YUGOSLAV TRIBUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 77, 28 February 1938, Page 11

YUGOSLAV TRIBUTE.

BOATS MEET WANGANELLA. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 26. The Apolostolic Delegate (Archbishop Panico) and the remainder of the delegation enjoyed a perfect crossing of the Tagman and Auckland, too, was providing the best weather. Owing to the precautions taken by the Health Department, the Waiwanella did not immediately make Ter way to Princes Wharf, blit hove-to in the stream, where she was boarded by the Port Health Officer, Customs officials, and Tourist Department officers. 1 It was then that the Yugoslav Roman Catholic community made its impressive gesture. Out from the wharves came a dozen big fishing boats, their rigging bedecked with red, white, and blue flags. They ninde a graceful sight as they sailed in formation and circled the vessel, while the crews cheered the visitors.

Then out of the south-east sky, appeared four aeroplanes—the tribute of the Auckland Aero Club. Piloted by Commander G. R. White, senior pilot of. Union Airways, Flight-Lieu-tenant D. M. Allen, and Mr K. B. Robinson, instructors to the chib, and Mr H. J. Lambert, the ’planes formed a Cross .in the sky as they swooped low over the vessel in salute.. They caine back again in arrowhead formation and crossed and recrossed above the vessel. It was a most impressive sight. Homage was paid in St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the undaunted faith and devotion of the men and women with whom had begun the first hundred year's of the Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand, when Archbishop O’Shea addressed a formal welcome to the Apostolic Delegate. The full significance of the celebrations was Bummed up in the concluding words of Archbishop Panico as he gave thanks for the moving reception he had been accorded.

“The occasion is truly a solemn one,’’ said the Delegate. “It is a festival of remembrance, friaSt of joy, and exultation in the Lord. It is one of thanksgiving, tOo, for a century Of blessings, and occasion for profound meditation as we stand on the threshold of our century to gather frhsh inspiration from our valiant forefathers and to stimulate any flagging energy of faith or devotion and to make us irt our day a generation that shall be deemed worthy Of them.” Pope Pius had had many proofs of New Zealand Roman Catholics’ attachment, love and loyalty, arid on this day of their triumph lie was with them.