THE BISHOP OF WAIAPU.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2756, 10 March 1910, Page 4

THE BISHOP OF WAIAPU.

OFFICIAL VISIT TO GISBORNE

The Right, Rev. A. AY Averill Bishop of AVaiapu, arrived m Gisborne yesterday morning on Jus nr.rt visit to this .portion of his diocese .‘-nice Ins appointment to the Bishopric. The Bishop came overland .rom Napier and AYairoa and was met at Alohaka bv the Yen. Archdeacon Williams, who accompanied him for the remainder of the trip to Gisborne via Null aka. To a “Times” representative His Lordship said that lie he had long* been interested in Gisborne aiK. aiw .ij i» liad, and still retained the feeling that it was "oing to take -a big place in the future of the Dominion. The weatuer on the journey through was pleasant, but the roads in places were rough, making travelling at times rather unpleasant, but the Bishop is ent-Inisi istic over some of the scenery on the overland route, particularly in the vicinity of Waikaremoana Asked as to the import of Ins y mt, the Bishop said that he was making a tour of the whole diocese, Archdeacon AYilliants kindly taking him round. He wanted to obtain a thorough knowledge of both Alaori and pakelia work and to personally see the clergy or both race--. He would visit them in their districts to see if anything was required, such as sub division, etc., and would also take confirmations when necessary. 1 have spent Sundays with the Alaori s at Oinaliu and AYairoa,” continued His Lordship, “and I must say that I was verv much struck with their work and their services. It was something quite now to one, but I was really greatly impressed “with the heartiness with which they entered into the services.” The Bishop is not altogether a stranger to Gisborne, having been here on a short- visit some 14 years ago, and lie has met many Gisborne iolk in the South Island. Although the Alaori part of his work will be quite new to him, His Lordship explained that personally. lie lias- always been keenly interested in the Maoris, and his church in Christchurch, St. Alichaels, Laa always been glad to extend financial assistance to the Alaori Aiission up here. Chatting or, general matters, the (Bishop revealed the fact that 'lie is.keenly interested in volunteering, and was chaplain of the forces in Christchurch for some 10 years. He considers that the movement- is a really ■good' one, not only from the military point of view, but also from the social side, in the discipline which is so good •for us all. He expresses himself as .having been much struck and gratified at the loyal and patriotic manner in Trliicli the new tlefenoc? proposals have been received throughout the Dominion. “!}• is a credit to the people of New Zealand, and I expect- that the new system will certainly lead to great, things.” Unlike many dignitaries of the -Church Bishop Averin is a Ixdiever in all forms of manly sport. An old oarsman himself, he favors rowing as one of the best forms of exercise, and one which should be encouraged in any place for the sake of the physique and development of the younger generation. His Lordship, accompanied by Archdeacon Williams, leaves on Monday next to continue his visit to the more northern parts of his diocese, and will return to Gisborne on Alonday, April 4th. During liis stay on the present occasion ho will visit- the outlying portions of tho district and on Sunday ■evening will conduct the service in ■Hnlv Trinity Church. This evening in the Garrison Hull, a civic reception will be tendered to Jiim. to which ail townspeople are inhited. The Chair will be taken .at S p.m. by His AYorship the Alayor. and representatives of local bodies and other prominent- citizens will be present. A short musical programme will be gone through, and refreshments will be provided. Tliere will be no charge for admission, and it- is hoped that a very large gathering will extend a liearty welcome to the Bishop.