THE PRIMATE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 169, 1 May 1935, Page 3

THE PRIMATE

ARCHBISHOP AVERILL.

WARM TRIBUTES TO WORK.

/Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, April 30. A public gathering of nearly 3000 people in the Town Hall to-night gave a remarkable demonstration of their esteem and affection for Archbishop Averill on the occasion of the completion of his twenty-fifth year as bishop, his twenty-first year as Bishop of Auckland, and his tenth year as Primate of New Zealand. Tributes to different aspects of the splendid service he has rendered to the Church and to the community were paid by Archdeacon Macmurray, on behalf of the clergy, Mr C. J. Tunks, on behalf of the laity, Bishop 'West-vVatson as representing the South Island, Canon W. H. Keretene for the Maori people, the Mayor (Mr G. W. Hutchison), the Rev. Father Holbrook, on behalf of the Homan Catholic Church, and the Rev. J. A, Thomson, on behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations.

The speakers drew attention to the grave difficulties of the times in which the Archbishop had held office, and the strength and wisdom with which he had surmounted these and led the Church on to fresh victories. In all the congratulations, a very prominent .place was given to the inspiring and helpful influence of Mrs Averill. In returning thanks, the Archbishop briefly reviewed his years of office, mentioning among other facts that 60 new churches had been built in his diocese, and he had confirmed more than 40,000 candidates, and. ordained 60 or 70 deacons and priests.