BISHOP MULES' TRIP TO ENGLAND.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 13 February 1908, Page 2

BISHOP MULES' TRIP TO ENGLAND.

FAREWELL SOCIAL AT THE

DRUIDS' HALL,

The farewell social tendered to Bishop Mules, and Mrs and Miscs Mules at the Druids' Hall last evening was very largely attended by the parishioners of Christchurch and All Saints. Amongst those present were the Revs. Kempthorne, Lucas, Carr, Meyer, Chatterton, Fox, and Millgtell. The chair was taken by Mr A. T. Maginnity. -

"\ A short musical programme having been rendered, the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne stated the object of the gathering, which was to bid good-bye to the Bishop and family prior to their departure for England, where the Bishop would attend the Lambeth Conference. Bishop Mules had been Bishop for 16 . years, and during that period a visit to Australia had been his longest journey. The clergy of the Diocese had met and had decided that they should give expression to their feelings towards the Bishop, Mrs Mules, and Miss Mules. Then it was thought the laity could hot be left out, and the result was the meeting, to wish the Bishop God speed, a safe journey, and a happy time in England. (Applause). The Bishop had been in New Zealand for over 40 years, and they all knew him and they all appreciated his character and his work. Mrs Mules had been alwajs at the side of her husband, and had supported him ; and she had taken a great interest in the work of the Women's Union and in the Girls' College. The Rev. W. S. Lucas, on behalf of All Saints' and other parishes, offered the Bishop best wishes for a pleasant voyage to England, a happy time there, and a safe return. ' The Bishop had thoroughly earned his holiday — though it would not be a proper holiday - as there would be plenty of business at the Conference, and some weighty subjects had been set down. They were glad that evening, but he hoped they' would have gladder hearts in November, when they would welcome the Bishop back again to labour in the future as in the past. Mr A. T. Maginnity said it was an occasion on which they should meet' and let the Bishop know that he had the goodwill, love and affection of those belonging to his Church. He hoped the Bishop would have a pleasant journey Home, a successful and pleasant stay among his people in England, and that he would return in health and safety. The Rev. J. P. Kempthorne then presented the Bishop with a purse of sovereigns. (It is understood the purse contained over £110). The puree was contributed to by residents throughout the Diocese — Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, etc. (Applause). The Bisnop was warmly received on rising to address the gathering. He *aid it was impossible for him to give expression in word* to his feelings; but he assured them that he deeply felt the very warm words spoken, and reciprocated the good wishes. For himself and Mrs Mules he thanked them very sincerely. In God's good providence he had been blessed with a very good wife, and a greater blessing was not to be possessed by man. The Bishop went on to speak of his visit to England. He said he would be five months at Home, six weeks of which would be taken up at tho Conference, and then there would be two or three weeks of Diocesan work. There were many people from Nelson ihoeeso at Home, and this was one of tho greatest pleasures he anticipated. Tho importance of tho Lambeth Conference was dwelt upon by the Bishop, who spoke of the great chang that had taken place during tho last 40 years; and if the changes went on in the next 40 years at the same rate, it was difficult to foresee how the Church would be affected. He said he, please God, would, with Mrs Mules, return home with renewed strength and health, though neither he nor Mrs Mules had anything to complain, about in regard to health. The following programme was rendered during the evening.- — Pianoforte solo. Miss Kempthorne; sone "The. Fairies' Lullaby," Mis- Bam"The Ancient Mariner," Rev. | P. W. Chatterton; song, "Blow, blow" thou winter winds," Mr T. Houlker! The accompaniments were played by Miss Kempthorne. Refreshments, given by the ladjmembers of the parishes of Christ Church and All Saints, were handed round, and a pleasant time was spent m conversation. „ ... jJ!ehSl