THE DUNEDIN BISHOPRIC.

Southland Times, Issue 1065, 30 November 1868, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN BISHOPRIC.

(TO THE BDITOB OF THE SOUTHIiAND TIMES.) Tis, — A letter from Bishop Selvvyn on the" above subject appeared in your paper of the 23rd inst., which calls for a few words in reply. His Lordship urges the members of the Church to withdraw opposition to Dr. Jenner, and accept him as their Bishop after the Geueral Synod of the Church in New Zealand has deliberately refused to confirm the appointment. In the first place the letter is illjudged and tends only to re-open a vexed question, and renew the strife which had been set at rest, as the Synod judged in the most gentle and christianlike way, by giving Dr. Jenner an opportunity of retiring voluntarily, while at the same time declining to confirm him. In the next place the letter is insulting to the intellects of those who have believed they had but too good reason for opposing Dr. Jenner. It is also discreditable to Bishop Selwyn to attempt to over-ride the decision of the General Synod by " his own opinion." Most opportunely, on account of the recent doings of Bishop Jenner, has come out an account of a Harvest Festival at Ardley, Herts, reported in the ' Church Times,' the organ of the Kitualists, be it remarked :—" First Vespers with full Catholic ritual, High Mass was at eight a.m. About three p.m. a procession was formed at the parsonage, consisting of a crucifix, thurifer, choir, acolytes, &c, members of the congregation of Children of St. Joseph, carrying banners ; brothers and sisters of the Society in religious habits ; two rulers of the choir in copes, the ceremonarius, and the celebrant properly vested in a red cope, biretta, &c. The good Bishop of Dunedin, before whom a priest carried a pastoral staff, came last in the procession. On arriving at the Church porch, the processional psalm was stopped, and the organ chimed in to the hymn, ' Christ is made the sure foundation.' Solemn vespers were then sung. The choir was properly rulel by two cantors, while the presence of a, ceremonarius well up to his woric, assured that dignity and precision in i'.iual details so indispensable in the e-.juiiuct of high functions.' " This gem renders all further comments utterly unnecessary. I can only express my regret that Bishop Selwyn has gone from New Zealand, leaving his clergy and people so little reason to regret him. — I am, Sir, &c, W. 111.1.I 1 . Oldham. Parsonage, Eiverton, 25th Nov., 1868.