CHURCH SOCIAL.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12165, 13 February 1908, Page 2

CHURCH SOCIAL.

PRESENTATION TO THE BISHOP OF NELSON.

There was a large gathering of the members of the Church"of •England last evening at the Druids' Hall at the conversazione held [for the purpose of affording them an opportune ity to say good-bye to.the*BishopJof Nelson, Mrs Mules and Miss Mules, on the eve of their departure on a trip to Mr A. T. Maginnity presided.

Miss Kempi-.norne contributed a pianoforte solo* Miss Bamford sang "The Fairies' Lullaby," Eev. P. W. Chatterton sangga selection from "The Ancient Mariner," and Mr Houlker sang "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind. " Miss Kemuthornß accompanied the vocalists.

Tbe'Kev. J.P. Kerapthqrne, vicar of Christ Church, explained the of the social gathering The Bi9hop informed the Nelson Synod of his intention to attend the Lambeth Conference, and they were all pleased that he was going to that important conference. The Bishop, fGr the last sixteen years, had worked hard in the diocese, and had only left it once during that period, and that was]when he paid a briet visit to Australia. The clergy of the diocese thought some expression of their feelings for the Bishop and Mrs Mules should be given, and they "associated Mrs Mules because she had so thoroughly supported the Bishop in his work. The matter was mentioned to the laity, who took it up heartily, with the result that a presentation would be made to the Bishop that evening. The Bishop bad been in New Zealand over forty years, and his work had been appreciated by all. He bad always been helpful to the clergy, and had ever shown them much kindness. He had been active in the work of the diocese, and his journeys bad at times been undertaken with Tparsonal risk. Mrs Mules had taken a great interest in | the Mothers' Union, and also in the Girls' College. They all wished the Bishop, Mrs Mules and Miss Mules a pleasant journey, a very happy time in England, and a safe return.

The Rev. W. S. Lucas, vicar of All Saints', also expressed hearty good wishes that the Bishop and his family might enjoy the trip to England, and safely return to Nelson. The Bishop had thoroughly earned a holiday, but looking at the list of subjects, some very weighty ones, to come before the Lambeth Confeernce, be did not know that it would be much of a holiday, but it certainly would be a change of work; He_hoped tbe English climate would treat the Bishop better than it had some people. He hoped they would all be able to welcome the Bishop back in November, and that the Bishop would long be spared to continue his work, which under the blessing of God had been so acceptable in the diocese. Mr Maginnity also spoke of the strong feeling of regard felt the Bishop and his family. The Bishop would be absent about six monthß,and it was a fitting occasion to show their goodwill and affection, and to say to the Bishop and "his family good-bye, or God" be with them.' He heartily joined, and he felt sure all of the churches did also, in wishing the Bishop and his family a safe jouruey, a pleasant stay in England, and that they might return in health and safety. The Rev. J. P . KempthQrne then presented the Bishop with a wellfilled purse of sovereigns. lie said the presentation had been contributed to throughout the whole diocese, and he asked the Bishop |to accept it as a token of their affection and love.

The Bishop of Nelson, who was greeted with rounds of aprlause, thanked them for their gift, and tho kindly expressions given utterance to as regarded himself and gMrs Mules. He felt very deeply their kindness, and he»heartily reciprocat ed their good wishes. Referring to his visit to England, ho said he expected to see many changes, and he knew many had passed away since he last vjsited England, liis time would bo occupiedjji'or about "six weeks at the Lambeth Conference, and two or three weeks would be taken up with matters 'connected with the Nelson diocese. He concluded by again thanking them for their kindness, and the kind wishes expressed for himself and wife. He hoped God would spare them to return with renewed strength. He assured them that his journeying throughout the diocese bad been undertaken with satisfaction and delight. Refreshments were provided, and at the close the company embraced the opportunity of having a friendly chat with the Bishop and Mrs Mules, and shaking hands with them, and wishing' them bon voyage and a safe return.