ALEXANDRA. Visit of Bishop Cowie.—Social Gathering.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1810, 12 February 1884, Page 2

ALEXANDRA. Visit of Bishop Cowie.— Social Gathering.

The welcome to our much-respected Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland, which took the form of a soiree and concert in the Public Hall on S.itmday last, was a most complete Buccess. His Lordship, in his numerous visits here, has fairly won the respect of all classes and denominations, tlm making his 14th appeal ance during his time of office. The committee of ladies who originated and so satisfactorily carried out the entire anangements were all indefatigable in their exertions in contributing to the enjoyment of all piescnt. The table-* were more than sufficiently supplied, had there been twice the number present. After the tables were cleared the entertainment was opened by the Misses Stunner who played a Pianoforte duet, "Happy Hearts " in a mo>t happy nnnner and in most admirable time, followed by "Our Own New Zealand Home" by the school childien. His Loidship then rose, a»id gave an address, and although he stated " he was in a difficulty not knowing until his anivalin the room, whether he had to speak to children or adults, his theme was a most interesting one to both and most attentively listened to. His Lordship spoke at some length on the advantages the children of New Zealand weio enjoying from the present educational system, and shewed how by patience, and industry the highest honour^ were open to rich and poor alike. His Lordship then gave a most graphic account of the labours of his predecessor, the late lamented Bishop Selwyn, in establishing the Melanesian and Polynesian Misj sion, giviug instancies of his entire faith, and the brave manner he risked his ' life, in visiting the various savage islanders. ' Bishop Patteson's works in the same field were most touchirgly commented upon, and his death, while doing the work of his Master. The subsequent appointment and work of the present missionary bishop, John Selwyn, were reviewed by the lecturer, to the great edification of all present. i At the conclusion of hib address, his Lordship was most enthusiastically applauded. Pianoforte duet, Misses Hill, a gapifcal performance, followed by an address by the Rev Mr Phillips, who, I havo omitted to state, was in the chair. (The bishop, on account of his young son, who was fatigued by the journey, having left the hall.) Mr Phillips then gave some idea of the laborious duties performed by his Lordship. Mr Phillips also declared his intention of giving a prize for the best paper to be written by any of the children present under the age of 13, the subject to be the bishop's address to them that evening, (Thin was received (Vith rounds' of cheers.) He also referred to the desirableness of these social gatheiings as being an excellent opportunity of meeting and exchanging friendly feelings. The rev. gentleman was loudly cheered at the conclusion of his address. Mr Johnson then sang the ''Tar's Farewell," followed by a trio, the gem of the evening, by the Misses Lane, "When iho sqft m.ooijbeams are beaming," which met with a unanimous encore, followed by a song " Beautiful Night," rendered with taste and expression. Piano duet, Misses Hill, " Orphee Auk Enfers,"wasloudlyapplauded. "God Save the Queen," sang by the audience, concluded a pleasant evening's entertainment. His L.ordship preached to a large congregation yestei-ttey morning, preaching a ?nost excellent and interesting seimon, ex tempore the text being taken from the motning lesson. He also administered the right of confirmation to four young persons who presented themselves.

NATIVE NEWS. Mr James Mackay, once so well known to thd Q 9V ter !) m . ent A? en ti h ere i arrived here yesterday with Rpwi a,nd propeedejj |o visit Tawhiao at Whatiwhatihoe. I interviewed Rewi, v/ho has a very strong prodelictionforMrMackay,he(Rewi)having saved his life at Te Ruiti some years ago. Rewi does not appear to care much for Mr Bryce having stopped his Government allowance, but he certainly does think it sonje^vliat i}HJu»fc— (Own Coprggpondent,) Mr John JCnox will sell, to=raQrraw, the furnituro and brewery plant in the _ estate oi W. Curarainff, Hamilton, on the premises. Also, at same plaot, | felJmonßcrs 1 vftts. On tbo JQth he Will sell, at hi-! Hamilton Mart, hv order of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, part of ' Lot 60, Hamilton West, havtnr a frontage to the river, comfortable dwelling-house, &c. The spire m the Catholic t Church in Philadelphia ia to have an illuminated. f croes,\vh^b fit nijjh^ ;v»ll J3 fo^