THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 28

THE BISHOP OF MELANESIA.

"" Auckland, June 11. The consecration of the Eev Cecil Wilson as Bishop of Melanesia took place at St. Mary's pro-Cathedral, Parneil, this forenoon. The church was crowded. His Excellency Lord Glasgow was present. A number of natives from the South Sea Islands were accommodated with seats in a prominent place, in order that they might witness the consecration of their new bishop. A combined choir of over 80 singers attended. The procession was composed of 24 clergy (including seven Maori and two Melanesian ministers), 18 synodsmen, eight lay readers, 18 choristers, and 22 of the laity. Bishops Julius (Christchureh), Mule 3 (Nelson) and Neville (Dunedin), and the Acting-Primate, the Most Rev Dr Cowie (Auckland) walked in the procession. The clergy having been received at the entrance to the chancel, Bishop Mules read the prescribed epistle, and Bishop Neville, of Dunedin, read part of the Gospel of St. Matthew. Bishop Julius preached, taking

his text from St. John's Gospel, 15th •hapter, lGth verso. Tho Bishop-elect having assumed his rochet, ho was met by Bishops Julius and Neville, by whom ho was presented to tho Acting-Primate. Mr Edwin Heakcth,chancellor of the diocese, then read the authority for tho consecration of tho Bishop, after which tho Church advocate, Mr F. Brookfield, administered tho oath of obedience. The litany having been intoned and a hymn sung, tho Acting-Primate administered the questions, which tho candidate duly answered. The Bishop-elect retired and assumed the rest of the episcopal habit, and the Acting-Primate then performed tho improssivo ceremony of laying on of hands. An offertory was gathered on behalf of tho Melanesian Mission of over .£6O. The new Bishop of Melanesia holds an M.A. degree. Ho is an athlete, being well known at Homo both as a footballer and cricketer. His physiquo marks him as a fit man for mission work. Ho is but thirtythree years of ago, and has tho full vigour of manhood with which to take up the work of tho late Bishop Selwyn. Auckland, June 12. Tho Bishop of Melanesia leaves for Norfolk Island on Thursday next.