THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1926, Page 2

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

VISIT OF THE BISHOP

• The visit of bis Lordship, the Bishop of Christchurch, Bishop AVest-AVatson. to the Westland portion of the diocese, has now extended to almost three weeks, it will be three weeks to-mor-row since the Bishop and Airs A\ oslAVats.m arrived here, and to-morrow is the day of departure again for Canterbury. ' During the stay on the Coast they have been busy fulfilling a long itinerary, their travels taking them as far south as Okuru. ■ The Bishop only returned from South AVestland at 6.10 o’clock last evening, and at 7.30 took a confirmation service at All Saints Church. The journey north was hampared -somewhat by an accident to the Bishop’s ear. which happened on AVednesday. A heavily laden lorry was

met in a narrow part of the road, ami to make way for the lorry, the car was taken off the road as far as possible and into the fern. ’The lorry, however, was not disposed to leave the regular wheel tracks, and in forging past the car, damaged the side of the car and running board, and also caused damage to the steering gear. The latter defect caused the delay in the progress of the car. but it was possible, nevertheles to fulfill all engagements.

There was an overflowing congregation at AH Saints Church last night, many additional seats having to he provided along the aisles. Some .seventy candidates for confirmation from Hokitika and surrounding districts were presented, and his Lordship, the Bishop delivered an interesting address ■to the candidates at the conclusion of the laying on of hands. The service was a choral one, and the congregation joined heartily in the singing.

Subsequent to the service, the Congregation was invited to meet the Bishop at the Soldiers’ Hall, where a social hour was spent and opportunity taken to introduce the Bishop and Mis West Watson to young and old. Supper was served by the ladies of tbe Church, a plentiful supply being available for all.

A formal welcome to the Bishop and his wife took place during the proceedings, the speakers being the Revd. J. Perkins (vicar), Hon H. L. Michel M.L.C., Churchwarden, and Mr 1). >T. F,;vans, all of whom voiced pleasure and gratification on the occasion offered of welcoming the Bishop of Christchurch and Mrs West Watson to this part of the diocese. The Bishop, who had a very cordial welcome.from the largo assemblage present, spoke interestingly of his trip south, and of the joys and pleasures of the journey. Favored with many bright days they had been able to enjoy the scenery, while the generous hospitality of the settlors along the route was at times almost overwhelming. The Bihop said he was glad to visit- many of the places, the early history of which he was familiar with, having read of them in the letters of Archdeacon Harper, who knew Westland so well. The Bishop said lie was able to visualise the stirring days of the past on the old goldfield, and meeting some of the pioneers and their sons and daughters, obtained a more intimate picture still of the first days on the Coast. He found the people sturdv and earnest, and with the rising generation growing up would now try to visualise the future and what they would make of their Westland. Refcr<?iK*e had been made to their new Church, and it was well that the House of God should be of lasting material and as good as they could make it. He praised the enterprise shown in the work of raising funds for the new edifice, and if he were asked would be only too ready to return and asssit at the laying of the foundation stone of the new church. An appeal was made also lor more help for the foreign mission work of the church. Some reference had been made by Mr Michel to the Church Union, and lie was glad to say that .since the Lambeth Conference of Bishops in 1020. material progress was being made towards a union of the churches. There was a growinr. feeling -of love and understanding between the people, and the advancement being made was of great promise. In closing his address and thanking one and all for their expressions of welcome and goodwill, the Bishop said on behalf of his wife and himself they had enjoyed their visit and their stay among the good people of Westland. He wished them all well,'and was pleased to note on all sides the cheerful spirit, and ready understanding of the people which augured s:> well for the bright future he wished them all.