WELCOME TO BISHOP COWIE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 336, 23 January 1889, Page 4

WELCOME TO BISHOP COWIE.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT THE CHORAL HALL. ADDRESSES OB 1 WELCOME, AND IiEPLY 13Y THE BISHOP. Auckland, January 21. A conversazione to welcome Bishop Cowie and bis family on .their return from Eng* land was held ab the Choral Hall la&t evening. The hall was tastefully decorated. In front of the galleiy were the words " Haipe kaipete," in white letters on a red background, the interpretation being *' Welcome ! Welcome !" This was set oil' by a neab arrangement of flasrs. Over the orchestia seats, at the oppobile end of the hall, were, similar decoiations, with the words " Welcome Home " in large white letters on a red background. The seats in the hall were arra-ged m the usual conversazione style, ghinu the audience room to move about and discuss top cs of interest during intervals in the meeting. There was a large attendance ot the clergy, laity, and oh church members. On arrival at the hall the Bishop was escorted to the platform, where he was received by Archdeacon Dudley and clergy, and Mrs Cowie and family were escorted to reserved seats in fiont of the oichesbra peats. Proceedings were commenced by the singing of a cai*ol, "From Far Away. ' by St. Sepulchre's choir, led by Mr Y. E. Rice, and the selection was very nicely rendered. Archdeacon Dudley then stepped forward. He said : It is scaieely neressary to explain that the object of this meeting is to welcome our beloved Bishop and his equally beloved wife, Mrs Cowie, and their family, on their safe return from their visit to the dear mother countiy. We have missed them sorely fcince they went away. At the same time, I am sure we are thankful that their visit to friends and relations was not curtailed. If we have anything to regret in connection with their visit to England, it is that we fear that they have been doing too much, in their kind desii-e, to friends of their own and to the friends of as man}' of us as possible, and to gratify all who desired to have fellowship with them. There are some few who are unavoidably unable to be present this evening, to their great regret. Prominent amongst them is Archdeacon Maunsell, the state of whose health prevents him from attending crowded gatherings by gaslight. However, we must thank God that he, and also Colonel Haultain, who on our behalf made farewell addresses to our Bishop before his departure, are still in the flesh and good for much more work on behalf of thechurch they love. (Applause.) Before calliuc on Colonel Haultain to read the address which has been prepared by the Standing Committee on behalf of the members, I must deprecate one sentence in it which has reference to myself, and which is couched in language altogether too kind. I protested against this, but in vain. My Lord, I have this to say — I have learned something of the difficulties of a Bishop, and I have also learned with what an admirable band of clergy and laymen and women you are surrounded in this diocese. I cannot sufficiently express my thankfulness to those who, with genuine consideration and self-sncufice, have helped me, strengthened me, and stimulated me in loyalty to you and to the Church. I will say no more, but call on Colonel Haultain. (Applause. )