Auckland.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume 07, Issue 45, 7 November 1907, Page 13

Auckland.

Farewell Addresses to Sir George Grey. " From a cutting from 'the 'New Zealander,' a newspaper of the period, kindly lent by one of the clergy, who has consistently manifested the keenest interest in these memoirs, I am enabled to copy the following particulars, which, after the lapse of moTe than half a century, will -undoubtedly prove interesting and' instructive:—'Bishop Pompaliier, his clergy, and the schools under his care have not failed to unite with fhe other denominations and classes of the community in offering tributes of grateful respect and esteem to His Excellency Sir George Grey on the occasion of his departure for England, as the following series of addresses presented last week will testify. JEhe first is from the Catholic Bishop, Vicar-General, and clergy of the diocese of Auckland: —

•May it please your Excellency,— The intelligence of your leaving New Zealand so soon has been rather sudden to me and commding with <Hhe solemnities of the birtJiday of Our Blessed Saviour, during which the spiritual labors of my pastorship are multiplied in this dear city, and accompanied with abundant consolations. The most earnest prayers have still been said by the pastor and flock for your Excellency to the Divine Infant, who was born for us, and is the Source 'of all power and happiness. I shall never forget your cordial feelings in administering your paternal protection towards the prelate who writes these few lines and liis vast flock of motives and Europeans in Kew Zealand. 1 am an old settler, who have witnessed the cradle of civilisation and religion in this country whore your Excellency has displayed so much wisdom, prudence, and dignity. Providence has conducted me around the world to witness also the antiquity, universality, and unity of the Catholic 3'eligion. Its freedom is granted at present almost everywhere, and it is with deep feelings of pleasure and gratitude that I have seen it respected a.nd protected under your high authority; for wherever this freedom reigns it is a sign of temporal and spiritual blessings. Accept, then, my congratulations for the success of your Libors in New Zealand, my regret for your departure, any wishejs for a safe voyage and return, and my prayers to God for obtaining blessings and happiness for your Excellency -and Lady Grey, whose benefits towards the orphans and schools of my congregation will never be forgotten. C\r ay these sentiments, partaken by my Clergy and flock, be acceptable to your Excellency. Your most humble obedient servant, ' f J. Bst. Frs. Pompallier, Ap. Adm., Catholic Bishop of Auckland.' 'To His Excellency Sir G. Grey, X.C.8., ' Governor and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand.' ' We, the undersigned, unite with the beloved Bishop of the Diocese of Auckland.

'Jas. M'Don-alt), Vicar-General (For him and for the following clergy absent :— Rev. Fathers Fynes, Alletay, Bourand, Caravel, Segala, Garin, parish priest of Nelson).' To which His Excellency returned the following reply: ' Government House, Auckland, ' December 29, 1853. 'My Lord,— l feel much indebted to your Lordship and the clergy of your diocese for the very friendly terms in which, in the address you have transmitted to me, you allude to the efforts 1 have made to promote the welfare of 'the Catholic population in New Zealand, whether European or native, during the time that T • have administered the government .of these islands. Upon my part, my thanks are due to your Lordship and your clergy for the efforts you have, during my government, invariably made to promote peace and good order amongst all classes of the community, and the spread of civilisation and education amongst the native population— the efforts you have made in these respects demand my warm acknowledgments. Lady Grey unites with me in thanking your Lordship and your clergy for your prayers and wishes for our future welfare and happiness and we beg that you will receive yourself, and express to your clergy and Catholic people, our heartfelt sentiments of enduring gratitude, esteem, and regard.'' s (To be continued.)

The ' Advocate ' Males that 12\ per cent of the total population of Victoria, is concent ratal in Greater Melbourne.