BISHOPRIC ENDOWMENT FUND.

Waiapu Church Times, Volume I, Issue 1, 1 July 1907, Page 12

BISHOPRIC ENDOWMENT FUND.

The following appeal has been issued on behalf of this Fund :— It was resolved by the Synod at the session held m Sept nib er last " That it is desirable to increase the Bishopric Endowment Fund to a capital sum of £25,000," and a committee consisting of Revs. Canon Mayne, C. L. Tuke, D. Ruddock, Messrs C. H. Edwards, and F. W. Williams, was appointed to carry the resolution into effect. Nearly £.14,000 is still needed to insure an adequate stipend for the Bishop and to build a suitable episcopal residence. During the present Bishop's occupancy of the See from 1895 to the end of the financial year m 1906, the average sum paid to him was less than £277 ijer annum, out of which he had to pay rent for residence. The need for action is urgent, for as the Bishop stated m his address to the Synod "the time is rapidly approaching when the diocese may be called upon again to make choice of a chief pastor." The General Synod has, moreover, urjred upon the diocese " the imperative necessity of taking steps to erect a See House on the site already acquired for that purpose." The " imperative neces-

sity," the Bishop affirmed, " is becoming more imperative every year." The Committee is confident that, by the help of Church people m all parts of the diocese, the sum needed can be raised, and invites their hearty co-operation m completing that which is so clearly necessary for the well being of the diocese. The issue of this appeal was delayed until May. It has at once met with generous response, a group of subscribers • consisting of the Bishop and several of his relatives having promised to give pound (£1) for pound ( £ 1 ) subscribed by other contributors outside the group, up to seven thousand pounds (£7000). To claim therefore the whole of this £7000 another £7000 has to _be raised. Of this sum one contribution of £1000 and other smaller sums amounting to £123 have already been promised. The diocese is now. only asked for a little under £6000 to enable the Fund to be completed. It will be singularly wanting m generosity if it does not speedily raise the required sum. Without entering into details, it is evident there is more than sufficient wealth m the diocese to supply its financial needs. The Bishop by his contribution has emphasised the fact that the present income of the Endowment Fund is wholly insufficient, and what has never been provided for himself he clearly is anxious should be forthcoming for those who succeed him m the See. The appeal foi contributions to this fund has at present only been made to Comparatively few, but it is the intention of the. Committee to invite the co-operation of. every known member of the Church for its completion. The honorary treasurer, Mr F. W. Williams, " Te Rawhiti," Napier, will tc p-lad to receive any contributions which may be forwarded. DAVID RUDDOCK, Secretary.