Visit of Archbishop Steins.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3484, 24 February 1880, Page 2

Visit of Archbishop Steins.

During yesterday afternoon, Archbishop Steins visited the Boys' School in Walter street, where there are 70 in attendance, and after examining the pupils, expressed himself pleased with hJ3 visit, and the manner in which, the. pupils acquitted themselves. He hoped that the scholars woutfl be attentive to their duties and Irusied that when he next visited the Thames he would find the cause of education progressing.—The following-address was tuen presented to His Grace :—•

" St. Thomas of Aqoin's School, Th; mes, New Zealand. 23rd Pebruary, 1880.—To His Grace, The Most Key. Doctor Steins, Lord Archbishop, The Lord Bishop of Auckland.-My Lord Archbishop,—We, the Teachers and Pupils, of St. Thomas of Aquin's School, Tuemes, with feelings of deep regard and venemtion, beg leave to offer to your Gr-ictJ, our most cordial welcome to .our school. We - have ■ already had the pleasure of joining the Catholic Congregation of tnis District, in their glad welcome to you, and ire pre now happy in having this opportunity of welcoming you. Your Grace, being the happy patron of education, does us great honor and favor in your visit, which is to us a source of much thankfulness, gratification, and encouragement, »j|i we hope under your Grace's favor and iwn^ediction, our school will become in learning and virtues worthy of the name of Catholic, and of the great name it bears, namely, that of St. Thomas of Aquin. It is due to us to state to you our great indebtedness to out bind and good pastor, the Key. Father O'Keilly, to whose iutert st and exertions on behalf of the school its present condition is owing. We pray your Grace will fiud the climate of this diocese congenial, also that you may live long and happy in it, and (hat hereafter you will enjoy eternal bliss. Beseeching your episcopal benediction, we have the honor to remain my Lord Archbishop, your Grace's most obedient and very dutiful children. Michael Cabbick, head teacher; John Giiaiks, Ast. Teacher. Signed on behalf of the pupils of the school—Henry G. Dod, Joseph O'Brien, Thomas McEnteer, J. O'Sullivan, William Moore, James Mcllhone."

His Grace, accompanied by the Revs. O'Eeilly and McDonald, and Mr Mcllhone, visited the Moanatairi mine this morning, and were kindly shown over it and the battery by Mr Comer, who explained the mode of treatment for the extraction of the gold from the quartz and tailings. His Grace and party donned for the occasion suits of miners' clothes, quite in contrast with that usually worn by such exalted'personages, but' deter mi led to see the mine and its wonderful workings, no obstacles were allowed to stand in the way. The Archbishop expressed wonder at the amount of work done, the perseverance and foresight, shown in searching for the precious metal, and he trusted ?uat an ample reward would be received by the proprietors. The Thameß Horipi-al was next visited, and each of the patients in turn was spoken to, and kind enquiries made after their welfare. The old men in the Refuge were also honor cl with a visit. His Grace said the people of the Thames deserved praise for the admirable arrangements nrcde by (hem for their sick and destitute. The carved house at Parawai was inspected. The party return to Auckland by the Rotomahana this aiternoon.

The following is the address presented to His Grace on Saturday evening last at the Willoughby street church from the congregation, and which we are only now in a position (.0 publish :—

To His Grace, mosfc Beverend Walter Steins, S.J.D.D., Archbishop & Bishop of Auckland. Maj it please your Grace— We, the undersigned, on behalf of the Catholics residing on the Thames, beg most respectfully to lender you a hearty welcome on this, your first, visit to the district. We feel that we are particularly favored in having you so soon amongst us, considering that only a few months have elapsed since you took your departure from the Eteraal City for the scene of your, future labors, and : inasmuch as diocesan affairs have doubtless claimed a great deal of your time and attention since your arrival in your Episcopal City. We have long wished and hoped for a resident Bishop in this diocese, and are now happy to find that oar longings are more than realised in having for onr Chief Pastor a member of the glorious Order, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Trusting that your Grace may be long

spared to rule over the flock confided to your care, and hoping that our zeal and favor in the cause of Catholicity may merit your paternal blessing— We have the honor to subscribe ourselves your obedient humble serrants, Michaei, Landebs, Huoh Mclihonb. February 21,. 1880.