BACK BLOCK PREACHERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14849, 28 November 1911, Page 8

BACK BLOCK PREACHERS.

AN -.-; OVERWHELMING? NEED.

Having completed an extended tour of the King Country, Bishop Crossley, Anglican Bishop of , Auckland, is still more convinced than ever of the need for more clergymen working in the back blocks. "In my address to Synod," said the Bishop, speaking to a Hkrald representative yesterday, "I drew attention to the overwhelming need for additional clergy, and stated that I could place 21 men it I had them.' As a result of my visit to the King Country I am convinced that I could increase that number by four if I only had the men and the means. One of my clergy there showed me a touching letter from a settler. He had called on the settler, but unfortunately found that both he and his wife were away from borne. - The settler, in writing, expressing his deep regret at having missed the clergyman's visit, stated: that he had been seven years out from Home settled there, and during the whole of that time he had never seen the face of a clergyman. He asked piteously could the Church do nothing to help these lonely pioneers in the way of providing an occasional service to cheer and inspire them in their work? I am impressedwith the kindness and the devotion of our clergy to our work in that district. Everywhere I received from the people a most cordial and encouraging welcome, not by any means confined to the people of my own Church.".. ■, .