PUBLICLY WELCOMED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 April 1926, Page 6

PUBLICLY WELCOMED.

RIGHT REV. HR. WEST-WATSON. AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. The public welcome accorded to His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Campbell West-Watson, D.D., Bishop of the Anglican Diocese o£ Canterbury, was marked With undoubted enthusiasm and cordiality at the Bay Hall last evening, when His Lordship was accorded a rousing reception by a large and representative gathering of parishioners of St. Mary’s and the general public. The Ven. Archdeacon Julius presided, and there were also present on the stage, in addition to the Right Rev. Dr.» West-Watson and Mrs West-Watson, Mrs Julius, the Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace), Rev. p. Gladstone Hughes (representing the Ministers Association), and Mr R. W. Simpson, churchwarden. Included in the audience were also a number of clergy of various denominations.

Proceedings opened with a verse of the “Old Hundredth,” followed by the “National Anthem,” and' the Lord’s Prayer.

In Introducing His LOrship and Mrs West-WatsOn, the Ven. Archdeacon Julius said that a few of those present would have been present at the great gathering that had assembled to welcome their Bishop on arrival at Chri&'tfchurch a few weeks ago, and when he was 'installed as the Bishop of the Diocese. That night His Lordship again had to face another large audience, One Of the many that had greeted him in his tour of his new diocese. Undoubtedly to him it would mean very tnucli more than it did to them. He Would realise that those meetings were the expressions of goodwill and loyalty of his people. (Applause.) The West Coast was represented that evening by the Rev. Mr Young, Vicar of Ross, the remotest corner of his diocese, and even there he would realise that that which bound the whole diocese together was himself. South Canterbury aiid its centre, Timaru, was undoubtedly loyal and had always backed up all the diocesan schemes. Of its loyalty and whole-hearted co-operation he Could rest assured. He hoped that in time to come wlien the Waimakariri overflowed its hanks and swept Christchurch into the sea that their guest that evening would see his way cleat to come to Timaru and make it his seat. (Applause.) He felt that the Bishop was following God’s call in coining to New Zealand; and they all expected great things or him. In his welcome he also wished to include Mrs West-Watson,, who, although lie knew it was rude to'pass personal > remarks, possessed a delightful personality, Which would soon make itself felt'in New Zealand. To both he extended a very hearty and cordial welcome to Timaru, and trusted that they Would both be long spared to work among them. (Applause.) ‘T Wish to heartily thank the Archdeacon for the opportunity afforded ox welcoming His Lordship-and Mrs West-Watson to Timaru,” stated, the Mayor in his opening remarks. It indeed gaVe him very great pleasure at being present to Welcome one who had made such a sacrifice in leaving his home to come out to New Zealand, and he bdped that lii's influence would not be confined alone to South Canterbury, hut would - ! .be felt throughout the length and breadth of the country, also that his life would he as full and useful as that of his predecessor. (Applause.) As Mayor he represented all classes of the community and all creeds. As such he.stood that night. Nevertheless he would like to voice his respect and appreciation of the part the Church played in the life and welfare of the community. He regretted, however, that in regard to the great questions, and the national conferences of the present day the. Church did not have a greater voice, atid only hoped that the Church would extend its great influence still further than it did. In welcoming His Lordship and Mrs West-Watson to Timaru he hoped that they and their fattiily would long enjoy the best of health, and that their, life ,iij: their new diocese would be the vofv best that could be given them. (Applause.)

The Archdeacon, in calling upon the llev. P. Gladstone Hughes, said that it Was thought that when ministers of different denominations mei in the street although they had nice smiling faces, they had something deadly deep down in tlieir hearts. He was certain that this state of affairs (lid not exist in Timaru. The Bev. Mf Hughes was Well known to .Tiniaru audiences, and he was sure it was a great pleasure to hear him speak. Mr Hughes, who was greeted with prolonged applause, said that first, of all he would like to thank Archdeacon Julius for allowing him the pleasure of being present that night, to be associated with the welcome to the new Bishop. He spoke, that evening, as a representative of the Timaru Ministers Association* and could bear Archdeacon Julius out, that that body Was a most harmonious and friendly one. He had had some connection with the Bishop when in the common university, and could not altogether be classed as an outsider. Those associations had been many years.ago—ho would not like to say how many. Another association lie had had with the English Church was when he taught at Chesterfield Grammar School, where lie often attended divine service. Eor reverence and true democratic fervour he saw nothing to equal the services there. He was sure that His Lordship would soon class New Zealand people as the most hospitable and warm-hearted in the world, and that was greatly in evidence that evening. There was no doubt that a Bishop was always at a disadvantage, in that he was always the Bishop, just as a minister was a minister. The welcome of Bishop West-Watson was tremendously inspiring, and he gave the Bishop liis assurance of good fellowship in other circles. He liked to stand shoulder to shoulder with representatives of reform churches, and to feel that an amicable and harmonious atmosphere prevailed amongst tne dirt event denominations. He hoped that the Bishop’s coming would be rich in blessing to the great Anglican Church, and rich in charity to all other denominations. On behalf of his colleagues Mr Hughes offered the right hand of good fellowship. (Applause. ) Mr R. W. Simpson (church vuir.den), said that it was his duty and pleasure on behalf of the parish, to welcome the Bishop and his wife to the southern portion of his diocese. He could assure the Bishop that, notwithstanding his great welcome in the north, he tv as the inspiration and figure head of the congregations of Timaru. Immediately, on arrival in New Zealand waters His Lordship had been asked the question: “What do you think of New Zealand?” and his answer was: “What does New Zealand think of me.” ’ He was certain that that question, if it ueei.an anstver at tne time, did not need one now. (Applause.) Before his arrival in New Zealand, naturally his people were anxious to glean some information as to his character, and

when Archbishop Julius had written to the effect that the new Bishop could smoke a pipe .and enjoy a hearty laugh, they had realised what a line, personality they were about. to meet. It had been the privilege ' of many churchmen to work under the guidance of Bishop Harper find Archbishop Julius, and he was sure that Bishop West-Watson_ was a worthy successor to the pioneers ,o£ the diocese. The first church in Timaru was built in 1861. The foundation stone of the present church, of which they were all proud, was laid iu, September, 1880, in the .days , of the pioneers who had faith,, and loved their church, and who believed the best was none too good for God’s service. Three outstanding events during his 40 years’ connection with St. Mary’s, were the consecration of the nave in August, 4886, , by Bishop Harper; the completion of the church and dedication in , May, 1909, by Bishop Julius, and the extinguishing of the debt followed by the consecration of the tower, chancel, transept, and choir vestry in January, 1921, by Bishop Julius.They were proud of their hurch, but not of the parish hall, but he hoped that it would not be long before, a hew hall was erected, and that they would have the Bishop to open if. He had worked under three vicars, two of whom were the sons of Bishops. The present vicar was a in an held in esteem by all, a man who had the confidence of all his people. He assured, His Lordship that he would have no more .loyal supporters in the diocese than the people of Timaru. (Applause.) HIS LORDSHIP’S REPLY., On rising to reply, the Bishop was greeted with loud and sustained ap; plause. The Archdeacon, he said, had spoken of the gathering that evening as an extension of the welcome given him at Christchurc-h, which reminded him of his welcome to the Christchurch Girls’-Home. After the function one of the sisters was discussing the Exhibition, and was told by oiie of the girls that she had also, scon the Exhibition, further adding that she had seen him in the Corridor. (Laughter.) Since his arrival; said His Lordship, ‘it seemed to him that he had been continually on show, and he was very much afraid that, in the words’ used by Sir Walter Scott after some financial trouble, the great unknown would soon'become too well known. (Laughter.) It was very kind of them to give him suoh a great welcome. Apart from the accomplishment accredited him of being able to smoke a pipe with moderate success, he. did not know why he should deserve it, and trusted that it was not only.'attributable •to his office- .'as ' Bishop. Speaking of Bishops, the “Manchester Guardian” had said .that ,Bishops could very easily be done without, but it would only mean that someone else would have to be found to wear gaiters and look picturesque. If - such a thing happened the Archdeacon would have to turn to and do his,-bit. (Laughter.) Ile.did feel, however, that the l welcome extended was a tribute to the work of the great men since the time of Bishop Selwyn-—men such as Bishop Harper and Bishop Julius. He felt that the assuming of that, responsibility was no light task. ,If lie failed in the great work that lay before him it would not be for want of realising its importance, its' opportunity, and. its wonderful attraction. Both he and Mi's West-Watson had fallen in love with New Zealand at first sight, and although they had felt some reluctance- at leaving their beautiful garden in England, they had been wonderfully cheered at the knowledge that they had come to a land of floweiis. , During the very short time he had been in his diocese 1m had come to feel like the butler, who, upon being discharged from liiS position, refused to go, saying that if his master did not know when he had a good servant, he knew when ,he had a good master; that being exactly how he felt in regard to his new- dioebse. (Laughter.) If they.themselves would imagine' being transported to some big job in England they would then realise how hard 'it was for him to pick up the little, things that went with and made tip his new life. They were anxious to do so, and hoped that their children would grow up to be loyal New Zealanders. It' was a great pleasure to visit Tiinaru. He had often read of Timaru in Bishop Hamer’s letters, and llis description of riding through the tussdek grass. He*oftcn wondered Whkt tussocks were like, and now he knew. His Lordship went on to say that lie •had stood above- the Bay on Sunday evening and was struck with the wonderful beauty of the sunset scene. ' He was also very impressed with the buildings and the harbour, and was quite prepared to believe in the prophecies made regarding the future growth of the town. He hoped that he would be able to enjoy, that, feeling created by his predecessors that in the diocese they were all one. He congratulated them most sincerely upon the Work of the Archdeacon, of which he had hoard so.much since his arrival. He appreciated verv much the kind welcome extended by the Rev. Mr Hughes, and considered that the friendly interest and spirit of fellowship engendefbd among the various denominations woidd emiitn-dly prove of great benefit to all.. He also wished to thank Mr Simpson for his kind wolds of welcome, which were tvpical of the kindly feelings extended to him by the- vestries throughout the diocese. ITo wished to express his vratitndo to their Mavqr for his cordial welcome. Such office entailed, great resnoiisibility and constiinted splendid position in their national life, and he was always pleased to be associated with such'men. Mr . 'Wallace's remarks in regard' to the participation of the Church in national matters w-i-e of great interest, espeei- | nllv in view of the growing interest I displayed of late by .churchmen in I Europe in regard to world nrohlenis. I Churches should not * exist, for themselves, hut to tlie end that- the Kingdom of God should go ahead. Tf the Church was not nropared to risk its hfo. then it .could liot save lift'. The Church of England and other churches should combine for the good of the country, and the good of tho wnrhl. permeating thoso in rnthorifv with the cause of Christ, ■ that . they should pass and onnot measures for the .spiritual benefit.of the world. Tn conclusion, he' wishod t,o thank them very much for the kind welcome extended to himself pud Mrs West-Watson, which, he said, was deeply appreciated by both, ( Applause.)" i ■ During the evening musical items, contributed between speeches. added greatly to tho eniovmeut of the function. extra numbers being demanded on every occasion. The artists con- • Irpniting were as follows':—Miss Amv Holdgoto (songs! ; Rev. T,. Knight (recitations): Mr Rees AteConnehv (violin solos).; Mr G. H. Andrews ( snno-s) : Messrs \. Dickson, R. Niehol. R. Brooks, a-d A. Bryce (vocal quartette). Mr F. Hyde supplied the accompaniments in his usual artistic manner.