“RED DEAN”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 151, 12 April 1950, Page 6

“RED DEAN”

VISIT TO WELLINGTON LUKEWARM RECEPTION LIKELY (P.A.) ‘ WELLINGTON, This Day. A lukewarm reception will await the “Ked Dean” of Canterbury if he calls at Wellington in the course of his tour of Australia and New Zealand. - In Wellington, Dr. Hewlett Johnson known as the “Red Dean” because of his views on Russia—will find: (1) An invitation to speak from the pulpit of St. Paul’s Cathedral provided the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. R. FI. Owen agrees; (2) the Wellington Town Hall available for public meetings; (3) a civic reception provided the proposal is suggested to the Mayor, Mr W. Appleton, by some “responsible organisation” and moots with his approval. Tho Doan of Wellington, the Very Rev. D. J. Davies, said to-day that he had not been advised officially of the Dean of Canterbury’s visit, and he Was sure the “Red Dean” was not touring the Dominion at tho invitation of the Church of England. But “if the Bishop allowed,” the Dean of Canterbury, if he visited Wellington, would be permitted to preach in St. Raul’s. “His political views have not affected the Dean’s position as an ordained minister of this Church,” said M: Davies. “Do not misunderstand—l am not another Red Dean, but I feel it a matter of courtesy that the Dean of Canterbury should be permitted to preach in St. Paul’s,” added Mr Davies. Mr Appleton said tho question of a civic reception for Dr. Johnson would not arise “unless I am approached by some responsible organisation. If I were approached by the Church, then I would have to think it over.” Mr Appleton added that there was nothing to stop the Dean hiring the Town Hall for public meetings. The Dean’s projected visit to Australia has aroused a controversy there, and several Australian Mayors have stated that they will, not hold receptions for him at their town halls.