place it assures me that there are some differences, and yet that the churchmen in this diocese are willing to sink those differences in the cause of peace and unanimity. (Applause.) There are some differences —I should be sorry if there were not. I should he sorry to be Bishop in a place where everyone thinks the same as his neighbour, where everyone talks in the same way, and where they have about as much life in them as so many lamp-posts. (Laughter and applause.) No, I come to a diocese where people do think for themselves, and think differently, yet where they are able to say, "Our differences are not fundamental, and, therefore, in the cause of peace, and for the help of our diocese, we can agree to find a mau who shall be our Bishop.” (Applause.) So you may suppose that I am not a strong party man. Yet I have been asked, as I was once by a lady in Victoria, to which party of the Church I belonged; and I said, “ My dear madam, I have been trying for twenty-five years to find out, and I don’t know.” (Applause.) I really do not know. Let me take you into my confidence. I was brought up a striet Evangelical, and I thank God for it, and for those deep principles of a personal religion which were then ingrained into my soul. (Applause). I thank God that, by thought and prayer and study, I have been led to something more, and what I am to-day, I scarce know. Perhaps I am as Punch said, some years ago, “ an Evangelical Broad Churchman, with High Church views.” (Laughter). Or, rather, a Broad High Churchman, with a loving sympathy with everybody who differs from him. (Applause). You may suppose that I do not want everyone to agree with me, and that I shall shake hands as lovingly with any clergyman who thinks differently, as with those who have the same tone and colour as I, that I shall work with them, and give them my sympathy with all my soul, feeling that they are doing a work which I, perhaps, am not able to do. (Applause). THE TRADES* AND LABOUR COUNCIL. Again; and now I enter upon a different subject, I thank the workingmen, who by their representatives have presented me with a most welcome address to-night. (Cheers). I verily believe there was a time when the diocese of Christchurch thought that if I ever entered upon it, I should come here with two pounds of dynamite in my pocket. (Great laughter). Whether it was caused by the telegrams from Ballarat, I cannot say. I have come to the conclusion that telegraph wires are immoral, because you put truth in at one end, and it comes out lies at the other. (Great laughter). What is the truth of it ? I will tell you. I have lived for six years in London. I have worked in London, and I have lived among the very poor, and I have seen such poverty, such hideous wretchedness, as have been burned into my very soul. Do you wonder that the thought of it should make me cry to God for help for the poor of the great cities of Europe! And when I was in Ballarat, and that terrible London strike was in full force, I spoke about it, and I spoke as I should speak about it anywhere on any platform, Bishop or no Bishop. (Tremendous cheering.) I should be the last man to set the poor against the rich, labour against capital, one man against his brother man, but I say, while ..there axeMettcliviiigjA,LondoD^aa,th^rQ k

are at this time, whether it be by the temporary disorganisation of the money market, or the labour market, or what you will, we must find some change in the order of things, and it is the duty of every man to look earnestly and deeply till that change is brought about. (Loud cheers.) What change ? Don't misunderstand me. lam no advocate of any panacea for the wrongs of the suffering poor. I am not standing here to advocate Land Nationalisation or Socialism in any former shape. They are matters tor profound thought and study and care, not by talk, not by loud speeches, not by force or violence, not by the influence of dynamite, but by slow and certain methods which belong to the Anglo-Saxon race. (Applause.) What I do say is this, that the days are gone by for ever, thank God, when churchmen shall look around upon, their poor, wretched brother with fifteen children and 9s a week to feed them on, and say, “My dear brother, you must be contented with that state of life into which it has pleased God to call you.” (Loud applause.) Ido not expect all my brethren to agree with me in everything, but I cannot, say that to a man when he is half-starved, for I do not believe that God put him there at all. It is our false systems, our commercial frauds—l won’t go into it, I don't know how he got there—but it is the duty of every Christian man to give a hand to pull him out. (Loud cheers.) I know and believe from my very heart that the truest Socialism is that of Christianity —(applause), —that in the Christ alone we are brothers one of another ; that in the Christ alone we learn fraternity, liberty, and equality. But, then, lam not to say to my poor suffering brethren, “ Christianity will bring it about; sit down and starve on a mutton bone, and wait for the millennium.” (Laughter and applause.) No, if I believe Christianity can do it, I am to bring the principles of Christianity to bear on these questions; to bring the love and self-sacrificing spirit of the Christ to the minds of those who are wealthy, and to inculcate endurance and patience to those who are poor and suffering. Let mo say this alone then, I am no Socialist. I will never strive to set one class against another, but if ever in this world I see sign of cruelty, oppression, injustice and wrong, and that which has all these elements combined, the sweating system, I will come forth and I will speak every word I have got in me to crush it down. (Loud cheers). EDUCATION. Now for another question, if I donot weary you. I am not going to talk politics. I used to think that the question of religious education in State schools was politics, but I learned to-day from Mr Beeves that it is not. (Laughter.) Mr Beeves told us that ho was not going to talk politics, but he did speak about that. I am not going exactly to answer the speech he made, with much of which I was very fully agreed, but only to talk on the matter in general for a few moments. Mr Beeves remarked, if I remember rightly, that the introduction of the Bible into State schools, or rather, of religious instruction in State schools, was simply an impossibility. Now, I must very humbly question that. If it were an impossibility there is no reason why we should not go and try for it—(laughter)—but we question —at least I do —whether it is an impossibility. If ever there was an out and out secular system in this world, it is that of Victoria; and I can see the signs and tendency of re-action there. (Applause.) What form that may take I cannot tell, but I do believe that the strong Secular party is becoming ashamed of itself, and it’s about time it was. (Applause.) Ido not think you have ever run to such lengths in this Colony—l hope not. At the same time, your system is free, compulsory and secular. Now, I, for one, having been connected with education in London, have no wish to see the old denominational system introduced into these Colonies; I think we are better without it. (Applause.) But, for all that, when I hear Mr Beeves, or any other gentleman, say that the business of the State is education, I begin to ask. What is education without religion ? (Applause.) As for the conflict of the Christian sects, it is bad enough, but the difficulty is mostly moonshine. There are details of difficulty which can be vanquished. They are vanquished in Canada, in Ireland, and by the London School Board, and are we in New Zealand such a pack of fools that we cannot vanquish it? (Applause.) However, we are told it is an impossibility. Well and good. We will fight, God helping us, and we may get our way in time, or a bit of it. But meantime shall we be content with protests ? God forbid. lam afraid we have been too ready to do this, although I speak with an imperfect knowledge of New Zealand. Our Eoman Catholic brethren have set us a very noble and grand example. (Applause.) They protested; they did not believe in a secular education; but they built their schools and gathered their children into them, and they paid for those schools and supported them without a farthing of Government grant. I say they deserve the blessing of God on their work. (Cheers.) lam thankful to know that there are Church schools in this diocese; one in this city which is wall supported by the laity. For we must lay this to heart, our children grow rapidly here; they talk politics so soon as they have dropped the feeding bottle, and if we are to do anything with them it is not by getting them out of the streets and out of infidelity when they have grown up, but by training them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord from their childhood. (Cheers.) If we have not got it in our State schools or our denominational schools, we must do what we can with our Sunday schools, and I think those schools are by no means what they ought to be or what they might be. (Applause.) I am afraid they are very often homes where the children are sent while the father and mother spend the Sunday afternoon, in sleep. I think they are schools for imparting information with respect to Abraham's great grand-father’s aunt—(laughter)—rather than information in the ways of the Lord. I mean we want something more than teaching Scriptural history. We want to implant truths in their hearts, and to draw out those better instincts which are in them. And what does that require ? It requires good teaching. Those who understand what education is, and go at it in a right fashion, know that it requires all the training, thought and discipline we can throw into it. Ido not say this—God forbid that I should—to discourage the very humblest Sunday school teachers. God bless them for their work. I say do not bo contented with our work. Let us try to make those schools what they ought to be, true educational centres to train the children in the ways of God. (Applause.) OTHER CHURCHES. It was a very great pleasure to me to see in the hall this afternoon several clergy of other denominations than my own. (Applause.) As there is not a man, so there is not a Church or a Denomination in this City or this Diocese, striving to extend the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, to lead poor souls into His truth and ways, who have not my deepest love and my warmest sympathy. (Applause.) How shall I refuse to bless those whom God has so manifestly blessed ? And shall I close my eyes to a good work which I know to be 'good, and in many cases puts the work of my own Church to shame ? I say. No! but to sympathise with my brothers of other denominations, and to work in all points with them, are very different things. I have very little faith in those so-called exhibitions of Christian charity which consist in gathering together ministers of different denominations upon one platform, to call one another " Dear Brother,” pat one another on the back, and then go and fight like cat and dog. (Laughter and applause.) I, as Bishop, shall be very much what I was as priest of the Church of God. I shall be faithful to the traditions and rules and customs of my own Church. I shall not, in pursuit of my own fancies, or from personal sympathy, transgress the rule of my Church, (Applause,) Nor would any right-minded minister of any other denomination wish me to do it. That I am cure of. There are platforms on which we can meet as brethren with good effect. We may stand together on Jfee- Bide„ofcJPurity,,-o^

Education, and a dozen other things, and may learn to believe and to realise more and more the true communion of saints.' (Cheers.) T.M.C.A. ADDRESS. [A note was here passed to his Lordship : which he read out as follows • “ Don’t forget the Young Men’s address.”] No fear of that. lam keeping the best for the last. Catch me forgetting the young men. I could not have received, except from my own Church-people, an, address more welcome than that from the Young Men’s Christian Association of this ! city. (Applause.) I have seen, I have worked in that Association in many places where I have lived. I have watched its' influence, and I have known how full of power for good that Association may be, and very often—l shall speak quite freely. —I have found that it very much depends on its Secretary and officers. I have known branches of it which have tamed out on ; the world something like an hysterical' young woman—(laughter)—and with that I have very little sympathy; but I have' seen Associations which, have turned out; on the world young men-—foursquare young men, whole-sided young men, men with biceps, men who could kick a football' without breaking their legs, who were able to row a boat, and who could think and read and study as wall as pray, and at the; same time young men leading holy and pure lives—(applause) —and I say if your Association is doing that, it is teaching them what God meant young men to be ; ‘ it will have the fullest sympathy and help; that I know how to give it. (Cheers.) !■ am sure my friends will not think that this is very limited praise. I only meant to say there are Young Men’s Christian Associations and Young Men’s Christian Associations, and I hope this is the one. (Applause.) CONCLUSION. And now I come to a close. It has been a real pleasure to me, little as I love talking, to speak to this great multitude in this new land. Oh, my friends, may God give me power to use that high place that He has entrusted to me to the blessing and good of the Church and city. of Christchurch, and of this Diocese. May God grant that you who have been looking for these many months for the advent of your new, young Bishop, may not be mistaken and say, “We have found no father, but a child.” Nay, may God help me to be strong in sympathy, strong in, love, strong in counsel, in wisdom, and in tact; that I may wisely govern that church which Ho has thought fit to commit into my hands. (Applause.) And so I bid you farewell to-night, and thank yon for your attendance. Ladies and gentlemen, I shall keep you no longer, for I want to go home and have a pipe. (His Lordship sat down amidst loud and long continued cheering.) The hymn “ The Church’s One Foundation ” was then sung. MrWhitefoord moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Sir John Hall, who, though suffering from il-lhealth, had given his services that evening. He called for three cheers which were heartily responded to.

Sir John briefly acknowledged the compliment, and the doxology having been sung, his Lordship, Bishop Julius, pronounced the Benediction, and the proceedings terminated.