BISHOP GRIMES AT ASHBURTON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6183, 10 March 1888, Page 3

BISHOP GRIMES AT ASHBURTON.

■ [Special to the " Star."] • ! ASHBURTON, March 10. > The Right Key Dr Grimes, R.C. Bishop ] of Canterbury, was accorded a formal re- ■ ception to-day on the occasion of his first \ i episcopal visit to Ashburton. His Lordship [ • arrived from • Timaru by the morning '• train, reaching the Ashburton station t at 10.45. On his arrival the Bishop !' was received by the Rev Father Chastagnon, who, on his lordship's appearance on the platform, called for three j ' cheers for the first Roman Catholic Bishop i of Canterbury, which were given heartily 'j by a gathering numbering several ' i hundreds. His Lordship bowed his | ; acknowledgements. The Reception Com- - j mittee then conducted his Lordship to an ' j open carriage, drawn by four horses. The ! procession was headed by the Ashburton ■ band, and was followed by Sunday school ■ boys, men of the congregation, the Bishop's | carriage, other members of the congregai tion in carriages and on horseback. ■ The procession proceeded round the principal part of the town to the church. ', There the school girls and convent children were drawn up inline. The church "WB3 densely crowded. The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, but there waß no display elsewhere. On the Bishop entering, the church choir sang the "Magnificat." His Lordship quickly ap-peared-at tho altar, attended by the resident clergy. An address was then read by Mr Daniel Brick. His Lordship replied in an eloquent speech of half-an-hour's duration. Mr John Small, on behalf of the congregation, presented a purse of sovereigns. His Lordship expressed his grateful thanks, and concluded the service by granting forty days' indulgence and bestowing the episcopal blessing.