DR. AVERILL ACCEPTS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 98, 29 August 1913, Page 5

DR. AVERILL ACCEPTS

BBSHOPRIC OF AUCKLAND.

FAVORS TARANAKI DIOCESE

[Per Press Association.]

Wellington, August 29. Dr. Averill lias accepted the Bishopric of Auckland.

In the course of an interview, he said he found it a very difficult question to decide, and at first he felt inclined to decline the offer, 'as he had only been at Waiapu four years. and ho thought he ought perhaps to remain there longer; hut after considering the matter very carefully, and taking the opinion of his brother bishops, he had determined to accept. It was not likely that he would take up the duties for two or three months. He would preside at the Waiapu Diocesean Synod, which opens on October 3, and would like to remain till his successor was appointed. The Bishop expressed himself in favour of the proposal to create a new bishopric for Taranaki and part of Wellington district. He thought the Auckland diocese too largo for ono man. He was afraid, ■ however, they would not get this change just yet.

The Eight Rev. Alfred Walter Averill was born in Stafford, England, in 1865. • He received his earlier education at Stafford Grammar School and by private tutor, subsequently pursuing .his studies at St. John's College, Oxford, where in 1887 he took his B.A. degree with secondclass honours in the Theological School. He entered Ely Theological College in 1,888, and in the same year was ordained deacon at the Advent ordination in St. Paul's Cathedral by the late Archbishop Temple, then Bishop of London. His first curacy was at St. George's, Hanover Square, which ho held from 1888 to 1891 under Canon Capel Cure, who was Canon of Windsor and chaplain to the late Queen. In 1889 he was ordained priest by Airebbishop Temple at the Advent ordination in St. Paul's. Hip M.A. degree was taken by Bishop Averill in 1891, and in that year, oe the death of Canon Capel Cure, he was appointed curate at Holy Trinity, Dalston, with the Rev. R. S. Hassard, who was formerly vicar of St. Matthew's, Auckland. In 1891 Mr Hassard was nominated vicar of St. Michael's Church, but declined the position, and on his. recommendation Bishop Averill was chosen for it and held it until 1900. From 1895 he acted as ehaiplain to the Christchurch Hospital,-! from 1902 to 1909 he was honorary canon of Christchurch Cathedral, from 1903 archdeacon of Akaroa, and during 1909 and 1910 archdeacon of Christchurch. The election of Bishop Averill to the See of Waiapu was made on September 16, 1909, and on January 16 in the following yea: was consecrated.