Farewell Scene

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 10, 6 March 1924, Page 7 (Supplement)

Farewell Scene

(By E. D.)

Everyone is recovering from the Jubilee. It was a breathless whirl —so much so that these notes were nearly forgotten. It was a time of reunions. Friends, clerical and lay, met with exclamations of pleasure. It was a pleasant sight to see those reunions. Everyone was in holiday mood and children at play could not have been happier. Everyone was united in pride at the great spectacle on Sunday. Wellington greeted Wanganui without previous acquaintance, and Wanganui greeted Southland. It was just one great family that day. The procession went without a hitch. "We have more numbers to call on," said a distinguished Australian—"but we have produced nothing better for its size." A tribute to the organiser! The singing on the Wednesday evening " was great. Miss, Mc•Keowen and. the male soloists received the warmest praise, and Father Ryan and the Maori quartette had a place all to themselves. - • Everyone appreciated the humor of the Australian bishops. We had been treading the heights so long that a little' light relief was welcome. Archbishop Barry began mournfully: "As one of the least distinguished members of the Australian Hierarchy, they have taken advantage of my simplicity" got no further. The hall gave way to mirth, mirth that increased as he went on,, and culminated in a veritable roar when he announced that 'Coadjutors specialised in the virtue of hope. I'm one myself," he added. Bishop Dwyef of Wftgga Wagga came next. New Zfltttendera were pletitfd inde'«4 to he**' hi* pfaiw* of their

lovely land, even if he did accuse us of not having seen a kauri. "I have met only one man,", said he, "who has seen a kiwi." There was an interested silence. "He saw it on a bridge at midnight." The silence broke suddenly. "And it was in the dry King Country too," he ended amidst tumult. Bishop O'Farrell, with characteristic humor, remarked that his brethren shamed him. He had no jokes "prepared." Altogether they were a witty, trio and one "may be forgiven for*.recording their jests for the benefit of the put-dwellers who could not reach the celebrations. .■■':'.' i'.-j It was marvellous how quickly the Australians became known. The crowd picked. them out in undertones of loyalty and affection. They were especially imposing in. the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Folk are asking was it chance or design that put Dr. Mannix into a cope of green and gold. : ,f ~" ;.. • • On Friday morning the world and his wife went to the. wharf to faVewell the Australians. It was a ; scene of the greatest enthusiasm. Streamers linked farewellers- and farewelled. The best known figure of them all held in; his 'hand streamers of green and white and gold and beat time to "The Soldiers' Song," "God Save Ireland," and "Wrap the Green Flag Round Me," which were sung fervently. "Believe Me" and "Faith of Our Fathers" were also sung and Archbishop Kelly of Sydney appeared deeply touched by the singing of that grand old, hymn for those who go down to the sea in ships—" Hail Queen of Heaven About 2500 . were present on the wharf. As the boat pulled out a section : of the crowd knelt for the blessing which was given by Archbishop* : Manilla and Kell/ with their arias wido ; few©w»>b9 wateyjn It wttw « fitting end to » #r#*»* m«mt '