25 YEARS A BISHOP

Stratford Evening Post, Volume III, Issue 348, 1 May 1935, Page 7

25 YEARS A BISHOP

ARCHBISHOP AVERILL

GATHERING OF 3000 AT AUCKLAND

Press Association—Copyright Auckland, April 30

A public gathering of nearly 3000 people in the town hall to-night gave a remarkable demonstration of their esteem and affection for Archbishop Avcrill on the occasion of the completion of his 25th year as a bishop, his 21st year as Bishop of Auckland and hie 10th year as Primate of New Zealand. Tributes to the different aspects of the splendid service he has rendered to the church and to the community were paid by Archdeacon Mac Murray (on behalf of his clergy), Mr. C. J. Tanks (on behalf of the laity), Bishop West-Wataon (representing the South Island), Canon W. H. Keretene (for the Maori people), the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Hutchison), Archdeacon Holbrook (on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church) and the Rev. J. A. Thomson (on behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations). The speakers drew attention to the grave difficulties of the times in which the Archbishop had held office and the strength and wisdom with which he had surmounted these and led the church on to fresh victories. In all congratulations a prominent place was given to the inspiring and helpful influence of Mrs, Averill.

In returning thanks the Archbishop briefly reviewed his years of office, mentioning among other facts that CO new churches had been built in his diocese and that he had confirmed over 40,000 candidates and ordained CO or 70 deacons and priests.