BISHOP NELIGAN'S RESIGNATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 168, 18 July 1910, Page 6

BISHOP NELIGAN'S RESIGNATION.

EXPRESSIONS OF REGRET. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. Referring to the resignation of Bishop Neligan, the "Dominion" says:—"Dr. Neligan has taken a broad aud statesmanlike view of things, having sufficient confidence in the future of his Church to believe in the good time coining which will justify the noblest ventures of faith. He has always had the courage of his opinions, of which fact his address to the Synod last year on the attitude or the Church to industrial and social problems provides au excellent example. But some of his utterances have from time to time caused a good deal of opposition in certain quarters. That he should have aroused some antagonism was perhaps inevitable, for a man of his quick temperament and vigorous outspokenness must at times offend the susceptibilities of those who do not see eye to eye with him. All must admit, however, his untiring efforts on behalf of his people, and all will unite in tho hope that his health will soon be completely restored, and that in some other sphere he may have the strength and opportunity to use his many fine gifts to the best advantage. Mrs Neligan, too, has done much good for the girls and women of the diocese of Auckland. Her departure will also be much regretted. The resignation of Dr. Neligan emphasises the urgent need for the creation of a fourth diocese in the North Island, and the proposal for the establishment and endowment of a see of Taranaki must soon be very seriously considered. There may be some difficulty over the selection of the new Bishop of Auckland, for one cannot overlook the fact that there has of recent years been a tendencj' among a section of the Anglican community of that diocese to form separate parties. This is regrettable, but no doubt the great central body of churchmen will be strong enough to see that neither of the extremes, High or Low, is allowed to capture the Church."

Archdeacon Willis, speaking at a social gathering in connection with St. Andrew's Church, Cambridge, referred regretfully to the resignation, through ill-health, of Bishop Neligan. The Archdeacon was assured that the loss would be felt by the Church and the people of New Zealand. The Bishop may have made mistakes, but the speaker was assured that he had always done what he considered right and best. He (the vicar) testified to his being an able administrator, a great educator, and a marvellous worker. He felt sure the Bishop had their sincere sympathy in his necessity.

Our Dargaville eorrespi-.ndent writes: —"The news of Bishop Ncligan's resignation caused general regret among the Anglicans of Northern Wairoa. Tho Rev. F. W. Young, the vicar of this parish, contributes the following appreciation:— The news of the resignation by Dr. Neligan of Bishopric of Auckland will be read with great regret by the country clergy of the Diocese. To them he had been a tower of strength during the seven years of his episcopate. He was always most willing to back up their labours with arduous travelling, impressive teaching, and genial presence. New Zealand, too. will lose one of its most notable bishops. He was easily first of all Australasian bishops at last Lambeth Conference, and at the Pan-Anglican Congress, and succeeded in getting moro men to come out and work in his diocese than any other bishop in the southern hemisphere. He has had great difficulties to face, very largely because there are some who do not realise that tho reformation in England was not the same as the reformation in Holland or Geneva. Mrs Xelijjan, in spite of her delicate health, has made her influence widely felt. Having been trained in elocution, she makes a charming platform speaker at meetings of the Mothers' Union and Girls' Friendly Society. Bishop Neligan will be long remembered in the diocese for his impressive confirmation; his able and scholarly charges to the Synod were read all over New Zealand; his quickness in summirrcr up after confusing debate, his foundation of the Patteson wing of St. John's College, and his raising of the stipend of the country clergyman to a living wage, and insisting that it he paid."