The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1892.

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 97, 13 February 1892, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1892.

We learn from the New Zealand Times of yesterday that there was " a scene" at the Synod on the previous night. It appears that the Key. A. It. Fitchett, of Dunediu, desired to make a personal explanation in accordance with Rule 19 in the Standing Orders. The Primate peremptorily refused to bear Mr Fitchett aud ordered him to sit down, much to his surprise. The Bishop of Dunedin supported Mr Fitchett, contending that the Synod should not refuse to hear him. The Rev. A. Towgood, of Marton, appealed to the Primate and asked his Lordship's indulgence, but failed. Again the Rev. Mr Fitchett protested, and contended that the Primate should not decide until he heard what Mr Fitchett had " to explain.'' The Primate then put his foot down and said he would adjourn the Synod unless the business in hand was allowed to go on. The Dean of Christchurch accordingly rose to go ou with the Bill in hand when the Bishop of Dunedin jumped upon his feet and exclaimed "Are there no privileges my Lord ? The Primate excitedly replied "I know no privileges. " Thereupon the Bishop of Dunedin stepped down from his seat and passed into the retiring room unrobing as he went through the Synodroom. He was immediately followed by the Rev. Mr Fitchett aud the rest of the clerical and lay representatives of the Diocese of Dunedin, applause from a section of the tiynod indicating that their position met with sympathy. The Bishop of Cbristchurch and Sir John Hall followed, and apparently poured a little oil upon the troubled waters, as Bishop Neville, the Rev Mr Fitchett and their fellow-members from Dunedin reappeared and resumed their seats after an interval of about half an hour. We think it is a disgrace to the Church of England that such an exhibition of bad temper and bad taste should have beeu permitted. With reference to the suggestion made in our last issue anent a sitting of the R.M. Court to be held twice in each month, we are informed that Mr Brabant is in favour of the change, which ho considers will be an improvement. Wince we first mooted the question we have heard of several instauces where persous have abstained from briugiug their (grievances into court, for the reason that they were not sure when they could be adjudicated upon—a matter for serious consideration on the part of settlers who live some miles away in tho country.