BISHOP NELIGAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 149, 24 June 1903, Page 3

BISHOP NELIGAN.

PLAIN SPEAKING AT WAIHI

(By Telegraph.— Own Correspondent)

WAIHI, this day.

Bishop Neligan arrived at Waihi last evening, and addressed one of the largest congregations ever seen at St. John's Church, numbers remaining outside. The Bishop was accompanied by Archdeacon Willis, of Cambridge. His address was brief, and chiefly dealt with the relationship which should be observed between any congregation and its minister. in his opening remarks, the Bishop said they met there under somewhat strange circumstances. The place of meeting, however, should have a good influence, and consequently it would be impossible to wrangle, though, not for a moment did he anticipate such an occurrence. Referring to the object of his visit, he said he wanted to meet the Churoh officers particularly. He had an idea that the people were anxious to rally round the Church, and put their relationship to the Church on the highest plane. The question of finance should also be similarly placed. It was absolutely degrading for people to view relationship between themselves and their minister from an £ s d standpoint, or whether he wore a black tie or turned over two leaves at a time. - Anyone who took up that position was an absolute lunatic. He appealed fco them to look to big principles. A man had no right to call himself a Churchman if he formed a community of his own and set himself up on his own little pedestal. He had no intention to undenominationalise himself for anyone. It would be an insult to any Church to say that no difference existed between denominations. He would not claim for himself what he was not prepared to give to others. He did not care the snap of a finger for popularity, and would follow what line of action he considered right. In conclusion, he thanked the large body of church-people present for their attendance.

At a Vestry meeting afterwardg the Bishop said he was not there to talk of the past, but of the future. The Vicar (the Rev. G-over) would be leaving the parish in six weeks' time, and he intended to appoint a new man from Home, if the Vestry agreed, who would take) in Waikino and Waitekauri as well. The Bishop's intentions seemed to meet with general approval.