RETURN OF BISHOP GRIMES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 34, 22 August 1901, Page 6

RETURN OF BISHOP GRIMES.

(From our Christchurah correspondent.) Peril and adventure seemed to persistently accompany his Lordship the Bishop in his travels even to the last. As pre\iously announced, it was the intention of the Catholics of the city to tender the Bishop on his expected return last Wednesday, a reception such as would fittingly reflect the feelings of gratitude of the people for all he has endured for the welfare of the diocese during these few eventful months in recognition of the splendid wot khe has accomplished in r.-gsird to the grand Cathedral now rapidly rearing its noble proportions aluft. and as an exrres-ion of their joy at his return, >• ife ami sound, to the < piseopal city. With this object in view, a strong committee, with the Very Rev Vicar-General at the head, at comparatively «hort notice, arranged for the event on a somewhat extensive >-cal<\ The principal feature was the conversazione in the Art Gallery. At the appointed hour, despite the severe winterly nature of tlie weather, the building was crowded, it being estimated that at least 500 persons were present. It appear.-*, however, th\t early in the evening a telegraphic message was received from the Bishop at Springfield stating that owing to a snow storm in the Otira Gorge, and other delays on the road due to the prevailing bad weather, the West Coast coach arrived toi late to connect with the truin for Christohurch. A fivehorse coach was however arranged for to take the travellers on to Kolleston. with the intention of meeting and being takeu on by a special conveyance Pent out from the iliuk Stables, Cnristchureh. Here, however, w is only tho commencement of further disaster. The co.ich left Springfield at five o'clock in heavy snow, which increased as darkness set in. The driver, unacjustotned to the road, missed his way and all night the party was doomed to wander, whither they appan ntly knew not, until 1 o'clock in the morning, when Rolleston wa* reached [lere they were made as comforfible as possible at the Itolleston Hotel, and finally reached town at 10 30 a.m. The Very Rev. Dean Foley, who kuew something of the roads and district, elected to sit on the box-sea" all ni'ht, guiding to the best of his ability the driver, and as the Bishop f-ays he (the Dean) is worthy of the greatest commendation for his action. His lot was a particularly unhappy one, and he must have suffered acutely from the extreme cold and exposure. At the Art Gallery, the people, until they were all gathered there, knew nothing of what was happening until S.ir George Clifford, who presided, announced the fact, stating that as his Lordship would be with them before the evening was over, it was decided in the meantime to go on with the programme. Cnder the direction of Mr. W. 11. Corrigan and the entertainment committee, the following ex -llent programme of musical and other items was given, encores being frequent : — Song, ' Beloved, it is morn,' Mrs. A. Mead ; song? Miss Moir ; song, ' A song of thanksgiving, Miss Bee-ley ; son », ' Sunshine and rain,' Miss McLaughlin ; song ' In th<i cathedral,' Mr. W. 11. Williamson; song, 'The skipper.' Mr. E. MoXamara ; parts songs, (a) ' Fragrant odors," (b) ' Brooks ehall murmur," St Mary's Choir ; clarionet solo. Mr W. 11. Corrigan ; ' A few celebrities I have met,' Mr. G. R. Hart ; trio (piano, violin, and 'cello), Mips K. Younsr, and Messrs. R. and 11. 11. Loughnan. Mrs. Mead and Miss Katie Young played tho accompaniments in a highly finished manner. At an interval refreshments were handed round. When tho programme was concluded, Sir George Clifford said, as it was nearmg 1 1 o'clock, and hope of seeing the Bishop was gone, all that remained was for the meeting to convey to him through the VicarGeneral, its congratulations on his having overcome so many difficulties and dangers in hia visit to the remote parts of his diocese, and its regrets that he could not be present.