DIOCESE OF WAIKATO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 14

DIOCESE OF WAIKATO.

BISHOP-MEETS THE SYNOD. ADDRESS OF WELCOME. EVERY HELP PROMISED. .FORMAL BUSINESS TRANSACTED, [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER,,] HAMILTON, Monday. The new Bishop of Waikato, the Rt. Rev. C. 'A. (Sherrington, came personally into touch with the clerical and Hay representatives of his diocese to-day all a special meeting of the' Diocesan Synod. The meeting was held in St. Peter's parish hall, and the roll-call showed that only three or four parishes in the large diocsse were not represented. An address of welcome to the new bishop, drawn up on behalf of the Standing Committee of the .synod, was read by Archdeacon E„ M. Cowie. The addrsss expressed sympathy with the bishop in the loss of his wife, and assured him that he would find New Zealanders loyal, tievoted, conservative of British traditions and probably more like England than anyother overseas part of 'the Empire. It promised him every help in settling down under the conditions of a new country. Population Increasing Rapidly. Referring to the present state of the diocese, the committee stated that it contained no large centre of population, but two towns of about 16,000 people each. The population was growing rapidly, and the beautiful scenery was attracting large numbers of'tourists. Until lately there had been little opportunity for community of interest between Auckland and Taranaki, but now the provision of an excellent road covering the 170 miles between Hamilton and New Plymouth made it possible , to travel easily from 1 one end of the diocese to the other. The committee appreciated the bishop's difficulties, especially in administration amid new surroundings. One problem, was the supply of men. Unfortunately the New Zealand Church was still not independent of the Church in England in this respect. It was hoped . that the bishop, with his wide knowledge of conditions in Great Britain, would be able to keep the diocese fully manned. Owing to circumstances over which the diocese had n<j control, several parishes were at present vacant. In conclusion, the committee expressed the hope that the bishop would spend mar.y useful and happy years among his people in the diocese of Waikato. " Thank you very much for your address," said the bishop, in reply. " 1 am deeply sensible of the friendliness that inspired it." Tribute to Archdeacon Gowie. A formal motion was passed, consenting to the incorporation of the diocesan trustees as a board under the Religious,! Charitable and Educational Trusts Act, 1908. It was explained that the trustees had been unable to function up to the present owing to the fact that the las.t synod had neglected .to pass such a motion. A bill was then introduced and put through all stages after some discussion,' associating the "Diocese of Waikato with the pension fund of the Dioceses of Auckland, Waiapu, and The Rev. A. Drake and Mr. F. Harris were appointed to represent the diocese on the Pension Trust Board.

In recognition of the board and varied work done by Archdeacon Cowie during his term of office as " commissary for general purposes," a motion was passed requesting the Standing Committee to sea that his services be suitably acknowledged.. One member suggested that the archdeacon should be compelled, if necessary, to take a good holiday. The bishop remarked that as January was stated to be* a slack month, and cilcustances would keep him in Hamilton for most of it, there need be no difficulty over filling the archdeacon's place. (Applause.) Afterwards the bishop had a short conference with the clergy, and when it was over he joined the laity, who had retired outside, and held his conference with them in the open air. EXCURSION ON RIVER. TRIP DURING AFTERNOON. [BY telegraph.—-specui, reporter.] HAMILTON, Monday. In place of the garden party which it had been intended to hold in honour of the new Bishop of -Waikato, an excursion on the. Waikato River was arranged tthis afternoon. Two members of the Standing Committee and Trust Board, Messrs. D. Hay and 0. R. Farrar, chartered the steamer Manuwai,- whicli conveyed the bishop, clerical and lay members of the diocesan synod, and the hosts and hostesses who had entertained visiting members during the. past few days. The Bishop of Waiapu and several clergy from other dioceses wera also among the guests. Afternoon tea was served on board. The trip extended fsur or five miles down the river, and the party returned to town before dinner.