DISTINGUISHED ARRIVALS. The Opinions of a Bishop and an Admiral.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 200, 23 April 1887, Page 4

DISTINGUISHED ARRIVALS. The Opinion s of a Bishop and an Admiral.

Among the passengers by the mail steamer Shannon were the Right Rev. Dr. Field Flowers Goe, Bishop of Melbourne, and RearAdmiral Fairfax, who has been appointed to succeed Admiral Tryon in command of the Australian Naval Station. They were interviewed by reporters of the " Advertiser " on the arrival of the steamer at Adelaide. Dr. Goo is not an intellectual-looking divine like his predecessor, Dr. Moorhouse, but more resembles a north country farmer, minus the latter 's ruddy cheeks. His Lordship's cheeks were somewhat blanched. The severe seasickness which he said he experienced on the voyage from Colombo may account for this. Dr. Got- stands below the medium height, and does not give one the appearance of muscular Christianity. Mrs Goe, on the contrary, in comparison with her husband, is tall, but has the Litter's bucolic appearance. Dr. Goe expressed himself as strongly in favour of the introduction of religious instruction into all schools. He said that the great question at home when he left was the way in which the Church should celebrate the Queen's jubilee year. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London advocate the establishment of a churchhouse, to bo the centre of all Church of England business and affairs throughout the°world. The scheme includes extensive buildings and provisions for the accommodation of an upper and lower house of convocation. The site has not yet been decided upon, and great difference of opinion exists about the scheme. He had had conversations with Bishop Moorehouse, who spoke highly of the colonies. Asked whether he was high, low, or broad church, Bishop Goe said he called himself an Evangelical churchman. The Bishop and Mrs Goe remain the guests of Bishop Kennion till Monday, when they proceed by the express to Melbourne. Bishop Goe resided with Bishop Kennion in Hull, Yorkshire. Admiral Fairfax expressed great interest in the question of defence now being discussed by the Imperial Conference, of which he then just heard. With regard to the scheme of the Imperial Government, he considered the New South Wales representatives were right in the position they took up, and that the Victorian and South Australian delegates were inconsiderate. He thought it was only a fair arrangement that if the mother country undertook half the expense of replacing the worn-out ships the colonies should also contribute to the sinking fund. He considered the number and class of vessels proposed would be an effective defence for the colonies, and did not think an enemy would care to approach Australia if a vessel was ready to receive bhem. On the whole, he believed the scheme would afford ample protection to the colonies. He expects to stay in Sydney for some time. In addition to the British squadron and Australian fleet, thoroughly trained artillerymen to man the various forts would be required, but a complete torpedo system would perhaps be the strongest system of coast defence. A scheme^ of Imperial defence would really be the first step towards Imperial federation. Mrs Fairfax accompanies the Admiral. Colonel Godwin's visit is purely private.