WELLINGTON".

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VIII, Issue 418, 15 April 1881, Page 14

WELLINGTON.

(From our own Correspondent.) 10th April, 1881. His Lordship, the Bishop, arrived last "Wednesday by the Penguin, and received, a magnificent ovation. He -was received at the wharf by the Hons. W. W. Johnston, P. A. Buckley, and Dr. Grace, Messrs Cumin, Cemino, A. McDonald, E. McDonald, Putnam Collins, and the Hon. Sec, Mr. P. Sheridan. A large number of his flock who were present greeted him with hearty and prolonged cheering. He and the reception committee then entered the carriages in waiting and proceeded to the cathedral where the formal and general reception took place. I take the description mainly from our Wellington papers. The children of the Convent and Marist Brothers' Schools were drawn up on each side of the pathway, the carriages passing between to the Bishop's residence. His Lordship having robed, a procession was formed, to the church, and on entering- which the choir chanted "Te Deuin." The Bishop having taken his seat on the throne, the Rev. Father Yardin, on behali of the clergy, read an address of ■welcome. This was followed by a number of others, amongst them from the Catholics of Wellington and the Hibernian Society, both being elegantly illuminated and showing good taste and artistic skill. The Hon. Dr. Grace mnde the presentation on behalf of the Catholics of Wellington, which was accompanied with a purse of sovereigns ; and Mr. Paul HosMns for the Hibernians. Mr. Lowther Broad next read addresses of welcome from the Catholics of Nelson and Blenheim, each being accompanied by a purse of money. The other addresses were from the Society of " St. Vincent de Paul," read by Mr. Dunn ; and from the " Children of Mary," by Miss O'Connell ; " Sisters of the Mission," Nelson, by Lowther Broad, Esq., who also presented words of welcome from the Catholics and Sisters of the Mission, Nelson. Congratulatry telegrams were read from the Sisters of Wercy, Hokitika ; Sisters of the Mission and Catholics of Napier, New Plymouth, Hokitika, Ross, Reefton, Westport, Fieldling, Haweia, Waipawa. Kumara, the Bey. Father Macdonald, Auckland, and from the Maori Missions. In addition to the above, addresses are to-day to be presented from the Sisters of Mercy and Marist Brothers, Wellington. His Lord&hip, ia responding to the kind and enthusiastic welcome he had received, spoke in general terms of the pleasure it afforded him to receive such protestations of goodwill and sincere expressions of loyalty to the Church. Speaking of his visit to Rome and reception by His Holiness Leo XCIL, the Bishop referred at some length to the interview, and said the Holy Father had put to him a series of questions in regard to the state of the Church in this colony, wishing specially to know if the people ■were good practical Catholics, if they supported their pastors with liberality, and, more than all, if "they were zealous in the cause of Christian education. To all of these he had answered by giving His Holiness a true picture of the state of the congregation of his diocese, and detailing the various works which had been achieved by their hands. His Lordship's remarks were listened to with much attention, and at their conclusion the benediction was pronounced, followed by the •' Te Deum." Th« proceedings throughout were of the most interesting character, and the hearty reception accorded to the Bishop on his return to this diocese will long be remembered by all members of his flock in the Wellington diocese and by Catholics throughout the colony generally. Appended are the various addresses presented : " May it please your Lordship, — We, the priests of Wellington and diocese, beg to tender you a most hearty welcome, on your Lordship's safe return from the Eternal City. Twelve months have we been deprived of your paternal care and spiritual guidance ; but during youi long absence from the midst of us, our only consolation has been the hope that in that dear old country you had visited, you would find generous and zealous priests -willing to labour in this part of the Lord's vine-yard for the honour and glory of God and the salvation of souls, and thus assist us in our missionary labours to reap a more abundant harvest of souls for Holy Church. It was also encouraging for us to think of that happy moment, when kneeling at the feet of the Holy Father, your Lordship would offer him the homage of out most profound veneration and filial piety. Earnest and constant have been our prayers to God that he might watcb over you and grant you a safe and prosperous journey ; and now not less ardent and sincere aie our thanks to His infinite goodness for having blessed your mission of charity with such grand results, and restored you, our beloved Bishop, once more to your priests and spiritua children. And to crown our happiness, we now ask your Lordship' j

blessing and the Apostolical Benediction of the Vicar of Jesus Christ for our people and for ourselves, your most obedient children. " Signed on behalf of the clergy, " 11.I 1 . Yabdikt, S.M.. "F. MoNamara, S.M., " Charles H. Kirk, S.M., " Ch. Lb Mehant des Chesnais, S.M., " W. J. Mahony, S.M., " M. McCaughy, S.M., " F. A. Halbwachs, S.M., " Patrick Kerrigan, S.M." "To the Right Rev. Dr. Redwood, Bishop of Wellington, " May it please your Lordship, — " It is with feelings of joy and veneration that we, the Catholics of Wellington, hasten to bid you a heartfelt welcome on your return to this diocese. We know that you have been absent in the interests of the Church, and we have already experienced the advantages of your efforts in our behalf, and that of the diocese generally. Ordinary individuals are readily missed in a small community ; but you have been missed in proportion to the importance of your high functions, and the large place you have always filled in our respect and esteem. As a token of our affection for you Lordship, we beg your acceptance of the accompanying purse, and pray that God in Ms goodness will long enable you to fulfil the arduous duties of your high office. We remain, your Lordship's most dutiful children. M Signed on behalf of the Catholics of Wellington, " Morgan S. Grace, " Walter W. Johnston, " John Cdbnin, " Edward McDonald."

" Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit Society. " To the Right Rev. Dr. Redwood, Bishop of Wellington. « May it please your Lordship, — " We, the officers and members of the Hibernian Australasian. Benefit Society, this day, with a real hearty Cead mille fa,ilthe, greet your Lordship upon your return among us once more, and beg to express our sincere pleasure in beholding you again after your visit to> Europe. We cannot let this eventful occasion pass without expressing our profound devotion to your Lordship, knowing the sympathy your Lordship has always manifested in our society even by honoring us "by becoming a member — thus stimulating us to advance the objects of our society. One and all of us thus knowing your Lerdship's practical sympathy in our cause, cannot but express our pleasure at meeting your Lordship once more, and trust we may always maintain, by the spirit of benevolence, your Lordship's good opinion. Our simple prayers offered up for your safe return have been heard, and •we trust that your Lordship will ever remain in the possession of health and happiness to carry on the great work of our holy religion. " Signed on behalf of the society. "George Ash, President. " Paul Koskins, Secretary. "Wellington, April 6, 1881."

" To the Right Reverend Francis Redwood, D.D., Lord Bishop of Wellington. " May it please your Lordship, — " The Catholics of Nelson and adjacent districts desire to offer your Lordship their warm, congratulations upon your safe return to Wellington. The many important works which have been completed in Wellington and other places, are standing proofs of the zeal which has marked your Lordship's administration, and we are aware that your recent journey to Europe has been distinguished by constant efforts for the good of your people, in procuring more clergy and otherwise meeting the pressing wants of this large diocese. You will be glad to know that thd Catholic Schools at Nelson, (with which place your Lordship is in. a measure peculiarly identified) continue, notwithstanding the withdrawal of all State aid, and the consequent necessity for paying special fees, to maintain their former high state of efficiency. The Convent Schools are crowded, and the people owe a. deep debt of gratitude to the Sisters of the Mission whose devotedness to the education of our children is beyond all praise. You will lament with us the continued illness of the Venerable Father Garln, whose career of life-long usefulness has heen checked by a serious malady, which incapacitates him from continuing those ministrations he has so faithfully discharged, to the edification of all with whom he has come in contact. We rejoice to know that your Lordship is once more amongst us, and we are glad to assure you of our loyalty to a prelate, who has worthily won the affection and confidence of the faithful. We trust soon to see your Lordship in Nelson to hear from you some account of your visit to Our Holy Father, the Pope, for ■whom we, in common with Catholics everywhere, entertain the sincerest devotion. " We are, your Lordship's faithful servants. " Lowther Broad, Chairman. " For the Catholics of the Nelson District, 4th April, 1881."

'• To the Hight Reverend Dr, Redwood, Bishop of Wellington. " May it please your Lordship, — " It is a source of great joy to us, the Catholics of Blenheim and Wairau, to be able to join, with our fellow-Catholics of the diocese of Wellington, in welcoming your Lordship back after your long journey. We have understood, though but for a few days, that it is the intention of the Catholics of Wellington to present your Lordship with a testimonial as expressive of their joy and thankfulness at your Lordship's return. We have great pleasure in joining in the presentation of that testimonial. TLe time has been so short since we heard of the time of your Lordship's expected arrival, that it has been quite impossible to let many of the Catholics of this district know, or we arc sure that many others would have joiacd in this expression of

our welcome to your Lordship. We sincerely hope your Lordship is in good health ; and with fervent prayers for your welfare, and begging your Lordship's blessing, we remain your Lordship's deroted and obedient children, " Jos. Wabd, " G. HOLDSWORTH, '•' J. MORBISON, " For the Cafholics of Marlborough."

" To the Right Reverend Dr. Redwood, Bishop of Wellington. " May it please your Lordship. " It is with sentiments of most sincere pleasure, inspired by respect and affection, that we, the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, avail ourselves of this opportunity to congratulate your Lordship on your safe arrival once more amongst your faithful children. We know that the past twelve months must have been to you a time of anxiety and care, labouring for the spiritual wants of this large diocese, but that your mission has been blessed with success is a source of gratification to us all, as it must he of pleasure to your Lordship, to find so many clergymen imbued with an evangelic spirit of self-sacrifice and ready to tear themselves from country and friends to join you in labouring for the welfare of the people in this far-off land. We tender to your Lordship our sincere thanks for the high eulogium you passed on the ' Irish Catholics of New Zealand ' when addressing a large congregation in London. We trust it -will stimulate one and all to merit your approval, and that under every trial they will ' keep the faith, and keepjit well.' We sympathise with your Lordship in the anguish it must have occasioned you to find, in. passing through France, the Marisfc Fathers, of whom you are so distinguished a member, dispersed, and prevented from exeri cising their sacred functions or carrying on their sphere of usefulness. Wellington 2 From your kindly disposition, you must also have been pained to witness the destitution and want prevailing in Old Ireland, ' again desolated by famine,' but we trust that its people were cheered by your sympathy ani comforted by your prayer that Providence would strengthen them to bear with patience the wrongs and sufferings imposed upon them. We trust your Lordship was able to impress our Holy Father with our love for and attachment to the Chair of Peter, and to obtain from his Holiness a special benediction for the flock entrusted to your care. You will be pleased to hear that our society — ever true to its mission of charity — has, for the past year, been a source of comfort and relief to many, the depression of the times and the absence of public works causing numbers to seek aid from private benevolence. We hail your arrival with great joy, and thank God who has blessed your labours and protected you from the dangers and perils through which you have passed. Our gratitude is, we know, but a poor recompense for the many favours you have conferred on us, but still we hope it may be a source of some pleasure to your Lordship to hear how thoroughly you have won the love and affection of a aot ungrateful people. Again we offer to your Lordship a real heaxty welcome — a Cead M'dle Failthe—and. wish you a prolonged length of days amidst your flock, so honoured and delighted to have you amongst them. And we shall ever remain your Lordship's loving obedient servants in Christ. " Signed on behalf of the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. " Alick Btjrnes, President, " Patrick Sheehan, Secretary, " Richaed Duignan, Treasurer, " Francis Dunne, librarian."

" To the Bight Rev. Dr. Redwood, Bishop of Wellington. " May it please your Lordship. " We, the Children of Mary, tender your Lordship a most cordial welcome home to your diocese, after your visit to the tombs of the Apostles. Your Lordship's visit to the See of Peter must have brought joy and consolation to the paternal and tender heart of our exalted and venerated Pontiff, especially when you told him of our filial love and veneration towards him in these days wlien persecution of the most merciless kind is being waged against the authority of the Church of Rome and the rights of the Holy See. We, on this occasion, assure your Lordship that, by God's grace, we are fully determined always to manifest our love, respect and veneration towards the Holy Father, Christ's Vicar on earth. We now give thanks to God for your safe return, and at the same time offer you our most, heart-felt gratitude for the paternal solicitude and many favours you have bestowed on us, your devoted children. We, therefore, ask your Lordship's blessing and the Eapal benediction for ourselves and our society, and in return we earnestly pray God to spare you many happy years to rule over us. " Signed on behalf of the Children of Mary. " B. Whittaker, President, " E. McManaway, Secretary, " J. C. Donnell, Treasurer, " Of St. Mary's Cathedral. *' — Potver, President, " Ellen bahdbeook, Secretary, " — Dalt, Treasurer, " Of St. Mary's of the Angels."

The addresses from bodies and congregations outside Wellington were read by Mr. Sheridan. The Cathedral was crowded, and earnest affection and enthusiasm evident on every face. The financial testimonial amounted to some £330, and included Wellington £116, handed in by the following gentlemen — Messrs O'Brien and Dunne, £52 ; Redmond, £19 ; E. McDonald, £12 ; A. McDonald, £16 ; Davis, £1 10s. ; Mahoney, £12 15s. ; "Rohan, £1 11s. ; from Wanganui, £50 ; Blenheim, £70 ; Nelson, £20 ; Patea, £30 ; Napier, £35. Some further sums on the way will probably taise the total to £330. With His Lordship came Rev. Jas. Foley, B.M.

The mission by Father Des Chesnais has been a special successCrowds partook of the Blessed Sacrament at both churches yesterday morning. Indeed, so great was the number at 7.30 at Boulcott street, that a number had to wait till next mass. Father Des Chesnais will now take a well earned rest till after Easter, and then proceed with missions in Nelson, Taranaki, Christchurch, and elsewhere. He will remain permanently in this diocese. The clergymen lately arrived will shortly be appointed to their different missions. The question of the hour here is water. We are on the verge of a water famine. To-day we have but (?) feet in the reservoir, which is shrunk into a narrow and filthy pool. The water is mud coloured, and teeming with low forms of animal life. A serious fire now would leave us without a drop to drink, and would perhaps, if once fairly started, work its own sweet will unchecked, for what water we have would soon be exhausted.