STIPENDS OF CLERGY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16476, 21 October 1927, Page 7

STIPENDS OF CLERGY

UNEASINESS CAUSED

HIGHER PAYMENTS TO MAORI PRIESTS (Special to the Herald.) AUCKLAND, this day. " The question of the .stipends of clergy lias caused much uneasiness and has, I fear/ caused some of the clergy even more uneasiness during the past year," 3aid Archbishop Averiri, Primate of New Zealand, in addressing the second session of the 25th Anglican Synod yesterday. "If the clergy are to meet their financial obligations and be reasonably free from financial worries," ho added, " the minimum stipend paid to a vicar, whether in a parish or a parochial district, should be £350. •' It is possible many of us may be inclined to say that perhaps it is owing to our present lack of method, but why not achjpt some real or some better method? Again, I would urge the adoption of tho duplex system as the, best method. I am convinced that there are few parishes in this diocese which, if properly worked, are unable to pay such stipend if they determine to do 00.

"The question of raising the stipends of the Maori clergy is equally important," proceeded Dr. Averill, "and steps are being taken towards the accomplishment of this much desired end. How can they be expected to live, do tfceir work, ajnd possibly support a family upon a stipend of £l2O per annum f, It means inevitably getting into debt and so lowering the spiritual standard of their work and influence.

' "Wo have decided to make a venture of faith and with the assistance of the Maori people themselves to raise the stipends of all Maori priests to £l5O per annum," said Dr. Averill in conclusion.