BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14927, 27 February 1912, Page 9

BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

REV. C. J. WOOD SELECTED. YOUTHFUL AND SCHOLARLY MAN. Cabled advice has been received at Auckland that the delegates appointed to select a man for tho Bishopric of Melanesia in succession to Bishop Wilson, have accomplished their task, and have nominated the Rev. Cecil John Wood, of the Clergyhouse, Wimbledon, to be Bishop of Melanesia. Tho Rev. ('. J. Wood is quite a young man, being only 38 years of age, but he is noted for his scholastic attainments and energy of character. Ho was a scholar and exhibitioner of St. Peter's College, Cambridge, and holds the second-class classical tripos. He was ordained deacon in 1897, and priest in 1898. Tho Bishop-elect was formerly curate of High Halden, Kent. Afterwards ho became curate of St. Marylebone, London, holding this position trom 1899 to 1902. Then, from 1902 to 1906, he was curate of St. Andrew's Church, Bethnal Green. He left Bethnal Green to become curate at tho Clergyhouse at Wimbledon, which position he now holds. The rector of the parish is a very wealthy man, and has converted the rectory into a clergyhouse for the use of the curates. There are eight curates in the parish, and Mr. Wood holds the senior position among them. The papulation of the district numbers 13,000, there being three churches under the jurisdiction of the rector and his curates. The Primate of New Zealand has been notified of »he selection, and he will shortly fix the date for the consecration, which will probably take place at Auckland.