NEW BISHOP

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 8

NEW BISHOP

DIOCESE OF AUCKLAND APPOINTING A SUCCESSOR YOUNG MAN SUGGESTED AUCKLAND, Monday Archbishop Averill, Bishop of Auckland, informed the Diocesan Synod last October, that, in the ordinary course, his resignation as Primate of New Zealand, would take effect on the last day of the sittings of the General Synod in February, 19 iu, but he would prefer to resign from both offices at some time in April, alter the close of the lianancial year. This would allow the new primate ample time to succeed him before leaving for England to attend the Lambeth Conference. The Archbishop suggested that it might be possible to call a special session of the synod for the nomination of his successor before his resignation became effective, thus avoiding an interregnum. The diocesan paper, the Church Gazette, states in its last issue that a preliminary committee of the synod has been set up to make confidential inquiries regarding any person whose name may have been sent in by any member of the synod, the information to be laid before the latter when it meets in special session next year. The committee consists of Archdeacon 11. A. Hawkins, Dean W. l'ancourt, the Rev. p. Houghton, Mr C. J. Tunks, Mr J. 13. Lusk and Mr li. 11. lnsull, secretary. Problem of Successor “ The problem of a successor to Archbishop Averill as Primate of New Zealand is vexing the minds of many Church people throughout the Dominion, ’’ the paper states editorially. The article adds that it is generally supposed that the choice will be governed largely by seniority of consecration, but whether this is desirable or not is perhaps another story. The centralisation of the archbishopric in Wellington might have practical advantages as regards travelling. “On the other hand,” the article continues, ** it would be a tragic thing to make Wellington or any other diocese into a permanent archbishopric, when perhaps the existing bishop of that diocese might not be the right man for primate. “ One thing appears certain, and that is, that whatever bishop succeeds to the office, will have to consider the appointment of a suffragan bishop to assist in matters that are purely diocesan, so as to relieve him for duties that have a Dominion-wide significance.” Desire for Unanimity Discussing the choice of a new Bishop of Auckland, the paper expresses the hope that any clashes of opinion will give place to unanimity in the outcome. “ One may venture to hope,” it adds, “ that the vague rumours of party influence and the likelihood of block votes in favour of certain persons are grossly exaggerated.” The paper considers that any prejudices against a young man as bishop appear to have entirely disappeared, and that it would be fairly safe to assume that Auckland will follow the lead of the Mother -Country in appointing a bishop nearer 4U than 50 years of age.”