VISIT OF THE RIGHT REVEREND DR. CROKE TO TAPU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2342, 28 July 1871, Page 3

VISIT OF THE RIGHT REVEREND DR. CROKE TO TAPU.

Althocgii Bishop Croke had intimated his intention of visiting Tapu 011 Saturday, the 22nd inst., yet, owing to the inclemency of the weather, his Lordship was scarcely expected. Saturday morning, it is needless to say, although not all that could be desired, was comparatively fine; and so, true to his promise, the Bishop cirno on by tho Lalla liookh, which arrived here about half-past nino. A small boat, containing Messrs. Kockliff and Donovan, with two sturdy oarsmen, put out to meet tho steamer, and brought his Lordship safely to shore. Some twenty or more of the leading Catholics of tho district were on the beach to receive him ; and the number would have been very much more considerable had the people generally been sure that his Lordship would have been able to keep his engagement. While in Tapu he was tho guest of Mr. J. B. Rockliff. His Lordship officiated on Sunday at ten o'clock in the neat little church of the district, which was crowded on the occasion. He spoke for nearly an hour in his usual homely but soul-stirring and energetic manner on the chief duties of a Christian, and some special obligations of the members of his own flock. The address was listened to with attention throughout, and gave unqualified satisfaction to all who heard it. Immediately after service the members of the Church Committee advanced to the front of the altar, and Mr. RockliH', their chairman, read an appropriate address.

His Lordship thanked them heartily for the kindness they had done him, and expressed the pleasure it afforded him in being there face to fuce with tho good people of Tapu. lie said ho was always at home in the midst of bis flock ; nor could he understand how any ecclesiastic, either priest or bishop, could effect much good amongst his people unless be visited them frequently, made himself personally acquainted with their spiritual and other needs, and in every way gave evidence that ho was their shepherd, not alone in name and appearance, but in fact and truth. He hoped to visit this part of his diocese very soon again, and thought lie could not give better proof of tho solicitude which lie felt about thorn than by taking practical steps' "towards providing them ,rwith a resident — 80 much needed bJ them, and bo earnestly

desired. His Lordship then conferred the rite of baptism on Mr. William Jamieson, who had sought to be admitted into the communion of the Church of Rome. — Thames Advertiser.