AECHBISHOP STEINS' VISIT TO PUHOI.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VIII, Issue 415, 25 March 1881, Page 9

AECHBISHOP STEINS' VISIT TO PUHOI.

(JV. Z. Herald Feb. 24.) Oy Saturday last Bis Grace Ajchbisbop Steins, accompanied by 1 Father Walter McDonald, made a pastoral visit to the Waiwera and Puhoi German settlement. On arrival at the latter place his Grace was cordially welcomed by Captain Krippner, and a number of the settlers. On the following morning he held divine service at 10 o'clock, attended by the above clergyman and the Rev. J. Adelaar. After having read the epistle and gospel for the day his Grace delivered an excellent discourse. At the conclusion, of the service he conferred the sacrament of Confirmation on 55 children and adults, at the same time pointing out to them the dispositions required ou their part to leceive that Sacrawent with fruit. The builaing was quite crowded, and there could not have been less than 230 persons present. In the evening, at 6 o'clock, the residents again assembled for devotional exercises, including Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. His Grace also preached on this occasion. The congregation was nearly as large as at the morning service. An appropriate address was presented by the settlers, and read in their name by Captain Krippner, to his Grace, who replied in a few felicitous sentences. It may be well to state here that a number of choice hymns, &c, were rendered by the choir, under the leadership of Miss Krippner, who presided at the instrument. His Grace preached both in English and German at the respective services, to the intense delight and satisfaction of the settlers. On Monday morning the Archbishop celebrated Mass at 7.30 o'clock, when about 100 persons attended. During this service and those of the previous day, over 100 had the happiness of receiving holy communion. A pleasing feature in the morning's proceedings was the presentation by tbe Archbishop of a small medal to those who had received the sacrament of Confirmation, and it was accompanied by a few suitable words of counsel to each recipient. On his Grace's deparLure from the settlement a procession was formed of the settlers, who accompanied him to the landing-place, and after mutual leave-takings the Archbishop left for Auckland. This, the first visit of his Giace to the districts already named, will be long remembered by the residents 'with feelings of much gratification. It may be here stateu that a very f retty residence, in a commanding pot-itioc, has been receutly erected for the ute of the local clergyman at Puboi, and tenders are already out for the erection of a Catholic Church at the same settlement. The settlers hitherto have had considerable difficulties to contend against, but owing to their perseverance and indußtiy havo sow attained a position of comfort and comparative competence.