BISHOP REDWOOD'S RECEPTION.

Patea Mail, Volume 1, Issue 48, 25 September 1875, Page 2

BISHOP REDWOOD'S RECEPTION.

The Committee appointed to carry out the details in connection with the reception of His Lordship Bishop Redwood, were astir for the last few days in renovating the chapel, and otherwise arranging matters for his reception. Although the Catholic population of the Patea district Is not numerous, the reception accorded to His Lordship yesterday must have been very battering to him, and will compare favourably with other districts of a more pretentious character. As we stated in our previous issue, an escort was arranged to meet the Bishop at Whonnaknra, and about 40 persons, ine'n ling a number of ladies, responded to the invitation. All eyes of the party were eagerly fixed on the hill above the hotel for the host sight of the coach containing tho distinguished visitor, when at about ten minutes past one. o’clock, tho coach hove in sight, and many a heart heat with joy. Immediately upon the coach halting-, His Lordship was met by Father Pertnis, who conducted the Bishop to a seat in Mr McGuire’s buggy, which was tastefully decorated with evergreens, and (he horses wore well compari-oned. His Lordship was accompanied ’in the buggy by the Rev. Father Pertnis, Messrs McGuire, and Lyttleton, the latter gentleman driving. Immediately upon His Lordship taking his seat the horses moved off at a smart pace, followed by a number of traps and horsemen. On arrival at Mr McGuire’s cottage, a halt was made, and the Bishop was invited to luncheon. A change in the hour for the presentation of the address was deemed advisable, which had the effect of causing disappointment to many who had no possible opportunity ol: being made acquainted with the departure from the original hour fixed. This alteration was deemed necessary, in consequence of the distance His Lordship had taken up his residence from Carlyle, as it was feared the darkness of the night and tho softness of the road to Manntahi, would not tend to ensure the pleasure of tho drive. Long before the hour named, the dupol was' crowded by a number of ladies and gentlemen of all denominations, who had attended to witness the proceedings, but we fear a number were disappointed at His Lordship’s brief reply and hasty exit from the sacred edifice ; and many who had attended with tho expectation of hearing- a long dissertation, could hardly realise the fact that the proceedings were closed, until they were informed by His Lordship that they could retire. The singing of a hymn, the reading of the address, and the Bishop’s reply barely occupied 25 minutes. We fear that His Lordship must have been upset by the contents of a private telegram received on his arrival in Patea yesterday, demanding the necessity of his immediate return to Wellington, as he exhibited an evident uneasiness to hurry his visit through the district, but as His Lordship has announced to preach a sermon this morning, at 10 o’clock, we have no doubt but that he will fully make amends for the disappointment he occasioned to many last night. A number of young girls, under the charge of Mesdames Lyitlelon and Whelan, were very tastefully dressed in white, with wreaths and veils. The children were arranged in very regular order, their ages ranging from three years to young ladies verging upon womanhood, and their appearance certainly lent a most imposing effect to the ceremony. Immediately after His Lerdship had completed his robing, the church door was opened, and the children marched in procession linked in twos, and after entering the edifice sung the hymn of the Good Shepherd with good

effect, considering the very brief practice they had. A. .its conclusion, Mr Ivess, accompanied by the members of the Church Committee, stepped forward, and read the following address, which was very neatly engrossed by Mr Do G. Fraser, of the Survey office.

To His Lordship the Right Rev. Francis Redwood, Bishop op Wellington.

May it please your Lordship,— The removal by that great leveller—the King of Terrors-—of the Venerable Bishop Viard, who had spent a life-time in sowing the seed of the Catholic Faith in this our adopted country, was deeply regretted by this portion of his Hock, and the assiduity displayed by him in the cause of religion in New Zealand’s early days, will long bo green in our remembrance. When we learnt of your Lordship's consecration for the gap occasioned by the death of our late zealous and good Bishop, our hearts were made glad with joy.

In common with our brethren on such occasions of rejoicing, we gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity of tendering our tribute of homage and respect to your Lordship by proclaiming our obedience and adherance to the doctrines and precepts which it has pleased God that your Lordship is privileged to administer. We feel that we have especial rea-on to rejoice and be grateful for tin’s —your first—visit, as we accept it as (lie harbinger of brighter days for the members of your Hock resident in this part of your Diocese, and a hope of your inculcating stronger faith, stronger hope, and firmer charity in (he minds of those that now surround you.

Wo will not pre-mno to eulogise your Lordship’s acknowledged virtues, amiable disposition, and brilliant talents, but wc cannot resist giving expression to our pride in addresssing a Bishop this evening, who is personally known to many present, and perhaps it is not saying too much—the school and plavmato of not a few that you are likely to meet with in the course of your tour through this district. These facts will recall pleasing reminiscences and associations of your Lordship’s early youth, and when we look back and reflect at the great strides made by your Lordship in the voyage of life, we feel an inward pride at claiming you as a truly Colonial Bishop. This endearing and reverend title is sufficient to call forth into action every sentiment of love and fidc’ity that the human heart, is capable of exercising. Beloved and respected Bishop, we are acquainted with the object of your mission on this joyful event, and when your Lords))ip shall have made your ob-orvalioiw and comparisons with other denominations, we are sensible that we-must expect your censure rather than commendation, as the nrc-ent condition of our chapel hears testimony against- our want: of zeal. hut when your Lordship reflects and considers the severe trials and terrible Native war which this district has passed through, the consequences attending (his scourge made many of our early settler’s homesteads illume the still hours of night, and their blood redden the soil, wc feel confident that your Lordship will readily extend to us your charity by lightly dwelling upon our present condition, which in a great measure is due to the absence of a resident priest. Wc confidently anticipate, after your Lord-hip has rompletedyour present tour through this magnificent district, and made yourself ae'juaintcd with our spiritual want-, the general prosperity of the place, the anxiety of vuur flock for the appointment of ai’c.-ident pri'e-t. and their ready willingne-s, to accord their pastor libera! support, you will he plowed to respond to our appeal with all convenient haste.

Begging your Lordship's blessing and praying God may long spare you to administer your high office in the Diocese to which you have lately been consecrated to. Wc remain, Your Lordship’s faithful children in Jesus

Christ. The Parishioners of Patea

His Lordship replied in most eloquent terms to the address, remarking that it had spoken of him in too flattering a nmiiii’T, expressing deep regret at Bishop Viard’s demise, and said that he was grateful for their kind remembrance fer the deceased Bishop. After replying fully to tho address, His Lordship said that bo would reserve bis answer to that part of the address asking for a resident priest for another day, but would bold out every hope of the request being- granted. Ho would celebrate mass on Saturday morning, at which the ceremony of confirmation would be performed. He would leave some time during the day, and pass on to Hawcra, where ho would also celebrate mass, and then proceed to Taranaki, lie hoped it would not be long before he. would again visit tho district, as he proposed visiting the whole of his diocese frequently, Ho concluded by giving his blessing to all present. We regret that the limited space at our disposal preclude ns from publishing a more lengthened report.