BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17276, 27 September 1919, Page 10

BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

WELCOME SOciAL HELD.

EULOGISTIC SPEECHES.

A welcome was given to the Bishop of Melanesia, the Right Reverend J. M. Steward, in St. Sepulchre's Parish Hall last evening. There was a crowded attendance of church members and clergy, the Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Averill, presiding.

An address of welcome from the clergy and laity of the diocese was read by Dr. Averill, and presented to the guest of the evening. Dr. Averill referred to the fact that Bishop Steward had for 17 years been a tried man in the mission at Melanesia, and the staff had shown their confidence and trust in him by electing him their bishop. _In the name of the diocese of Auckland, he had great pleasure in welcoming him there, and also in wishing him God-speed upon his approaching journey to the Islands. Archdeacon G. Mac Murray extended a welcome to the new bishop from the clergy of the Auckland diocese. He wished him every success in his new sphere of work. Speaking on behalf of the laity, Mr. C. J. Tunks assured the guest that they were behind him. They would do all they could to further the cause of -the mission.

The Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, speaking on behalf of the original members of the St. Barnabas' Association, also welcomed Bishop Steward. He presented him«with a cheque for £25 as a token of their affection and esteem, and said they hoped he would expend it, or a portion of it, upon the purchase of his episcopal robes. Bishop Steward, who was accorded an enthusiastic reception, said the largeness of the attendance showed an interest in him and in Melanesia, and would encourage him in commencing his new work. He briefly outlined some changes which would take place in connection with the mission, the most important being the removal of the headquarters from Norfolk Island to the Solomon Islands. Just as the removal from the original headquarters at Kohimarama to Norfolk Island had been a great step in the history of the mission, so he believed the pending removal to the Solomon Islands would mark another great advance. A collection was taken up for the mission, and the remainder of the evening was devoted to a musical programme and social intercourse.

It was announced that Holy Communion would be celebrated at a dismiVfsal service in St. Mary's Cathedral at 9.30 a.m. today, which church and mission members were invited to attend. Afterwards the Bishop of Melanesia would go aboard the Southern Cross.