THE PRIMATE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20096, 1 May 1935, Page 6

THE PRIMATE

REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATION OF ESTEEM By Telegraph—Press Association 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 Averill on the occasion of the completion of his 25th year as a Bishop, his 21st year as Bishop of Auckland, and his 10th year as Primate of New Zealand. Tributes to 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. Tunks on behalf of the laity, Bishop WestWatson as representing the South Island, Canon W. H. Keretene for the Maori people. Mayor G. W. Hutchison, Arcfideacon Holbrook on behalf of the Roman 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 the congratulations a very prominent place was given tq the inspiring and helpful influence of Mrs Averill. In returning thanks, Archbishop Averill briefly reviewed his years of office, mentioning among other facts that 60 new churches had been built in his diocese, and he had confirmed more than 40.000 candidates and ordained 60 or 70 deacons and priests.