BISHOP COWIE'S WELCOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9262, 16 January 1889, Page 6

BISHOP COWIE'S WELCOME.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —I quite agree that it is a very great mistake to make the above welcome a paying concern. . It will detract largely from the attendance ; it looks not a nice way of welcoming our respected Bishop. All the needed expense is the rent of the hall, and that could be arranged for without any charge for admission. Reconsider the matter. Throw the doors open to all, and lot every one, those who can, and those who cannot afford to pay two shillings, for, it may be, self and wife and a couple of young people. Besides, afford, or not afford, it looks bad, very bad, that the people .cannot go and bid the Bishop welcome without pay. It gives those who delight to sneer, as well as others, opportunity to say you cannot even go to such an affair as welcoming the Bishop of the Church without pay. No refreshments of any kind are required. A hearty welcome from the people, an address or two by representative men, a little lively and cheerful music, and tho thing would pass off pleasantly, and tho Bishop and Mrs. Cowie be much more gratified than to be met by a select few, who pay for the privilege, I would rather say the pleasure, of attending on Thursday night. There was nothing of the paying business when Bishop Selwyn returned, and I am sure from knowing Bishop Cowie since he arrivod first in Auckland, that he would infinitely prefer a free and hearty welcome to the ono proposed. —I am, etc., A Churchman.