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Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21043, 21 February 1940, Page 8

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PRIMATE’S TERM OF OFFICE ARCHBISHOP FAREWELLED General Synod today passed a resolution requesting Archbishop Averill to continue in office as Archbishop and Primate until March 31 next, on which date his resignation from the See of Auckland will take effect. At the same time Synod took the opportunity of farewelling the Archbishop from his official offices. Bishop West-Watson, the PrimateElect, expressed thankfulness to God that the Church had at its head one who was a real leader. The Rt. Rev. A. W. Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, expressed the feeling and affection of the Maori people for Archbishop Averill. Other speakers included Canon Strong, on behalf of the clergy. Rev. Reynolds of the Melanesian Mission, and Mr C. W. Pitts Brown for the laity. Archbishop Averill thanked all the speakers, and said it was not easy when one came to the end of a long ministry of 46 years. 30 as bishop and 15 as Archbishop, to lay down the reins of office, but he thought that 4 In doing so he was doing his duty. y Reasons for Decision His reason when he announced the decision was that he wished his successor to go to the Lambeth Conference as Archbishop. That conference would not be held this year, but he felt that the decision to resign should not be changed. He enjoyed good health at present, but thought it wiser to resign on the early side, rather than leave it until a time when the full duties of office could not be carried out.

Archbishop Averill said he was satisfied that there was nothing to fear for the future of the Church of England in New Zealand. He had admiration for the work of the thousands of laymen throughout the province. “Though retiring from official offices, my sympathy, love and prayers will always be with the church with which I have been so closely associated during the past 46 years,” he concluded.