PROPOSED BISHOPRIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1917, Page 6

PROPOSED BISHOPRIC.

NEW SEE OP TARANAKI. AUCKLAND SYNOD SYMPATHETIC. The proposal to create a bishopric of Taranaki, a part of which provincial district is at present in the Auckland Diocese, was discussed at the Anglican Diocesan Synod on Monday. Archdeacon G. Mao Murray stated that the Bishop of Auckland, though extremely desirous of doing -so, could not discharge all his diocesan duties properly in a diocese that extended from the North Cape to Taranaki. With such a large diocese it was not possible to have effective church government. It was politic to look ahead and the time was approaching when the church should consider the establishment tf a bishopric at Hamilton. Even then, with the archdeaconry of Auckland extending to the North of Auckland, the bishop would' have all his time and energies fully occupied. The speaker said he considered the time riot very far distant when a bishop would have to be appointed for the North of Auckland. This would allow the Bishop of Auckland to concentrate his energies within the civic boundaries. The time was fast approaching when the City of Auckland would have a population of 300,000 or 400,000. He was opposed to the appointment of suffragan bishops in New Zealand. He moved: "That the synod desires to express its sincere svmpathy with the clergy and laity of Taranaki. who are to meet in conference in New (Plymouth on November 13 for the purpose of furthering a proposal to create a bishopric of Taranaki; and prays that God's holy spirit may direct and "rule their hearts, guiding them to do that which will be for the glory of God and the progress of his Kingdom." The Rev.'J. A. Kempthorne seconded the motion.

Archdeacon Evans, of New Plymouth, said the people of Taranak! had done as much as they could to further the proposal. The obstacle to further progress was the attitude taken up by the Bishop of Wellington, who had not encouraged the efforts' of the clergy and laity of Tnranaki. The clergy in the Wellington Diocese who were affected by the proposal were very enthusiastic over the matter, although none wanted to be cut off from the splendid influence of Dr. Averill, or to be severed from their brethren, of the Auckland Diocese.

The Rev. J. A. Lush suggested that there should be a co-operation of certain finances. A poor bishopric should have some assistance from a rich bishopric, which should not be allowed to spend all its wealth on itself.

Mr. C. J. Tunks said the laity should not allow the bishop who would be appointed to the new bishopric to bear the whole financial burden alone.

Bishop Averill said there had been enough talk about the establishment of the new bishopric; it was time something tangible was done. The motion was carried.