RECEPTION OF-DR. CROKE.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 250, 27 July 1872, Page 3

RECEPTION OF-DR. CROKE.

PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS. Yesterday afternoon, Fathers Nivard and Golden, accompanied by a number of the members of their Church, proceeded to Tararu, by train; for the purpose of receiving His Lordship, Dr. Croke, Roman Catholic Bishop of Aucklaud, upon his return from the Australian Colonies, where he has been for some time past. Upon the arrival of the steamer alongside the wharf tho3e present drew up in two lines, and His Lordship on landing passed between them, exchanging greetings with each as lie passed. Father Hickie accompanied His Lordship from towu. Tlie whole party.then went "p the wharf and entered one of tlie railway cars, which had been specially letained for the occasion,' and proceeded to Grahamstown, where a larger umber of people were assembled. Here the whole party got into ’busses which were waiting for them, and proceeded to the Church in Willoughby-street, where a large number of persons of both sexes had assembled, anxious to show their love and respect to his Lordship, on his return once more amongst them. As his Lordship alighted from his carriage, he courteously acknowledged tlie salutations of those assembled at tlie.' entrance, and on all sides tlie remark was 'made of how well in health the Bishop looked, and how glad they were to see him back amongst them once more, alter his absence in Australia. After an interval of a few moments, his Lordship; accompanied by the Reverends Father Nivard, Golden, and Hickie, entered the Church and took their stations in front of the altar, the audience all rising at the same time. Mr Gillies then came forward, and addressing the Bishop, said :—“My Lord, I have the honor, on behalf of tiic Committee of the Thames Catholics, to read the following address : To the Right Reverend Dr. Thomas William Croke, Bishop of Auckland.

My Lord, —Although we have had a short notice of your return amougst us, we cannot let this occasion pass without teudeffngourcongratulationstoyour Lordship. Your absence has been but short, still we missed you greatly, and your coming in our midst again is hailed with delight, not alone for the liberal, Catholic, honest, and bold opinions expressed by you when addressing us, but as a Bishop of God’s Church, and the worthy delegate of the great and good Pope, Pius the IX. “ During your sojourn in Australia, your Lordship has doubtless witnessed the giant strides made by the Church there, the numerous and splendid churches, hospitals, and schools, many served by those noble creatures the nuns, who devote their lives to the relief of the poor and the education of youth. Whatever was gained by observation and intercourse with the venerable Archbishop and the Bishops of Australia, of the working of the Church, scho ils, and charitable institutions there, will, we feel sure, be of great advantage to your Hock and tlie colony. “ Accept our most sincere wishes that your life may be long. God grant you may continue as you have hitherto been, the protector of the young, the friend and guide of the old, at peace with all men, having the love of those over whom you are placed, and the respect, wo venture to say, of all classes.

“Signed on behalf of the committee representing the Thames Catholics. John Gillies, ■ Chairman.

Ills Lordship, in reply, said he had not expected such a demonstration. He had come to the Thames to see his people after his visit to Australia, and was quite unprepared to receive such a demonstration. He tnanked them for it, and assured them that all the time he had been away he had been anxious to get home again. He had been accustomed to receive demonstrations of all kinds, and he believed no Prelate of any denomination bad ever been more honoured than he bad been, and not only by bis own people, but by those of other denominations also, for which lie felt grateful. He earnestly desired that all those miserable animosities which had done so much evil in the Old World would not be imported here. He was truly glad to receive this demonstration, and was rejoiced to see them again and to be alnongst bis own once more, for there was no place like home. Although he had observed great signs of commercial prosperity in Australia, yet on returning to New Zealand he felt convinced that her future was second to none in the Australias. . Whilst he bad been away he bad often had bis thoughts amongst them, and bad travelled with tbe object to make his experience useful here. He hoped his relations towards them would be ever the same .in the future as they had been iu: the past. He should do his duty, as he bad before, and at another time would have something more to say to them respecting his travels. He expected to be with them two Sundays. His Lordship cordially thanked them for their welcome upon his return to the Thai es, and for the address which they had presented to him. 1

The large assemblage then dispersed, evidently gratified at having had the opportunity of welcoming the Bishop back to this part of bis diocese, where his presence is always a source of gratification and pleasure to bis own flock, and to. very many others of all denominations, who respect bis high character, learning, and eloquence, and his courtesy to all who are brought in contact with him. "Whatever difference of opinion may exist' on certain religious points, there can be no doubt that'Dr Croke is held in high personal esteem by persons of all creeds resident in this locality. The Welcome accorded to him on his return yesterday was genuine and sincere, and is participated in by a large section of the community resident at the Thames.