News from other Dioceses.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 September 1910, Page 40

News from other Dioceses.

AUCKLAND. Resignation of the Bishop. It was with considerable surprise and much regret that we heard of the resignation of the Bishop of Auckland on account of his serious breakdown m health. The Bishop will leave behind him m the Diocese of Auckland a record of seven years' vigorous work, successful and useful organization, and a large body of devoted Churchmen and Churchwonien. Perhaps one of the most successful organisations started by the Bishop has been the Diocesan Girl's School, which is wellknown and highly appreciated throughout the Province. Not only will the Bishop's departure be a serious loss to the Diocese, but the work and influence of Mrs. Neligan will be much missed. The Mothers' Union, the Girls' Friendly Society, and other Societies have received much kindly assistance and help from Mrs. Neligan. We can only hope that the Bishop's health will be completely restored, and that he may not suffer any permanent ill effects as the resuli of his serious breakdown m health, occasioned, doubtless, by the overwork of a large and scattered diocese. We shall be glad to know that the Bishop and Mrs. Neligan have found a sphere of work, less exacting than that of a Colonial diocese, m which they may still use their many gifts for the service of Almighty God and for the benefit and welfare of His Church. CHRISTCHURCH. The General Mission. — October is coming nearer and nearer. Some of us, who have been making preparation without much hope of having missions m our parishes this year, have received the good news that we may, after all, since two or three more missioners are coming.

Moreover, so we are told, some of the men may be allowed to do, what we feel they will be strongly inclined and ''constrained" to do, viz., a little more work. The Litany of Intercession is being widely used, and m most parishes the mission 'by inns are being practised. We all, 'I think, feel that we must expeot great things from the mission. Whether we are all doing our part remains to be seen. Ohristchubch Clerical Society. — Our two monthly meetings continue to be well attended and very helpful. The morning is generally given to the study of some selected passage of Scripture, and m the afternoon a paper is read, with discussion following. Our last two afternoon meetings have been devoted to the study of Mr. Sprott's book on the Old Testament Scriptures and Inspiration. The Rev. J. E.. Hewland was asked to study the book and give us the main lines of thought. The brethren are all agreed that the book is a most useful one, particularly m its power of helping one to realise how thought has moved m the past, and to crystallise one's thoughts. At our last meeting the coming Synod was thought of. One of the most important subjects that will come up is the Bible m Schools question. We are all but unanimous m thinking that we ought to aim at the right of entry within school hours, after the New South Wales system ; but we are not quite so keen about the text-book. One of our number has been deputed to make himself quite conversant with the New South Wales system, and to' bring the matter up at Synod. One thing we are all agreed upon is this : we are all tired of passing resolutions on this matter without going further. O.E.M.S.— The number of our branches is now 207, with an average membership of about 18. Groups for visiting selected cases, welcoming and securing names and addresses of new comers to the church or parish, and for other objects, are being formed, each with its leader, who keeps the Vicar informed of the work being done. St. Michael and All Angels. — Great preparations are going on for the arrival of the new Vicar, and the Vicarage is being renovated throughout. Mr. Burton has already signified his intention to wear Eucharistic vestments. No doubt the earnestness of the man will disarm much of the criticism tha.t is being evoked, We

are all expecting his arrival with interest. We hope he will be able to fill up the gap m the diocese made by the departure of the Bishop of Waiapu.