HOKITIKA.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 29, 18 July 1901, Page 5

HOKITIKA.

(From our own correspondent.)

July 11

I am informed that his Lordship Bishop Grimes was confined to his bed at Greymouth for the greater part of yesterday, the exertion and worry of his journey in South Westland during the very severe weather of late, together with the strain of preaching a mission in Hokitika during the last week, having tried him to the utmost.

On Sunday his Lordship Bishop Grimes administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 40 candidates at St. Mary's Church, which was crowded during the »ervice. In the evening the church was again packed. His Lordship preached a very eloqnent sermon, exhorting those who had been confirmed to 'be faithful until death.' They were reminded of the many ways by which their faith may be sustained. After the sermon the children standing with lighted candles — the emblems of faith — renewed their baptismal vows. His Lordship thanked all for their kindness, and especially those who had rendered assistance to himself and Dean Foley. He paid a tribute of praise to the hospitality shown him by the Rev. Father Le Petit. He thanked those who had welcomed him, those who assuted him by decorating the church, those who had helped him in his great work — the erection of the cathedral, and the choir for their services.

On Monday evening there was a large audience in the Princess Theatre when Bishop Grimes delivered an illustrated lecture on ' Venice and Pompeii.' The chair was occupied by the mayor, who congratulated the Bishop on his safe arrival from his perilous journey to the south, and referred to the great anxiety felt ihroughout the Colony when the whereabouts of the Jane Douglas was unknown.

His Lordship began by asking for the indulgence of his audience owing to his vocal organs having had a very trying time during the past we°k. Starting with Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic' many beautiful views of its architectural wonders were thrown on the t-creen by Mr Park and explained by the Bis-hop. The antiquity and styles of architecture of these buildings were pointed out. The chief churches, palaces, bridges, gardens, stairs, statues, and bronze figures were among the views Bhown. The second part was devoted to a description of Pompeii. During the evening vocal items were contributed by Misses Murphy and Tait, Mrs. Dew, Messrs. R<lfe, D. Twohill, and a violin solo by Miss GribbeD. The accompanists were Misses Murphy, and Messrs. Clarke and Macfarlane.

At the conclusion of the proceedings the Hon. J. A. Bonar moved a vote of thanks to his Lordship, and said that the audience had spent a very pleasant evening, the subject being instructive, and the pictures good. At the instanc" of Bishop Grimes votes of thanks were passed to Mr. Park for his assistance, his Lordship pointing out that with ut the views the lecture would be shorn of much of its interest. Votes of thanks to his Worship the Mayor and musical contributors were given The Bishop then thanked the audience for their patronage and attention and the entertainment closed with ' God save the King.'