THE ANGLICAN SYNOD

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2509, 9 July 1915, Page 2

THE ANGLICAN SYNOD

THIRD DAY

THE MISSIONS TO SEAMEN

The Wellington Anglican . Diocesan Synod continued its sittings yesterday afternoon and evening. The Bishop of Wellington (Dr. T. H. Sprott) presided. ' Beforo the ordinary business was proceeded with, the Rev. A. M. Johnson gave ail outline of the position existing as between the Mission to Seamen and the Sailors' Friend Society. From' reports which had been published it might appear, ho said, as if the' Mission to Seamen (the church organisation) had gone to the Sailors' Friend Society (the new body) and' demanded, at the point of tho bayonet, all the furniture now contained in tho building in Stout Street. As a matter of fact, the Mission to Seamen had no- desire to harass tho .society. On the contrary they were anxious to help the society, because it ■was tho only body -which was working among seamen. The mission, which was not directly related to the Synod, was quito prepared to continue with the litigation over the building, but owing to the state of Mrs. Williams's health it was decidod to drop the matter. This was done with the promise that-no rival mission should be started. But it was made a condition that the furniture should be handed over to the former owners,. Since July of last year negotiations had been in progress to this end, and the furniture was .offered to tho Sailors' Friend Society for £350. Tho offer, which was refused, was afterwards reduced to-£l5O, the committee acting generously because of'the sentiment attaching to the building. .The Sailors' Friend Society, however, while accepting the offer, made such preposterous s conditions that the offer' had to bo w'itli4 drawn. The society desired a repayment of,the £150 when the mission went back into the building, and also asked for the right to sell anything which might be found useless for.its purposes. Ultimately, either on the'death of Mrs. Williams or tho resignation of Mr. Moore, the-mission would go back, and the work among seamen would revert to' tho Church. K. of K. Pledge. The Rev. A. L. Hansell moved:— "That it be a recommendation to the clergy and laity of tho diocese to forward the E. of K. pledge' as much as possible in their parishes 'at this time, following the example of the' King." In speaking to the motion Mr. Hansell remarked that the more We thought of the cqurage and self-sacrifice of those of. oiir friehds, who liad gone to' tho front, the more it seemed that some sacrifice was due' from those of us who could not go to the trenches. He was convinced that many in l New Zealand were waiting for a lead. His Lordship the Bishop had given a lead to prayer, and the priests of the Church would be glad if they could go from the Synod with regard ■ to the K. of K. pledge. The Rev. H. G. Blackburne seconded the motion, , which was supported by several other speakers, and which on being put to tho meeting was carried unanimously.

Stipends of the Clergy. Mr. E. P. Moimtfort moied: "That in view of the increased cost of living this Synod deyise means of supplementing the stipends of all clergy now below £250: (a) by an increased number of special offertories, (b) Such other means as Synod may devise.'" The motion .was duly seconded, and gave rise to a lengthy discussion, allthe speakers . agreeing that 1 there was urgent need-of an increase in the generally recognised minimum salary of £200.

Eventually the motion was withdrawn in favour of . the following resolution, moved by Mr. J..W. Henderson: "That in view of the inadequacy of the stipends paid to the clergy, it be an instruction to the Finance Committee to keep steadily in viqw the desirability iof making £250 the minimum stipend, and that the churchwardens be written to informing them that next year tlio as-' sessments of their districts will 'bo increased.". "...

As an amendment, Mr. G. Shirtcliffe moved a - resolution in the following terms: "That this Synod reaffirms the resolutions passed during last session having reference to this- stipends of vicars and urge, all synodsmen, churchwardens, and vestrymen of each district to devise tlio best means of giving effect to them, with a view to substantial in-, creases beinj; made nest year in all stipends which are at present below £250;" ■. , .

Mr., Shirtalilfe's amendment was carried oil the voices.