ECCLESIASTICAL.

West Coast Times, Issue 232, 16 June 1866, Page 5

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The Right Rev. Dr. Viard, Roman Catholic Bishop of Wellington, has been on a visit to the district during the month, and has succeeded in collecting a large amount of money in aid of the fund for sustaining the Catholio Mission in the Westlaud district.

The Anglican Bishop of Christohurch, the Right Rev. Dr. Harper, has also visited the West Coast, and is at present resident in Hokitika, where he is expected to remain for a period of at least two months. Tho object of his visit is to make arrangements for the recepti6n of his son, the Rev. Mr Harper — who has been appointed Archdeacon of Hokitika, and whose arrival to enter upon the discharge of his ecclesiastical duties is expected in August next — for the erection of a church — and for the domestic accommodation of the Archdeacon and the clergymen who are ex» pected to accompany him to this district. A meeting of the members of the Church of England has been convened for Monday evening next, at which the Bishop has promised to make a statement as to the measures that have been taken to supply clergymen to the West Coast. We have oommented in successive summaries upon the long inaction of the authorities of the Church of England in this matter, and hope in our next monthly resume ' of news to be in a position ,to report that effective measures have been taken to supply a want long felt and complained of. The Rev. John Campbell has been invited by the Presbyterian body to settle in Hokitika as a minister of their church, and is at present officiating at the Fire Brigade Hall, the use of whioh' has been secured for a period of three months. Eunds are being raised for the erection of a suitable edifice for permanent occupation by his congregation. The Wesleyans have just completed a handsome parsonage for the residence of their minister, the Rev. Win. Cannel. . The Independent minister, 'the Rev., B. Drake, has been for, some time, prevented, by severe illness, from continuing the services lie used to hold at the Empire Hotel.