Archbishop Aperill Says Farewell

Northern Advocate, 22 February 1940, Page 6

Archbishop Aperill Says Farewell

[Special to ‘‘Northern Advocate’’] NELSON, This Day.

Archbishop Averill was farewelled by the General Synod yesterday. In reply, Archbishop Averill thanked the speakers for their kind words. He appreciated the motive behind those words and the sincerity with which they had been uttered. It was not easy when one came to the end of a long ministry of 46 years, with 30 .as bishop and 15 as archbishop, to lay down the reins of office, but ho thought in doing so he was doing his duty. . The reason when he announced his decision was that he wished his successor to go to the Lambeth Confei - ence as Archbishop. Decision Adhered To. That conference would not now be held this year, but he felt that his decision to resign should not be changed. The Archbishop took the opportunity pf saying that no one had worked harder for the Church than his wife. The Primate said he laid down his offices with a feeling of regret in his heart, but he felt that his action was right in resigning before the time came when incapacitation would cause so much inconvenience to those who had tc have association with the Archbishop. He enjoyed good health at present, but thought it wiser to resign on the early side rather than leave it until a time when full duties of office could not be carried out by him. Church of England Has Nothing To Fear. Archbishop Averill said one of his happiest experiences was the associations formed at, and the fellowship of Synods. He was satisfied that there was nothing to fear for the future Church of England in New Zealand. He had greatly appreciated and had an admiration for the work of the thousands of laymen throughout the province. “Although retiring from the offices, my sympathy, love and prayers will always be with the Church with which I have been so closely associated during the past 46 years,” the Archbishop concluded.