The Bishop's Reply.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 15 June 1905, Page 19

The Bishop's Reply.

Bishop Higgins, in reply, said it was a special gratification to him that the first words of welcome on his arrival came from the faithful priesthood. He would strive to sustain the burden that had that day been laid upon his weak shoulders, but he would confidently rely upon the valuable assistance of the clergy and people. They had formed an estimate of his limited abilities which no performance in his past life could have justified, and which no effort of the future would be likely to realise. No doubt he had had the privilege of ministering in the young Australian Ohureh for over fifteen years, and God atone must be the iudge, as he bad been the gi.er of any success that may have been atteincid during these years either in Sydney or Rockhampton. 'But this much he could say with truth— that whatever may have been its measure of merit, it was due, under God, not so much to him as to the willing helpers with whom he worked and the grateful soil it was his nrivilege to cultivate in the hearts of a docile peo; le. He had been charged with the duty of maintaining at its present high level the religious lite of the people, to foster that spirit of faith and practical piety that attached to their Church, and the generous devotion to her interests which placed Ballarat that day in so prominent a position among the ecclesiastical strongholds of Australia. He had been called upon to be a father to the orphan, a protector to the helpless', a friend to the poor, and an example of charity ana goodwill towards his fellow-citi/.ens if he was to prove himself worthy to occupy the place of him whose mantle had fallen upon his shoulders that day. Now all this called for a store of intellectual ability, an exercise of administrative tact and a eonerous devotedness of purpose, to which, unfortunately, he could not lay claim. It would be his earnost determination to devote the best efforts of his futuie years to the advancement of the cause of religious education among the Catholics of the diocese t recognising, as he did, the close connection it must e.cr tear, and the \ital influence it must ever exercise, o\cr the faith and moral well being of coming generations. In the evening a musical entertainment was held at St. Patrick's Hall, at which Bishop Higgins, Archbishop Carr, and other prelates were in attendance. During the proceedings addresses were presented to Dr. llie;gin.s by the laity and societies. During the musical entertainment addressee of eulogy of Bishop Higgins were deliered by Sir Alexander Peacock, Mr. John Ga<. an Duffy, the Bishop of Maitland and Archbishop Carr. In re - lying to an addresss from the League of the Cross, Bi>hop Higgins spoke strongly against the curse of intoxicating drinV, and said he would do all in his power to combat the terrible vice of intemperance. Anidst anplause a letter was read from Dr. Green, Anglican Bishop of Ballarat, addressed to Bishop Higgins, welcoming him to Ballarat, and intimating that he (Dr. Green) would take an early opportunity of calling upen the Bishop.