THE APOSTOLIC DELEGATE

New Zealand Tablet, 2 March 1916, Page 17

THE APOSTOLIC DELEGATE

i PUBLIC RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND, . ' ENTERTAINED BY THE MAYOR. ■ (From our own correspondent.) The following is the concluding report of the functions in connection with the visit , of his Excellency the Most Rev. Archbishop Cerretti, Apostolic Delegare, to ■ Auckland: - ' ' : A very pleasant social evening was spent in the - Town Hall on Monday, when the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson) gave a reception in honor of the visit to the city of his Excellency the Most Rev. Archbishop Cerretti, Apostolic Delegate, who, with the members of his suite, met about 70 prominent men connected in various capacities with our civic and public life. The first hour of the function took the form of a conversazione iii the Concert Chamber, vHaich was charmingly transformed for the occasion by a liberal and artistic use of pot plants and furnishing into the semblance of a drawing-room, the stage curtain being decorated with a banner bearing the archiepiscopal arms and colors of the distinguished guest. This interval of social intercourse, during which his Excellency became acquainted with the gentlemen invited to meet him, sped pleasantly to the accompaniment of . a musical programme by an orchestra, and about 9 o’clock the party adjourned to the main hall, where supper was spread. The Town Hall itself had also passed under a metamorphosis, the banners of the Allied Nations floating from the gallery, a plentiful vise of foliage, and a bold ‘ Welcome ’ in the gold and white colors of the Holy Father’s representative, forming a festive and attractive framing for the tables running down the centre of the hall. Archbishop Cerretti was accompanied by Monsignors Mahoney, Gillan; and Hackett, Rev. Dr. Ormond, Rev. Dr. Kaldewey, and Rev. Father Sherin, of Sydney. His Lordship Bishop Cleary was unable to be present owing to indisposition. » ■ Among the guests were the Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C.,-, the Hon. F. W. Lang, M.P. (Speaker of the House of Representatives), the Hon. A. M. Myers (Minister of Munitions), Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P., Mr. C. J. Parr, M.P., Mr. Justice Hosking, Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., and Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., and members of the City Council, Harbor Board, Hospital Board, •and other local bodies. The first toast honored was that of ‘ The King,’ the City Organist (Mr. Maughan Barnett) accompanying a verse of the National Anthem bn the organ, while he also played several selections, while the supper was in progress. THE MAYOR’S SPEECH. The Mayor, in proposing the toast of his distinguished guest, referred to the conspicuous services which the Archbishop had performed in spheres, services which would ensure on behalf of those present an adequate appreciation of the illustrious and distinguished honors he occupied. He reminded his hearers that Archbishop Cerretti was the holder of a position which held a wider meaning even than the ecclesiastical dignity attaching to it. (Applause.) His Excellency presided over a very influential Church in Australasia—a Church which exercised a potent influence for good. The influence which such a Church exerts must, under the .benign and wise counsel of a man like his Excellency, tend tb promote and perfect the spirit of true citizenship, elevate the social and moral sense of the community, and generallv contribute to the safeguarding and strengthening of the individual and collective • character of the people, which was the highest tribute and s reward any .-man’s- influence could command. (Loud applause.) Knowing what his Excellency .had already achieved, they had, confidence - in receiving him, in their midst, and they believed that in the future his .

influence would continue to be an influence along the side of progress and reform and along the best road for the welfare of humanity. (Loud applause.): - > HIS EXCELLENCY’S TRIBUTE. . : ‘ His Excellency,* in replying to .the toast, expressed his sincere thanks for the great kindness which had been shown him in Auckland as everywhere else he had been in the Dominion, and voiced his especial appreciation for the courtesies and hospitality extended to him by the Mayor. No one, he- remarked, could have been paid more distinguished honor than had been accorded to himself. Speaking -of Auckland as he saw it, he could only exclaim upon: the marvellous progress which the city had made in so short a period of existence. , It was indeed wonderful; and that meashre of progress was ■ due in great' part to its enterprising and wise councillors, presided over by the Mayor and his predecessors, among whom he had heard of the man who was now Minister of Munitions of ' New Zealand. (Applause.) The progress, of a city depended largely on its civic administration, and the progress of the city, as of the State, depended. also in great measure on the goodwill and good feeling of its citizens. He was very pleased to find that in Auckland that good feeling and goodwill were-in such prominence. " He was gratified to find so many of its prominent citizens and public men there to meet him. When he remarked to'Dr. Cleary upon the marvellous progress the city of Auckland had made,' the Bishop answered, We are blessed with the highest type of public men here.’ That was the keynote of a city’s well-being, and while they'possessed such men as their present Mayor and his predecessors to watch over the destinies of their city they need have little concern, for the future. When those in authority worked together and in unity of purpose, without allowing political principles and distinctions to stand in the way of the common good, such co-operation must ,of necessity bring its reward to the citizens and to their city. , (Loud applause.) His Worship had made reference in his speech to the influence of the Catholic Church. Yes, he could assure them that the Catholic Church-aimed in the present, as it had in the past, always towards the making of good citizens, and for the amelioration "of the social conditions of the general community. He could assure" his hearers that in all work which stood for the higher ideals of citizenship and for individual betterment, they would always have the hearty co-operation of the Catholic Church. Personally, he would always remember with great pleasure the city of Auckland, in which he had at present the honor of being a guest. He offered to them his humble but sincere serviced in any capacity. (Prolonged applause.) The gathering ended by the singing of the National Anthem. - - HIS EXCELLENCY ON COLONIAL CONDITIONS Some impressions of the people of Australia and New Zealand, and of the conditions in the two countries, were given by his Excellency Archbishop Cerretti, the Apostolic Delegate, in an interview (says the New Zealand Herald A native of Italy and a resident for many years in Buenos Aires, Mexico, and Washington, Dr. Cerretti has found in this part of the world many contrasts with-the older countries. : His Excellency said that his visit to ‘ New Zealand had been a source of even greater enjoyment to him than his reading had led him to expect. The contrast between Australia and New Zealand, had greatly struck him. Its natural beauties, so lavishly bestowed, the remarkable phenomena of the thermal district and the grandeur of the mountain scenery have given him very pleasant memories. The qualities of the Maori people have also impressed him greatly. While at Lake - Taupo, and in Rotorua and Waihi, he had several opportunities of observing representatives of the native race. He was greatly impressed by the speeches' delivered by native chiefs at Rotorua—the imagination and splendid ideas 'expressed with such eloquence affording a striking contrast with the evidence of intellectual

development in such races as the Indians and negroes of the American continent. 44 1 am very glad to have reached Auckland, the commercial -/capital of New Zealand,’ ’he continued. ‘ T have already had evidence of the kindliness of its people, and greatly appreciated the welcome by the Mayor, who impressed me as a man of great ability and determination. I shall have an opportunity to thank him-and the citizens for their welcome to-morrow evening.’ v 4" ' . ■- Social Conditions of People, •■; . <, Since his arrival in Sydney last February 'his Excellency has travelled through New South" Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, and has now seen a good deal of New Zealand. ‘ I have been greatly impressed by the economic and social conditions of the people in both Australia and New - Zealand,’ Dr. Cerretti re- ' marked. ‘ They , are, I think, the , best in the world. In every other country there are men who are extraordinarily rich, but others who are -most miserable. Here the riches are divided and shared much better. There are so many opportunities in life open to the peoples of these two countries that generally they enjoy a larger share of the comforts of life than are attained by those of other countries. . I am afraid that the consequences of the war will produce great changes in these conditions, for there must be a- reaction from the efforts that are being made in both countries to attain the maximum efficiency. So great is the production pf wealth, exceeding per capita even that of the United . States, that, while their commerce is maintained and ~ the seasons are good, there need be no concern for their future. ' ' Archbishop Cerretti remarked that there had not yet been any great progress in Australasia in the fine arts,' but it was reasonable to expect that the manifestation of artistic taste and vocation would; appear later in their development. On the other hand, the intellectual professions were the equals of those in the most advanced countries. These'countries seemed to be in a very happy position through their opportunities to draw from others the products of their greater organisation and efficiency, an advantage that was illus- , trated by the equipment of manufactories with the most modern machinery. * ‘ ) . . Traits in the National Life. The Papal Delegate remarked particularly upon the absence of traditions and prejudice against change and the consequently greater independence of thougat and action .in the national life. As a typical illustration 1 of his meaning, he contrasted the attitude of the peasant vignerons of Italy, whose vintages were threatened with destruction by disease, and yet, rejected scientific remedies as charlatanism, with the attitude of the colonial farmer in a similar predicament. On the one hand were the traditions of generations and a steadfast , conservatism ; on the other, the freedom from prejudice towards established customs and readiness to accept innovations. Other illustrations l of the national character which have attracted the distinguished visi- • tor’s attention are the granting of the franchise to women and the establishment of a universal system of primary education: • ? His Excellency stated that he expected to visit West Australia and South Australia in August. He intends to maintain personal communication with - all , parts of his jurisdiction, and will make periodical visits to New Zealand, probably annually. V ; PUBLIC WELCOME IN THE TOWN HALL There was a notable atmosphere of cordiality and' enthusiasm at the Town Hall -on the occasion of the public welcome given by citizens of Auckland to his Excellency the Most Rev. Bonaventure Cerretti, Archbishop df Corinth, and Apostolic Delegate to Australasia. The Hon. J. A. Tole, TLC., 'struck a happy vein in presenting an address of welcome -from, the Catholic . laity of Auckland when he observed that Auckland was - geographically and otherwise * the Corinth of the South.’ ■"" His Excellency, was vArchbishop /of i Corinth, and was, therefore, visiting the southern portion of his archie- _ piscopal diocese, and was consequently at home. The

pretty conceit pleased the distinguished prelate, and he was gracefully appreciative of the affection and loyalty it implied; • ■ J When his Excellency and Bishop Cleary, with their suite, arrived at the Town Hall, the building was filled in every . quarter. . A pleasing scheme of decorations was based on the appropriate, use of' white and gold banners, while baskets of- luxuriant fern were suspended at frequent intervals from the galleries; The front of the stage was tastefully decorated, while the tiers of seats right back to the. organ loft were occupied by the united choirs of- the diocese, strengthened by the members of the St. Cecilia Choir and the Auckland Male Choir. Members of the Hibernian Society (with the juvenile department), and of the Confraternity of the Holy Family provided a guard of honor from the portals of the hall to the' stage between whose ranks the Archbishop proceeded to the accompaniment of a continuous succession of cheering. In the party, besides the Apostolic Delegate and Bishop Cleary were Monsignor Mahoney, V.G., Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Gillan, V.G., Monsignor Hackett (of Paeroa), Dean Van Dyk, and Dr. Ormond, secretary to the delegate. A large body of clergy and laity were accommodated in reserved seats in the front of the hall. Among the other guests present were the Hon: A. M. Myers, Minister of Munitions, and Mrs. Myers. An admirable concert , programme was submitted, the choir,, under Mr. P. F. Hiscocks, contributing Stein’s ‘ Ecce Sacerdos Magnus,’ and the ‘ Hallelujah Chorus,’ as well as the choruses to ‘ The heavens are telling’ (Haydn’s ‘Creation’), by Mrs. J. Hanson and Messrs. Egan and Pinard, to * Cantantibus ■ Organis ’ (Capocci), by Mr. W. J. Pringle ‘Tu’ es Petrus ’ (Elewijk), by Mr. J. H. Egan. Mr. Stan Pritchard scored a notable success in his rendition of ‘ The harp that once.’ Mr. Harry Hiscocks presided, at the organ, and flute and harp accompaniments were contributed by Signori Imperatrlce and Nigro. ■!. ADDRESSES OF WELCOME In presenting, an address of welcome from the Bishop and clergy, his Lordship Bishop Cleary explained that this address and an address from the laity were bound in one volume to signify the close unity . of, hearts with which a thousand welcomes were extended to his Excellency. He would have been welcomed in any case, Bishop Cleary said, for his personal worth, but, above all, he was welcome as the representative of the head of the Church on earth. His sacred mission would deepen and strengthen the spiritual life of the Church. The Bishop quoted the prayer of a Maori chief who, at Rotorua, had thus addressed his Excellency: Remain among us, O Father. Remain among us. And if you find holes in the fences of our souls, you are the man to mend them.’ . (Laughter and cheers.) ■ '• Bishop Cleary paid a v§ry warm tribute to Archbishop Cerretti on personal grounds. When he lay at death’s door in Sydney the only two people who were allowed to ■ see him were his Excellency and his secretary, and they had lavished upon him a wealth of tender affection that no brother could surpass. In the magic palace of memory there was no jewel that he treasured more dearly than the memory of what his Excellency had been to- him during that long period of suffering. His Excellency’s visit to New Zealand was another jewel in the memory of the people. They hoped he would come back soon, would come often, and would stay long., (Cheers.) His Excellency had found'many precious and beautiful things in this beautiful land, but he had found the most beautiful of all in the hearts of .its' people, no matter of what creed or what class. (Prolonged cheers.) ' ADDRESS FROM THE BISHOP AND CLERGY. To his Excellency the Most Rev. Bonaventure Cerretti, Archbishop of Corinth, and Apostolic Delegate to Australasia,— •' ••'v May it please your Excellency, -We, the Bishop and the clergy (secular and regular) of the diocese of

-fi-iicKiana, -lei Kier to ' your .Excellency a hearty , welcome" on the occasion of this your, first visit to New Zealand. ■. The growing magnitude, and the varied and increasing energies of the Church in these Dominions have' moved the Supreme Pontiff to draw us /into a; closer . administrative .. union with the Holy See, / In establishing the Apostolic Delegation for this purpose, our great spiritual Chief on earth has afforded us a readier and more’ direct access than hitherto to that body of. illuminated wisdom, which the Church has inherited as the heir of all the Christian ages. We thank the Holy See for this closer union with it, and for its happy choice of your Excellency as our , first Apostolic Delegate. We, tender to you our profound veneration and affection as the personal representative of the Supreme. Pontiff and we pray that the Holy Spirit may endow you with great wisdom and prudence in the discharge of your high office, and make your administration a source of strength to the souls of , those whose privilege it is to be under your spiritual care. We remain, your Excellency’s devoted servants in Christ, - ...' Henry W. Cleary, bishop of Auckland. ’ G. IT. Gtllan, Vicar-General. W. H. Mahoney, Vicar-General. W. Van Dyk, . / Superior, Missionaries of St. Joseph. H. E. Holbrook, Diocesan Secretary. ' Auckland, February 22, 1916.The volume containing the address of welcome which Bishop Cleary then presented to the Delegate is a singularly beautiful piece of craftsmanship, bound in white vellum, with the addresses engrossed on. parch- ■ ment in illuminated text. The Hon. J. A. Tole, K.C., presented the address of welcome from the laity. f The visit of his Excellency was, he said, an event unprecedented in the history and annals of the Church in New Zealand. The greetings . already extended symbolised the attachment of the people to the Holy See, their gratification at the appointment, and, not least, the spontaneous affection of Irish hearts wherever they might —and they were everywhere. (Cheers.) They' used to say,’ said Mr. Tole, ‘that all roads lead to Rome; but now Rome has come to us.’ They would always retain the brightest and most affectionate ; remembrance of his Excellency’s visit to Auckland.’. (Cheers.) ' • • ; ADDRESS FROM' THE LAITY. To his Excellency the Most Rev. Bonaventure Cerretti, Archbishop of Corinth, and Apostolic Delegate’ ■; , to Australasia, - % May it please jour Excellency,— the Catholic laity of Auckland, beg to approach your Excellency in a spirit of the most profound respect and veneration for your sacred character, and to assure your Excellency that with the greatest joy we welcome you to this, the oldest and most historic diocese in New Zealand. - , ' We desire through your . Excellency to convey our sentiments of warm and affectionate attachment to the Holy See, the centre of Catholic unity/' To us an occurrence so unwonted as your Excellency’s visit not only exhibits a visible sign and. bond, drawing us. in closer connection to the dignity, status, and authority of the .Apostolic See, but seems in a manner to bring home the presence of the Holy Father himself. : ; ' • We greet your Excellency also as a distinguished son of Italy, the land of revered antiquity, of literary and/ artistic treasures. ; '/> ; / . . . ' Your Excellency’s arrival amongst us as Apostolic Delegate is an event next - only in importance to the introduction of ' pur holy religion into this country, and enhances, on this memorable occasion, the glorious fact . that three-quarters of a century Ago, and not very distantly removed from the spot where your Excellency . now stands,, . were sown in New Zealand by Bishop Pompallier, the seeds 'of our 'holy .faith, from, whose:, swollen cells, replete with future trees, have sprung the wide-spreading branches of religious emotions and • fruits of lively faith which we feel sure your Excellency

has- gratefully witnessed .in your passage through this Dominion. ■ / '■•/.•?. *. : •' : / ' , * y s All -praise and. honor are due to that revered , Bishop and to the noble succession of bishops, priests, and religious of blessed memory, who have labored in the vineyard down to our present beloved Bishop, Dr. Cleary, in whom we possess a prelate who, by his exceptional ability, arduous industry, and personal sacrifices, has rendered monumental service to the Church, and to the cause of education, by a sustained resist- , ance to threatened encroachments upon the rights of conscience. . It is our privilege .in New Zealand to live under free institutions, based on the principle of equal opportunity to all, and we are therefore not without hope that the partial disabilities under which we labor in relation to public education may yet be satisfactorily modified or wholly removed. Your Excellency’s visit, occurring at a time when • the greater portion of the civilised world is engaged in an unprecedented and devastating war, prompts us to express our profound sympathy with the Holy Father, - who, as the spiritual sovereign of millions of , the faithful in all the warring nations, is filled with sorrow when he views the horrors of the conflict. In common with all lovers of true * religion, civilisation, and freedom, we earnestly pray that our Supreme Pastor, Pope Benedict XV., may soon be consoled by the establishment of a glorious, just, and lasting peace. We take leave to assure your Excellency that, in common with the Catholics of Australia, we humbly appreciate the wisdom and paternal solicitude of our illustrious Pontiff for the welfare of the Church in these southernmost seas, in the appointment of your Excellency to your present exalted and responsible office in Australasia, of which your Excellency’s scholarly attainments, administrative ability, and matured experience make you so eminently worthy. . , Since your Excellency’s arrival in Australia the administration of the functions of your high office has afforded assurances of the greatest promise, and we look forward to the future with the brightest anticipations of the benefit which will accrue to the -Church, and be achieved by your Excellency, and your Excellency’s successors, in Australasia. We trust that your Excellency will carry away . pleasant memories of your visit, to this interesting Dominion, and begging your Excellency’s benediction, we fervently pray that the Almighty Dispenser of all good gifts may grant to your Excellency length of happy days, and wisdom and strength to extend the Kingdom of Christ and His Glory upon earth. , Signed on behalf of the laity • - J. A. Tole, K.C., LL.B., Chairman of Address Committee. P. J. Nerheny, J.P., ' Vice-chairman of Reception Committee. J. J. O’Brien, J.P., Vice-chairmaii of Reception Committee. M. J. Sheahan, J.P., Hon. Treasurer. ' F. G. J. TemM, ' , - Hon. Secretary. M. J. Mcllhone, Member of Address Committee. «A. Rose, ■ President ' Diocesan Council Catholic Federation. , ~ C. Little, ' President. Particular Council St. Vin- ' cent de Paul Society. /• ’' • , A. J. Woodley, President Auckland Branch Hibernian Society. ' 1 Auckland, February 22, 1916. .*. .*■’/•■: HIS EXCELLENCY’S REPLY ~. . His .Excellency, who was greeted with prolonged cheers when. he rose to speak, was- quickly on genial terms with ,th& huge audience. He had enjoyed every

moment of his visit, he said. One who had riot visited New Zealand could form but a very poor idea of its manifold beauties. He had been struck with its civic progress, and considered that its civil and social institutions were most acceptable to the needs of the present age. The life of the Catholic Church in . this country was wonderful. ' He wished to thank the public, the civil authorities, arid the .worthy Mayor of Auckland for their cordial welcome to him. His tribute to ■ Bishop ( Cleary was whole-hearted and distinguished by genuine personal affection. He had been assured in Rome that Bishop Cleary would be to him a guide, philosopher, and friend, and it had been so. They knew him there as a brilliant student, an able journalist, and a distinguished bishop. 'As is the pastor, so is the people,' said his Excellency, ■« and I can come to but one conclusion.' The twinkling hesitation of manner with which this observation was made was received with delighted applause, which" was intensified as his Excellency observed, apropos of something that had been said by Bishop Cleary, ' and consequently there will be no holes in the fence to be mended.' The Bishop had given two excellent priests to the service of the Church outside his diocese—as secretary to the Papal Delegation of Australasia, who performed his duties in a highly satisfactory manner, the other to fill the high and important position of Bishop of Christchurch. He concluded by again expressing cordial appreciation of the welcome given him by the ecclesiastical and civil authorities. He remembered in detail those, who had provided the excellent concert programme; >and did not forget that he had been asked to come again to Auckland and come often. (Applause.) He would not say ' Good-bye,' but simply 'Au re voir.' (Prolonged applause.) The formal programme of welcome was concluded by the united singing of the National Anthem, and as his Excellency and, party moved slowly from the hall he was besieged by eager crowds anxious to receive personally his graciously-given benediction.

VISITS TO CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS. His Excellency celebrated Mass at St. Mary's Convent, Ponsonby, on Sunday morning. The entrances to the grounds and convent were adorned with the Papal colors, flags, etc., and i surmounted with the motto, Robur in-fide. As his Excellency, who was accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Ormond, entered the chapel the Ecce Sacerdos Magnus was sung by the convent choir. During Mass appropriate .music was sweetly rendered. At the conclusion of the Mass, his Excellency was received. by the Rev. Mother and community. Over one hundred Sisters, among whom were representatives from all the branch convents of the Order of Mercy in the Auckland diocese, were present in the reception room, when an address of welcome was read, the illuminations of which typified the prominent features of the growth of the Order of Mercv in Auckland. . .-••...■ In reply, his Excellency, congratulated' the Sisters on their good work in the past, and encouraged them to continue zealously in all their work of zeal, especially the education of the youngthe urgent need of the day. After the presentation of the address from the,,Sisters, a very pleasing function took place in connection with St. Mary's boarding school, the pupils of which, daintily attired in white, relieved with yellow streamers, formed a guard of honor leading from the convent «hapel to the front gate. On the approach of his Excellency an address expressing the children's welcome and their loyalty to the Holy See was read by Miss Louisa Harris, who., on behalf of the boarders, presented his Excellency with an album of scenic views of New Zealand. The children were graciously received by his Excellency, who granted them three holidays and imparted. to them the Apostolic Blessing. As his Excellency was leaving the. convent grounds the singing of ' God bless the Pope' brought the happy event to a close,. > .' : His Excellency, accompanied by Dr. Ormond, celebrated Mass at St. Joseph's Convent, Grey Lynn, at 7 a.m. The building was tastefully decorated in Papal colors —white and gold. His Excellency was met by

Very Rev, Chancellor Holbrook and the Provincial of the Order and conducted to the oratory, where the choir rendered music suitable for-the occasion. After the ceremony, he was received by the Sisters, whom he congratulated on their grand work throughout Australasia. An adjournment was made to the boarders’ apartments, where he was greeted with a spirited welcome and presented with an address and souvenir of his visit. The children were granted three days’ holiday, and the distinguished visitor left amidst their hearty cheers. ' ' ' . ’ • . Later in the morning his Excellency, accompanied by Bishop Cleary, paid a visit to the Sacred Heart College, in Richmond road, Ponsonby, where he was accorded a very enthusiastic reception by the pupils. The college was gaily decorated with flags and bunting. The boys attending St. Columba School, which is conducted by the Marist Brothers, were drawn up in two lines, and at their head was a guard of honor composed of the Sacred Heart College Cadets. Archbishop Cerretti’s appearance in the car, with Bishop Cleary, was the signal for a loud and sustained outburst of cheering. As the procession entered the grounds of the college an orchestra played the ‘ War march of the; priests.’ When the distinguished■ visitor was seated on the platform the students’ choir sang ‘ Ecce Sacerdos Magnus.’ Almost the whole of the Catholic clergy of Auckland were present, including Monsignor Hackett and Chancellor Holbrook, while among the other visitors were the Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C., and members of the Auckland Diocesan Catholic Federation. An address of welcome from the students, containing a message of veneration and love to the Holy Father, was presented to the Papal Delegate. In replying. Archbishop Cerretti said that he would have great pleasure in conveying the, pupils’ message to the Holy Father. His Excellency subsequently inspected the school buildings. . ; . His Excellency left for Wellington, eri route for Christchurch, by the 8.50 express from Auckland on Wednesday night. So great was the crowd which assembled to say farewell that a section of the platform had to be roped off to permit the Archbishop and his party to take their seats aboard the train in comfort. When his Excellency’s car, decorated with the Papal colors, drew up at the entrance to the station, there was loud cheering, and a number of gentlemen lined up as an unofficial guard of honor. The cheering was increased as his Excellency boarded the train, and when finally it moved off the, gathering of about 2000 people sang ‘ Faith of our fathers.’ Among those who bade the Archbishop a personal farewell were Bishop Cleary and Monsignor Gillan.