NEW BISHOP OF AOTEAROA

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26511, 28 August 1951, Page 10

NEW BISHOP OF AOTEAROA

ALLEGIANCE PLEDGED BY TRIBES (New Zealand Press Association) HASTINGS, August 26. A plea for the new Bishop of Aotearoa (the Rt. Rev. W. N. Panapa) to be permitted to exercise hi s jurisdiction over a wider field than was allowed the first bishop (the late Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett) was made yesterday at Pakipaki. The occasion was a memorable one for representatives of the Maori tribes who paid homage and pledged allegiance to the new Bishop. The gathering, which marked the first public appearance of the newlyconsecrated Bishop, was attended by Maori representatives from all parts of the North Island, with Government and local body representatives, including the Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr E. B. Corbett).

Tribute to the service given by Bishop Bennett was paid by all speakers, who at the same time expressed their pleasure that his successor should also be a member of the Maori race.

The Archbishop of New Zealand (The Most Rev. Campbell West-Wat-son) said: “You of the Maori people lost a father in the death of Bishop Bennett. I know you wanted a successor, and to-day you have found a new father.’’

The opportunity was taken to present to Archbishop West-Watson an elaborate carved inkstand in recognition of his many years of service to both the pakeha and Maori races. Mr D. Paikea, M.P., representing Northland Maoris, said Bishop Bennett did not have authority to travel to all parts of the country. “We must not leave our new bishop dangling in mid-air. He should be given authority to travel and preach where he pleases.”