A MAORI BISHOP.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19459, 5 November 1928, Page 5

A MAORI BISHOP.

REV. F. BENNETT.

On December 2nd, in Napier Cathedral, the Rev. F. Bennett is to be consecrated as the first Bishop of Aotearoa and as the first Maori to be elevated to the status of Bishop, states the "Church News."

Mr F. G. Gurnsey has been commissioned to make a pectoral cross for Sresentation to Mr Bennett. It will a of gold, with a greenstone centre and with Maori ornamentation in gold. This is, to be the gift of the clergy of Waiapu diocese, and will be a personal gift. A pectoral cross for the use of the Bishop of Aotearoa and his successors has also been presented by Mrs Crossley, wife of the late Bishop Crossley, formerly Bishop of Auckland. It was to have been presented to the Bishop by his wife on his birthday, but before that day arrived Bishop. Crossley met his tragic death. in -an accident. The pectoral cross, presented to him on his consecration as Bishop of Auckland was, if we recall the incident aright, lost by him in Lake Rotorua. Mr Gordon, of New Plymouth, and Mr Blair, of Hastings, and others are contributing Mr Bennett's episcopal ring. The Maori clergy and people are to provide the official pastoral staff for the Bishop of Aotearoa. Mr Bennett will probably be in Christchurch during this month for a few days.