BISHOP NEVILL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1266, 4 June 1896, Page 42

BISHOP NEVILL.

The testimonial to this prelate, wdiieh has been signed in Wellington by former residents of Otago, is now complete, and on view at Mr McGregor Wright's, Lambton quay. The illuminated part, which was entrusted to Mr A. E. Cousins, of Grey street, is in the perpendicular Gothic style, and has been designed and executed iu a highly artistic manner. '1 he signatories occupy tour columns, which are headed respectively by an ex-Premier, the President of the Wesloyan Conference, an ex-Minister of Lands and the Chief Justice. The text of the address, which is simple and brief, is as follows :

To Samuel Tarratt, 1).D., Lord Bishop of Duncdin : —flight Kev Sir,—We, the undersigned, former resident* of Ota'o, desire to congratulate you on the attainment of your silver jubilee as head of the Anglican community in the southernmost diocese of New Zeaand.

Apart from a religious standpoint, we also take this opportunity to record our appreciation of tho zeal and practical sympathy you have always shown in connection with various scientific, philanthropic and other social organisations during tho past quarter of a century, and hope that your influence may be as effective in the future as it has boon in the past. Wishing your Lordship and Airs Ncvill a long continuance in your present sphere, and the enjoyment of good health, wo are yours very truly,—Robert Stout, Win. Baumber, G. F. Richardson, James Prendergast, James Asheioft, Thomas Barmby, Herbert Crowthcr, Henry Ifoworth, F. J. Wilson, Richard Coffey, Charles S. Owen, B. Mackenzie, D. A. Haggitt, jun.. F. Shaw, J. E. Denniston, ' J. B. Griffin, W. B. Edwards, G. T. 8011, Morton Driver, W. J. Wratt, M. G. Young. Alex. Low, Hugh Wright, G. H. Logan, F. G. Odell, I. Lachman, R. Bray, A. B. Williams, H. F. Allen, Thoo. 11. Ritc'hey, A. 11. Miles, A. G. King, W. Morloy, Chas. Bargh, F. W. Styles, H. C. Young, S. P. Curtis, Henry W. Millais, E. G. Mannering, James E. Fulton, W. B. Fisher.

His Worship tho Mayor has asked tho Mayor of Dunodin to hand the address to the Bishop.

A well-attended meeting of tho Dunedin Women's Franchise League considered tho education question. A resolution was carried by a majority affirming that a Scripture text-book should bo prepared by a committee, and the question [of its introduction into the schools should bo submitted to tho people by the referendum. It was also resolved by a large majority that tho question of Bible reading in schools should be submitted to the people by tho referendum.

At a meeting at Dunedin at which Bishop Novill presided, a Public Schools Religious Education League was formed, the object being the promotion of religious education in public schools during school hours on tho basis of the Education Act of New South Wales. Bishop Novill was appointed president. The League appears to bo composed of members of tho Anglican Church.