A SOCIAL GATHERING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 362, 12 March 1902, Page 3

A SOCIAL GATHERING.

ADDRESS BY BISHOP WILLIAMS

t A social gathering of an exceedingly pleasant nature took place at the Academy of Music last evening, the function being in order to allow the parishioners of Holy Trinity Church an opportunity of meeting the Bishop of VVaiapu. . There was a crowded attendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The interior of the building was gaily decorated witli flags kindly lent, by Captain Kennedy, and presented a most attractive appearance. His Worship the Mayor presided, and in the course of an speech cordially welcomed Bishop Williams. Reference was made by the Mayor to the fact, that Bishop Williams had j been closely identified with this district for a great number of years, having risen from the position of officiating clergyman to that of Bishop of the Wa'apu. A selection on the gramophone was given, followed hy a song, “ When in the Twilight,” hy Miss Bright. Bishop Williams, in reply, thanked His Worship the Mayor and the audience for their kindly reception. lie bad, as the Mayor had pointed out, been connected with this district for a very long time, in fact, the greater part of bis life had been rpent here. I-le did not think that there.was any English person in the district whose acquaintance with it dated so far back as his own did. When he first came 'to Gisborne there was a fortified stockade on the site of the post- office, <

and the only European residence was a weather-board cottage somewhere behind wiiere the present Albion Hotel! was, The district had changed very much since then. He had been in Gisborne during disturbed times, and on one occasion was compelled with others to take refuge in a redoubt on ,the Kaiti. t the time lie referred •to Gisborne was not in existence. The township had been laid out, but it did not; possess a name. The first indication of a township was a number of sledge-houses which were located close to the hall they were in that evening. Siedge-houses were built on account of being easily transferred when a permanent site was secured. Continuing, Bishop Williams said that he was very glad to he able to congratulate the residents on the very great advance on the state of things of the early days. He was glad, for instance, that they hat a new building just opposite to the hall, which was to he the post office of the future (applause), and he hoped also soon to see the tower adorned with a clock (applause). He could congratulate them also on flaying a railway (ironical laughter). It wiu something quite new since he resided in the district. He bad pointed out when driving in the country the Gishorne-Karaka railway to a friend,

who asked him how often the trains ran. and whether it was three times a week. He informed his friend that so far the trains did not run at all, nor was it likely they would do so for many years to come, 'they must, however, look forward to the future, and be hopeful. (Laughter). He hoped they would cease to cai! it the Gis-borre-Karaka railway, hut instead the Gisborne-Napier railway, or the Gis-borr.e-Rotorua railway. (.Applause). He could also congratulate the church people upon the progress that the church had made in the district. When the site of the present church and school was obtained it was deemed Jo he too far out of the town, hut the progress of tlie district nad been so rapid that lie was sure many of those present that evening wished that it was a little further out of town. He was glad to have the pleasure of inducting the Rev. W. Welsh, and he honed that congregation and minister would work cordially together. They must remember that everyone had his failings, and they must not be surprised to find that their minister had failings. He did not think the minister would he surprised to find that the people in Gisborne had failings. (Laughter). It was advisable that thev should exercise mutual forbearance, and if they did so they would find that matters would run smoothly. I-Ie thanked them lor the deception thev had given him, and lie wished to express his best wishes for the weifaic of Gisborne in- every way. A selection on the bells was then given by Mrs H. Williams, Misses Thompson (2), and Morice, under the conductorship of Mass Morice. he music was much appreciated, and encore insisted upon. Mr H. Hill -StWTft wSSy «***«■ the audience, and aeked Arondeacon Williams, who was present, to say

Archdeacon accepted the invitation, and on coming forward was received With much applause. Ho expressed the Pleasure that he felt in being allowed to take part in the gathering, and related a number of interesting incidents in connection with church work in the early days. He recollected the first effort made in Gisborne to erect a church. The church people wanted to economise and build the church with tfhite pine timber, but he had fought against this to the utmost. He declined to assist them in any way whatever if they persisted in having the church built of white pine, and finally he got his way. It was sad to see the immense amount of money that had been squandered in building churches with'white pine, as it simply meant that after a few years the buildings had to be pulled down and the work done over again. He congratulated the parishioners upon the fact that their 1.1 inns wero free of debt, and likewise

buildings were ue» w* Ti. n™ W on tbo appointment of the Rev. \V. Welsh, for whom he had the greatest veneration. ‘-Mr and Mrs Welsh are tried people,” remarked the Archdeacon, “ they have succeeded in other places, and I am sure they will succeed in Gisborne. I congratulate you upon having their services. They will be a great help to the church in this district, and 1 trust

the congregation will do all they can to assist them in their work. They are people of prayer, and I know that then prayers will be rewarded, and that the richest of blessings will be poured upon the congregation.” . , Miss Ferris sang “ The Promise of the Kin'’,” with excellent effect, and Mr Tavtor was warmly applauded for his rendering of “ O Promise Me.” Eefreshments were handed round by, a committee of ladies and gentlemen, full justice being done to the good things provided. A number of voeal items were rendered in addition to those previously mentioned, including “ Whispers ” by Miss Grey and “ Listening ” by Mr Albert Grey, both numbers being well received. Mrs A. Hooper also favored the audience with “ Trouble in Amen Corner,” which was given in capital style, and was warmly applauded. The Rev. F. Bennett made touching reference to Maori mission work, and appealed to those present to do what they could towards the establishment of a school for Maori girls. . A vote of thanks to His Worship the Mayor for presiding, and to all who had assisted to make the social a success, was proposed by Captain Ferris and carried 1 unanimously.