BISHOP REDWOOD'S RECEPTION IN THE GREY VALLEY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 105, 1 May 1875, Page 7

BISHOP REDWOOD'S RECEPTION IN THE GREY VALLEY.

The visit of Dr. Redwood to the Grey Valley created a good deal of enthusiasm among a large section of the population, the, only ' drawback being that the Bishop was, unfortunately, unable owing to circumstances to deliver his promised lecture. Judging from. the style and eloquent nature of the discourses given at the different religious services, and from the fluent and appropriate manner in which his Lordship replied to the various addresses presented him, there is no doubt a lecture delivered by Dr. Redwood on any subject he might select would be a rare intellectual treat. The greatest regret is therefore felt that the Bishop was obliged to forego his intention, and this regret is not confined to his co-religionists alone. It was intended that Dr. Redwood would make a longer stay in the Grey Valley, and preparations were made for his reception at Granville and other places. Owing to the state of the weather at the time, he was detained longer at Reefton than he intended to remain, and consequently the visit to Half -Ounce did not take place. The Bishop was received at Ahaura by the Rev. Father Holland and a numerous concourse, including all the leading Catholics of the district, who escorted him to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, where he was suitably received by the Lady Superioress and the Sisters. Here, after tlie Bishop had performed his devotions in the Church, very appropriate addresses were read by Mr. James M'Laughlin, on the part of the Catholic residents, also by the Rev. Mother on the part of the Sisters, and by Miss Annie Green for the pupils, who looked very happy ranged round as they were in their snow white dresses. The Rev. J. B. Rolland also read an address from the people of Maori Gully. . The Bishop replied to each address in suitable terms, and in graceful and elegant language, thanking the people for the reception given him, complimenting the Rev. Father Rolland and tho Lady Superioress on the excellent arrangements of the neat little church and grounds, and alluding to tlie great good always effected by the Sisters of Mercy in the cause of education, and in alleviating the miseries of the poor. The children were exhorted to persevere in a course of obedience to their superiors, and to give attention to then* religious duties and the instructions of their teachers. On the following morning the Bishop gave Confirmation to a number of the school pupils and other children, and afterwards delivered a most impressive sermon on " Tlie Passion of our Lord." In the evening the Bishop preached again, tie subject of his discourse being the glorious attributes of the Mother of God, the Church being crowded, while numbers were compelled lo endeavor to catch the speaker's words outside the building. The next day his Lordship took an affectionate 1 * leave of the Sisters and the children, giving them and the people his episcopal blessing, and after bidding farewell to those who were present left for Greymouth 1 . Dr. Redwood was accompanied on his tour by the Rev. Father Goutenoir, who formerly had charge of the parish, and evidently considered himself among old friends. After the Bishop took his departure the large gathering o£ people who had assembled from all parts of the district to meet him, and be present to profit by his administrations, also left for their several homes, and the town shortly became as lonely-looking as ever.