Hokitika

New Zealand Tablet, 8 June 1916, Page 15

Hokitika

(From our own correspondent.)

May 27. We had beautiful weather on Wednesday on the occasion of the visit of his Lordship Bishop Brodie to Hokitika. His Lordship, who was accompanied by the Very Rev. Dean Carew, was met at Kumara Junction by the Rev. Father Clancy - and the members of the reception committee. On reaching Hokitika, his Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. Perry), in a felicitous speech, welcomed his Lordship to the town. He trusted theevent was the forerunner of many another visit, and he hoped that happier times of peace would herald his future coming. Bishop Brodie thanked his Worship for the honor conferred personally on himself, as well as on his flock, by the gracious words of welcome uttered by the Mayor. The hospitality and urbanity of the West Coast people were proverbial ; he wished the people every happiness, and he would carry away with him the brightest memories of the kindness he had experienced. A procession was then formed, composed of the members of the various Catholic societies and the school children, which escorted the Bishop to' St. Mary’s Church, where his Lordship imparted his blessing. -: 1 In the evening the following address, which was read by Mr. H. Williams on behalf of the laity, was presented to his Lordship: May it please "your Lordship, — On behalf of the Catholic laity of the parish of Hokitika we greet your Lordship and extend a most hearty welcome on this the occasion of your first coming to the capital of Westland. Others may have forestalled us in their welcome, but we yield to none in the affection and sincerity of our greetings. Our feelings may be gauged by. our beliefs that you are the ambassador of Christ, the shepherd of our souls, divinely appointed to watch over the flock entrusted to your care. We have heard with joy of your triumphal reception throughout your diocese, and we already realise in part the import of your motto, “in all things, charity.’’ You bear in your consecrated hands the golden links of this bond of perfection to unite us all, please God, for many years to come in- a community of thought and action for the interest of Holy Church.’ His Lordship in replying congratulated the parish on the many evident proofs of its progress. "He said, as in the past, great things had been done by unity of action, so in the future the present happy relations of priest and people augur for progress and improvement. Referring to his illustrious predecessor, .his Lordship concluded by appealing to his hearers to cherish the memory of Bishop Grimes, and cultivate the same noble spirit which had accomplished so much under his wise and energetic rule. , Solemn Benediction followed, and the. ceremony was concluded by the congregation singing ‘ Faith of our Fathers.’ v . On Thursday afternoon the pupils of the Sisters entertained the Bishop at a concert in the school. There was a large' gathering of parents and friends. The various items were received with much appreciation. At x the conclusion of the concert his Lordship congratulated the teachers and pupils on the success of their efforts. He said the function had been a very pleasing one, and it was indeed. gratifying to notice how the careful training of the good Sisters had acted so favorably in : . developing; the minds of their pupils, -, / ' ■ '- On Thursday evening the whole of the people lof the parish assembled in St. ,Mary's School for the purpose of meeting his Lordship; -r A musical programme

■ ©':.:.- £ ■•,., had been arranged by Mrs. S. H. Richardson, to which -the following contributed:—Misses Daly, Stopforth, Devaney, Harvey, and Vrobeski, Mrs. "'Richardson, Mr! Stopforth, Rev. Fathers Clancy and Lacroix. At the conclusion of the first part of the programme, an address was read by the president of the Hibernian Society. His Lordship in his .reply congratulated the society upon its . vitality, and he hoped on his return visit to see it double its present strength. He also thanked those who had arranged the programme for the evening, congratulated the performers on its excellence, and expressed the hope that he would have many other opportunities of appreciating the vocal talents and kindly hospitality of his Hokitika people. Supper was then partaken of, during which his Lordship moved amongst the people, becoming by that means personally acquainted with every member of the congregation. One of the most pleasant and successful functions ever held in Hokitika terminated with the singing of 'Faith of our Fathers.' Tuakau (From an occasional correspondent.) May 27. ; .This parish was again favored with a visit from the Auckland Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Concert Company, who had kindly travelled out to assist the parishioners in their effort to liquidate the church debt of £2OO. Mr. F. Dromgool has undertaken to collect the money necessary to clear all the church property of debt, and was assisted in the concert by Miss A. McGuire as joint secretary, and supported by a strong committee. Evidence of their energy and ability was shown by the complete manner in which everything was organised and carried out. The stage decoration, which was left entirely to Miss L. McGuire, was artistically carried out, and presented a very pleasing effect. In introducing the company, Mr. Eugene Casey apologised for having altered the original programme, stating that the personnel of the company was changed, as a result of 100 members of the Marist Old Boys having enlisted, Mr. P. Clark (conductor) being amongst the number. Mr. J. Lonergan, who has always been a great favorite with a Tuakau audience, received an enthusiastic reception, and at the end of each of his items was warmly encored. Mr. Dodd was also well received. In addition to the Auckland talent, two pupils of the Pukekohe Convent (Misses Williams and Pulman) helped to make the entertainment a success. The latter, though only a child, was very successful in her songs. Those who contributed to the programme were Messrs. J. Lonergan, E. Casey, C. Dodd, W. Miller, W. Byrne, G. Miller, G. Shorland, and the Misses Williams and Pulman.- Altogether the entertainment was a great success, as may be gauged by the fact that the takings were about £3o—a record, for the district. The company met after Mass next morning, and were taken on a launch excursion to the native settlement, Tauranganui, near the Waikato Heads. The weather was perfect, and an enjoyable day was spent. The party, which comprised a full boat load, left Tuakau, landing at about 11 o'clock, and proceeded to the Elbow,. where an enjoyable lunch was served. After lunch the party proceeded to the Maori settlement, arriving there at about 2.45 p.m. The natives . extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. The party saw much that was interesting. The plantation of native tobacco was visited. The party then visited the public hall, where a pleasant half-hour was spent, two Maoris giving an exhibition haka, and rendering several native songs, which the company heartily encored. In fact,, so enthusiastic were they that it took some time to get them collected for the return home. On arriving in Tuakau, Mr. Lonergan, on behalf of the company, proposed a vote of thanks to the committee for the enjoyable day spent. The company were asked by the local choir, to relieve them of their duties at Benediction in the evening, and their request was acceded to. The party left for Auckland on Monday morn- • ing, ;" and V their visit, which was greatly appreciated, will: be long remembered. V% : r.~ | - . V