THE ANGLICAN PRIMACY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18941, 12 February 1925, Page 10

THE ANGLICAN PRIMACY

ELECTION OF BISHOP AVERILL TO ASSUME OFFICE IN APRIL. CAREER IN NEW ZEALAND. SURE AND FIRM LEADERSHIP. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN. Wednesday. The Right Rev. Alfred Walter Averill, Bishop of Auckland, has, by vote of the Anglican General Synod, been appointed Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand, in succession to Archbishop Julius, whose resignation will take effect on April 20.

The new Primate, though not a New Zealander by birth, has spent a great part of his life in this Dominion. For over 30 years Dr. AverilP" has been a strong personality in New Zealand church life, and has done much useful work in the dioceses of Christehurch, Waiapu, and Auckland. He is now 60 years of age—lß years younger than the retiring Primate (Dr. Julius)—and, though he has always been a hard worker, he has enjoyed more than an average measure of health and strength. Speaking recently at New Plymouth, he referred thankfully to the splendid health he has always enjoyed, which has, he said, enabled him always to fulfil his engagements. Besides physical fitness, he brings to his new position extensive knowledge and sound judgment, based on long and wide experience.

Dr. Averill was born in 1865, and educated at St. John's College, Oxford, and at Ely Theological College. He was ordained deacon in 1888, and was curate of St. George's, Hanover Square, one of the best known London churches, from 1883 to 1891. For the next three years he was connected with Holy Trinity Church, Dalston. He came to New Zealand in 1894, having been appointed vicar of St. Michael and All Angels, Christehurch. His work at St. Michael's was thoroughly successful. He quickly learned to understand his people, and won their affection and confidence. His influence soon spread beyond the borders of his own parish. He threw himself whole-heartedly into the general life of the diocese, and secured a high_ place in the estimation of the community both as a churchman and a citizen. In 1902 he was made honorary canon of Christehurch Cathedral, and in the same year was appointed archdeacon oi Akaroa.

A Critical Time. His successful work and proved capacity for leadership had by this time become well known in the church throughout New Zealand, and when Bishop W. L. Williams resigned, Archdeacon Averili was elected to succeed him by the synod of the diocese of Waiapu, and he was consecrated in Napier, Cathedral on January 16, 1910. His stay in Waiapu was not long—only three years. In 1913 the see of Auckland became vacant caving to the sudden resignation of Bishop Crossley, Only three years previously. Bishop Neligan liad retired, and church affairs in the diocese of Auckland were in an unsettled stnte. There was need for a period of stability. The synod was not willing to take the risk of seeking a bishop in England as such a man might find difficulty m adapting himself to New Zealand ways and giving the sort of guidance the situation demanded. So it was decided to see if the right man could be found in New Zealand. Dr. Averili seemed to be just the ; mljn wanted, and he was elected. He came to Auckland at a critical time. His first task was to restore confidence, and this he did by sure and firm leadership. His election was amply justified by results, and under his wise .and', inspiring guidance the Anglican Church in the I diocese of Auckland has made marked and continuous progress.

" Not Overworked, but Fully Worked." Although the diocese' of - Auckland is the largest in New Zealand Dr. Averili has repudiated the suggestion that he is "overworked." He recently declared that he was "not overworked, but fully worked." He made this statement in discussing the proposal to make the djpcese smaller by forming Taranaki and the Waikato into a separate diocese. He also said that so far as he was concerned it was not a matter of overwork, because, even if the diocese of Auckland were made smaller, he would do iust as he was doing bow. He was, he said, ready to continue as sit present. so long as the people were satisfied with the time and attention they were receiving. The real reason for dividing the diocese was because he could not hope to give greater attention than he was now giving. Now that he has become Primate additional duties and responsibilities will be placed on Dr. Averili s shoulders. It is therefore very desirable that the new diocese should be formed as soon as possible. The Primacy entails much steady thinking, continuous watchfulness, courageous and sure leadership, and the capacity for prompt and purposeful action when the need arises. The Primate has constantly to consider the welfare of the church throughout tKe Dominion, as well as the good government of his own diocese.

The Succession of Primates. The following list shows that Archbishop Averill is the seventh Primate of New ZealandG. A. Selwyn, 1841-1869; H. J. C. Harper, 1869-1890; Octavius Hadfield, 1890-1893; W. G. Cowie, 18931902; S. T. Nevill, 1902-1919: Churchill Julius, 1919-1925; A. W. Averill, 1925. The Primacy now comes to Auckland for the third time, having been previously held here by Bishop Selwyn and Bishop Cowie. The General Synod of 1922 decided to add the title of Archbishop to that of Primate, Dr. Averill will therefore be styled Primate and ArclimsKop of New Zealand.

ABCHBISHOP JULIUS. RESIGNATION POSTPONED. [BV TELEGRAPH —PRESS .ASSOCIATION. ] DUNEDIN. "Wednesday. The Anglican General Synod has passed the following resolution That the Synod respectfully requests Archbishop Julius to continue in office as Archbishop and Primate until April 20 next, on which date his resignation of the See of Christchurch will take effect." The Primate returned thanks, saying that, he would be very happy to carry on as requested.