DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 122, 21 October 1874, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

ADDRVSS OF THE BISHOP. The following is the Bishop's address delivered at the opening of the Diocesan Syn< d yesterday : My Reverend Brethren and Brethren of the Laity,—It may be expedient if, in the first place, I direct your attention to the proceedings of (he General Synod in its recent session, among which there fire some questions which have been referred to the consideration of the Diocesan Synods. Five new statutes have been enacted, one relating to St John's College, Auckland, the rest of a more general character aud interest, and among these the most important is that which gives legislative sanction to certain alterations in the formal organisation of the Church in these Islands. The circumstacces which justified these alterations are detailed, as you wil> see, in the preamble of the statute. It is, in fact, a brief history of them, and of their bearing on the position of the Church in this colony, which, at the tims when its Constitution was framed was assumed to be an integral portion of the Mother Church, as by law established. It will be obvious to any person by whom these circumstances are duly weighed, that the relations which then subsisted, or were supposed to subsist, between that Church and ours have been so far severed, that willingly or unwillingly, we are compelled to act for ourselves, and to exercise independently the libeity inherent in every duly organised poition of the Catholic Church. This independence; I need hardly any, dors not extend to the articles of the Christian Faith, to the Holy Sacraments, or to the Ministry of the ( hureh. These must be maintained in all their integrity as not less needful to the growth and perfection of our life in Christ, than to our continuance in full communion with our Mother Church, and other parts of the great household of faith. But in whatever relates to those rites and ceremonies which, as the 34th Article says, " may be changed according to the diversities of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word," or in whatever relates to the adaptation of our prblic services to the wants and edification of our people ; on these matters, we are empowered, as a Provincial Church complete in itself, to regulate matters according to our own judgment. Such liberty of action docs not of course imply the necessity or expediency of any departure from the old ways and words of worship ; rather it lays upon the Church here the grave responsibility of taking the more earnest heed to admit of no changes excepting such as are plainly necessary, and then only those which are in accordance with the principles and practices of the best days of Christianity. And the General Synod is fully alive to her responsibility in this respect—for she has placed, by two of the new statutes, certain restrictions on hasty legislation—aud has moreover directed that a Bill, avowedly intended to limit and define her own powers in reference to alterations in our Prayer Book and Formularies, should be circulated throughout the Church, and made known to the several Diocesan Synods. The new Table of Lessons itself, which is now in general use in the Mother Church and in our sister Churches of Australia and Canada, has been adopted by the Synod provisionally, that time might, be given for the further consideration of the mode of procedure as regards such or any other similar alteration, and the Bill to which I have referred details this mode of procedure ; and, though not yet sanctioned by the Synod, indicates her desire to admit of no alteration wdiich has not been thoroughly examined, or which fails to carry with it the mind of the Church. A somewhat similar mode of procedure is now by her own law required in reference to any proposal for altering or repealing the non-fundamental provisions of the Church Constitution. From this it may be observed that the General Synod has acted with utmost caution. Indeed, as yet no alteration has been made either in the organization or in the Formularies of the Church but such as have been absolutely required by the facts of her position in this colony, and a due regard to truth. I refer to the omissions in the services for the Oonse cration of Bishops, and for the Ordering of Priests and Deacons to the explanatory interpretation of Articles 21 and 37, and the name by which the Church here is in future to be designated, viz, as "The Church o f the Province of New Zealand, commonly called the Church of England." The consideration of the Bill to which your attention has been invited, may be conveniently postponed to some future occasiou. A resolution, suggesting an inquiry into the practical working of Statute No 5, on the appointment of pastors, parishes, and some proposed alterations therein, has also been referred to our consideration ; but some advantage will be gained by delay, since the experience of every year will place us in a better position for testing the wisdom of the present mode of appointing pastors, and the expediency of the alteration proposed in clause 12 of the statute. By a reference to the minutes it will be seen that the question which led to this resolution materially affects the powers now vested in the Board of Nominator.', which consists of the representatives of the diocese and vacant cure, and takes the initiative by nominating some clergymen to tin- Bishop. The right of the Board to have a voice m the appointment, of the clergyman is not. disputed by the resolution. The question laised by it is when that right should be exercised —whether in the selection of the clergyman, which is the first aud most im portant step in order to his appointment, or in the confirmation or noa-confirmatiou of the selection. • In fact, whether the chief responsibility in the appointment of a clergyman to a cure of souls should rest" with the Bishop or with the Board representing the diocese and that cure The statute, in all its most essential provisions, has been in operation in the Diocese for sixteen years, and twenty-four clergymen have been appointed under it: that is to say, have been selected by the Board of Nominators and presented to the Bishop for institution. In some few instances, the selection may have been too hastily made ; but this maybe attributed to the-circumstances of the vacant cure necessitating an immediate appointment, and to the limited number of clergy in the diocese. A partial remedy, therefore, for what is thought to be defective in the present mode of appointing pastors, may be found in the increase of the clergy ; and at the same time less injustice be done to those cures which are vacated by the removal of their clergy. There are other matters of importance remitted to the consideration of the Diocesan Synods which claim immediate attention ; and of these

perhaps the most important is that relating to the education of the young. The Resolution on this subject records its approval of the efforts to maintain and establish Church schools, and expresses a hope that similar efforts will be made to secure to the parochial clergy, and others acting under them, the privilege of imparting religious instruction in the Government day schools. A report of the Diocesan Education Committee will be laid before you, aud it will be seen from that that besides the Grammar School of Christ's College, there are four Church schools now existing in the diocese; and the events of the past year have shown the necessity of doing what we can to maintain them. It is indeed a question whether, without such schools, the Church can fulfil her duty of imparting in any adequate measure religious instruction to the children of her communion. Tn some of tbe Government schools no objection has been made to the teaching of the clergy, but in others their teaching has been refused, or the permission to teach coupled with such conditions as virtually amount to a refusal. It is much to be wished that the Education Ordinance of this province, which sanctions the setting apart of either one whole day or two half days for religious instruction, should have made this compulsory, instead of leaving it to the discretion of the local commiitees. As the clause stands at present, it recognises the responsibility of the ministers uf religion in this matter, and ostensibly invites their teaching, and yet practically puts it out of their power to give it—at all events, precludes them from making any fixed arrangements for this purpose. It is, of course, impossible for the parochial clergy to give religious instruction ia all the Government schools in the province—which are now, I believe, ninety-two in number—but in our town aud more settled country parishes, we might reasonably expect that they should not be debarred from the fulfilment of a duty which they are willing to undertake, aud for which the Ordinance has made some provision. The Church, I need hardly say, caunot delegate to chance teachers the religious instruction of her children; aud though circumstances may limit the exercise of her offices in this behalf to once or twice a week, yet a diligent use of these opportunities will not only serve to show that she is ready to do her utmost for their spiritual welfare, but may contribute much to the formation of principles and habits affecting in no slight degree their character aud conduct through life. This, unquestionably, is the main object which she must ever keep in view, however she may aid also in the cultivation of their intellectual powers, and in imparting to them all useful secular learning. Hence the value and importance of our Sunday schools iu which there is full 6cope for sound religious instruction. And in order that this branch of her pastoral duty may be fully and systematically administered, it is very expedient that the Diocesan Education Committee should still continue its services, and, if possible, a Sunday School Inspector be appointed. Our best Sunday schools would profit by the judicious supervision of one who could make the working and improvement of them the chief object of his labours, and the clergy, I have no doubt, would be thankful for his assistance and suggestions, the more especially as their time on the Sundays is necessarily much occupied in other duties. We need in our Church, in this as in other matters, a greater division of labour, and the cultivation aud employment of gifts which, though intended for the profit of all, are not distributed to all iu the same proportion ; and among these gifts there is none more needed, especially in these days, than that of teaching, edifying, and interesting theyoung, and of re.zulat.ing| nd economising the means of religious instruction which may be appropriated to this end. By the improvement of our Sunday Schools, in which a duly-qualified Inspector might greatly aid, we might retain under instruction many of the young whose ordinary school education may have been brought to a close, and who are already occupied in some secular calliug ; at all events, retain them until, with some clear understanding of their Christian obligations, they become candidates for Confirmation, aud realise the blessing of full communion with Christ in His Church. In connection with this subject I would draw your attention to the 17th Statute of the General Synod, in which provision is made for the establishment of a Board, which has the power of appointing Examiners of Theological Students. Its main object ia to raise the staudard of theological attainments; and in reference to these attainments to asce;tain the fitness of those who purpose to devote themselves to the ministry of the Church, But the examination will be open to all persons, whether candidates for Holy Orders or not ; and the time may perhaps come, wheu our lay readers, catechists, and Sunday school teachers, or those who desire to be so employed, may offer themselves for this examination. The office of a Sunday school teacher, is certainly one, to which those who seek it should endeavor to bring,' not only a willing mind and an aptitude for teaching, butasoundknowledgeof Holy Scripture, and of the f lrmulanesof the Church, as given in our Prayer Book, which is our authorised guide in the interpretation of Holy Scripture, and this cannot be acquired without some patient study in which, I am sure, assistance would be giveu by the parochial elergy, whose delegates in the instruction "f the young. Sunday school teachers are. In the report of the Committee on Promoting Christian Knowledge, page 220 of the General Synod Report, some useful suggestions have been offered for increasing the sale and distribution of pure literature, by a mode of ooeration similar to the BookHawking Associations in England. We have already, in this City, a Branch of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and it will be seen from the report of its Committee, that the sale of its publications aud of healthy books of general interest and instruction have much increased of late, and it may be possible to extend its usefulnsss, if not in the way proposed by the Committee of the General Synod, yet so as to offer to other towns and populous country parishes within the diocese, the same facilities of purchase which are offered iu Christchurch. It will be for the Synod to consider whether a recommendation to this effect should be mule to the Diocesan Branch Committee. It will be seen byits annual report that publications expressly intended for Sunday s.;hools :ire being obtained, through its agency, by the Diocesan Education Committee A resolution ivcommending to the sever; 1 Diocesan Synods some increased efforts for I he restraint of intemperance, will I hope, lead to some .active measures on our part. To be effectual I need hardly say those measures must be based on Christian principles,

and be in support of those obligations to sobriety and habitual self-denial, to which we are alrpady pledged by our baptismal TOWS They must recognise also the absolute need of Divine grace and the consequent necessity and efficacy of prayer. Provisiou must be made in them for total abstinence, in the case of those, who by self-indulgence, have lost or impaired their powers of selfcontrol; but a Church Association for the promotion of ten -prance, »uch as ours should be, should invite the membership of those also who car use their liberty without abusing it; for t' ~ union and sympathy of many in such a < anse, though all may not subject themselv - to those stricter rules which are needful in the case of some, will greatly aid, under God's blessing, in restraining excesses which are so degrading to human nature and so unworthy of our Christian calling, and exercise an healthy influence over the general habits of society. I would remind the Synod that statutes 9 and 11—the former for establishing diocesan courts and courts of appeall; the latter which defines ecclesiastical offences and the punishment thereof—are now m force in this diocese. I do not anticipate any occasion for their use so long as there preTails, as I believe does prevail at present, a, loyal spirit of adherence to the received teaching and customs of the Church, and a willingness, on questions of doubtful interpretation, to comply with the counsels of the Bishop. As regards those mattes on which the Church has distinctly declared her mind, there is of course no alternative but obedience—her decisions in these are equally binding upon all, whether ministers or lay officers; but the General Synod, in her statute on what are called ecclesiastical offences, has made, and I think wisely, no provision for the correction of those minor breaches of order and discipline, into which men with the best intentions may be sometimes led from undue reliance on their own private judgment, or from an over zealous temperament. Forour Church, in her constitution and statutes, assumes the existence of an authority, to which in such cases a ready deference will be yielded for conscience' sake; an authority which Christ has ordained in His Church for the oversight thereof, and which, while it is bound to encourage rather than to repress the efforts of those who are heartily laboring for the salvation of souls, is also bound to maintain among all men, clergy a&d laity, quietness and peace, unto the edifying, not of some few members only, but of the whole body in love. I propose submitting to the Synod the names of four clergymen and four laymen, to be appointed, with the concurrence of both orders, assessors of the Bishop's Court. I have appointed Philip Hanmer, Esq, Barrister of Her Majesty's Supreme Court of New Zealand, to preside in that Court as Chancellor of the diocese. There is one matter of Church rule on which the General Synod has expressed an opinion, and it may be necessary that I should refer to it, because, owing to the peculiar circumstances of a colonial life, neglect of it may, by degrees, grow into a custom. The resolution of the General Synod is as follows:—" The Synod sees no good ground for any formal alteration in the usage of the Church in reference to the celebration of marriage. Such exceptional cases as may from time to time arise, are to be decided by the Bishop of each diocese." The usage of which the resolution speaks is the celebration of marriage in churches or places of public worship, of the propriety ot which there can be no question with those who look upon marriage as a religious contract between two members of the Church, to be dissolved by God alone. It is obviously fitting that such a contract should not only be ratified with the solemnities of religion, but, if possible, in places associated with the Name and worship of God, and in the presence of the congregation of His worshippers I must request, therefore, an observance of this usage in all celebrations of marriages, excepting in such cases when a deviation from it-Has been sanctioned by me. The returns which I have laid upon the table respecting the resignation and appointment of clergymen to cures, have been made up ;'to the present date, and it will be seen that from Easter, IS 73, three have retired from the service of the diocese ; and seven (of whom five are priests, and two deacons), have been added to it. In two of the instances, the resignation has been occasioned by removal from the colony. In that of one —the Archdeacon of Christchurch—by ill health ; and the discontinuance of his services in the many various offices which he was so ready to undertake, and has so ably fulfilled, is a serious loss, not only to myself personally, but to the diocese generally. By the addition to the number of clergy, some vacant and some newly organised cures have been occupied, but it will be seen from the report of the standing committee that there are four districts within the Canterbury block recommended for the usual grant, in the hope that clergymen may be obtained for them within the present financial year. Two clergymen, at leaßt, are also wanted for districts outside the block, to which the endowments of the Church Property Trust do not extend. To aid in obtaining these clergymen from the Mother Church, a sum sufficient for the passage money of three has been furnished from the Church Work Extension Fund, but I have been unable to guarantee to them, even for a limited time, any fixed amount of stipend ; not from any doubt of their being welcomed in the districts to which they may be appointed, or of the ability of the inhabitants to support them, but because experience has shown how much depends on the working power of clergymen, and that in most newly-formed cures some time must be allowed before the value of their services can be adequately appreciated. Few clergymen, however, can be expected to leave England for the Church in these distant parts, without some guaranteed means of support, and hence the usefulness of that fund, which by the liberal contributions of some of our lay members, was set on foot in 1872. Though not go generally supported as I had anticipated, it yet enabled me to offer a certain stipend for a period of two years, and it has been the means of procuring clergymen for two very important districts, one of which has been in a position to take wholly upon itself the engagement to which the fund was liable, and the other in part. In the instance of parishes for which clergymen are selected by the Board of Nominators, we have a right to expect a guarantee to the full amount of stipend, whether the clergymen be selected from the diocese or elsewhere ; but the case is far otherwise in newly constituted cures, though the need of clergymen there is equally pressing. I know Dot how the Church is to fulfil her duty towards these outlying parts of the diocese, especially those parts which derive no

assistance fiom our ecclesiastical endowments, except by the liberality of her more settled and more wealthy cures. [ am thankful, therefore, that, the contributions from some of these cur s to the Church Work Extension Fund indicate an increasing interest in the objects for which it was established, and am no less thankful that the parishes of Christehurch, to whom this fund is chiefly indebted, have undertaken from their own resources to provide for assistant curate*. They are securing thereby additional labourers for the work, for which they are chargeable ; work which in each case is far beyond the strength of their respective incumbents and at the same time are conferring a benefit on the diocese at large, for they are aiding most effectually in training men who may eventually occupy independent cures in her other spheres of labor. I must again repeat, what on farmer occasions I have dwelt upon at some length, that we must not look to the Mother Church for a supply of clergy adequate to our wants. It is not a question of money only, but of men. We must use our utmost efforts to raise up men from among ourselves to serve in the sacred ministry of the Church, and by means also of our own educational institutions IntheGrammar School of Christ's College, we are, I trust, assisting in the preparation of some for this office, not only by its distinctive religious teaching, but by the cultivation of gifts which may find their highest exercise and employment in ministerial labours. In 'he Upper or Collegiate department, the Church has some present means of continuing theeducation of those more advanced in yeais. She has two professorships, one of them endowed for the teaching of Theology, and scholarships for students ; some of which are. expressly set apart for candidates for Holy Orders, and others open to young men in connection with the Church who, whether preparing for her ministry, or the learned professions, or the general duties of life, are willing to place themselves uuder her instruction and guidance. As the resources of the college increase, we may hope to enlarge its educational appliances, and so to realise more fully the intentions of its founders, alike in training up students in the faith and discipline of the Church, and in qualifying a body of men for her ministry. By the assistance of the grant from the Church Property Trust, some progress has been made in the building of the Cathedral Church, but there must be no relaxation in our exertions, if the work is to be continued and carried on to its completion. The contributions from the diocese may have fallen somewhat short of our expectations, but I cannot believe that this is the result of indifference to the erection of a building which symbol'zes the unity of the diocese and our fellowship with one another in the same Church ministrations. Exertions no doubt are needed in all parts of the diocese for local Church purposes, and there are districts which from the lack of endowments cannot have that substantial aid which is accorded to other more favoured districts, but there is no part of the diocese, in these prosperous times, which might not make due provision for its own spiritual wants, and yet by its contributions participate in a work, which, rightly understood, is a work in which all the members of a diocesan church have a common interest. All, indeed, may not have those frequent opportunities of attending its services which will be open to residents in its neighborhood; but there are functions peculiar to a Cathedral in which all parts of a diocese are equally concerned. And surely the daily sacrifice of prayer and praise which will be offered up in it continually, asthe worship of the diocese, is needed alike for the glory of God and for our own benefit ; is needed as a public testimony of our faith in Him, and of our lependence in Him for all we have and hope to enjoy ; and as an effectual means also of obtaining that help from Him, without which we cannot, as individuals, live up to our calling in Christ, or fulfil our mission as a portion of His Church. The reports of the several committees appointed by the Synod will be laid upon the table, and with them the reports of the Maori Mission of this diocese; and of a visit to the Chatham Islands made at my request by the Bev Croasdaile Bowen. " H. J. C. Chkistchubch." The Very Rev the Dean rose to move—- " That the thanks of this Synod be given to the Right Rev the President for his address, and that he be requested to allow the same to be published amongst the documents of the Synod." Mr P. Hanmer seconded the motion, which was carried. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. The President said that as at last session of the Synod the clerical and lay secretaries at present in office were appointed for two years, it would not be necessary to anpoint secretaries on this occasion. It would however be necessary for the Synod to appoint a chairman of committees. The Very Rev the Dean moved—" That Mr C. R. Blakiston be appointed as chairman of committees for the present session of the Synod." The Rev Canon Dudley seconded the motion, which was carried. REPORT OP STANDING COMMITTEE. The Rev Canon Cotterill, diocesan secretary, brought up the report of the standing committee, which was read. CHURCH PROPERTY TRUST. The Bev W. W. Willock laid upon the table the accounts for the past year of the Church Property Trust duly audited, also an abstract of the same. The accounts were received. PAPERS. The President laid on the table the report of the cathedral commission, Maori mission, report of the diocesan education committee, and other papers. The Rev Canon Cotterill laid on the table a number of accounts connected with the diocese, which were received. vacancies in synod. The President brought under the notice of the Synod that there were four vacancies in the sears of synodsmen for Malvern Hills. Governor's Bay, Timaru, and St. Michael's This had been caused by the resignation of the synodsmen for these parishes, and also by vacation of seats by absence. It was incumbent on the Synod to proceed at the opening of the session to fill up these vacancies. The Rev G. Cotterill then gave notice of motion to proceed to the election of the synodsmen. The Very Rev the Dean asked the President whether he would rule on the subject of giving the name of the proposed synodsmen at the time of the notice for the election being given. The RevW. E. Paige pointed out that this question had come before the Synod in the session of 1872,

The Hon J. B. ACLAND pointed out that the statute provided that the Synod proceed to fill up the vacancies forthwith. The President ruled that it was not mcessary to give notice of election. [Hear, hear. J DI»CBSAN ACCOUNTS. The Rev Canon Cotterill, diocesan secretary and treasurer, laid an abstract of the ac counts for the past year on the table. CATHEDRAL COMMISSION. The Very Rev the Dean moved, " That the report of the Cathedral Commission be read." The motion was agreed to. The Rev B. A. Lingard(clerical secretary) then read the report as follows : - "The commission are glad to lay before the Synod a more satisfactory report of their proceedings than it has been in their power to do for several years. Their record is of work done and in progress, not, as so often before, of meetings held and plans of action arranged, with no visible result. The measure of success which has so far attended their efforts may be ascribed principally to i two causes—lst. the revival of commercial i prosperity in the colony ; 2nd, the action of the Synod at its last session in recommending the unconditional grant of £SOOO towards the building fund from the Church trust estate. This contribution enabled the commission to make an immediate commencement of the work—the surest way, as was felt, of enlisting the sympathies of the public in their undertaking. Early in October of last year, —Mr B. W. Mountfort having been appointed local superintending architect—a contract was made with Mr James Tait for the erection of the outer circuit of the walls to a height ranging from ten to twenty feet, for the sum of •1-5514, including the cost of white stone for dressings provided by the commission. Much anxious consideration was given by the commission to the question of the material in which the inner arcades, supporting the main roof of the building, should be erected. Sir G. Scott originally designed an interior composed of timber columns, but subsequently sent out an alternative set of drawings providing for pillars and arches of stone. The commission at first inclined to the original design, as employing the material most characteristic of a country famous for the magnificence of its timber, and generally supposed to be best adapted to withstand the shocks of earthquakes. Further inquiry has, however, determined them to adopt the alternative design for a stone interior: They found that timber of the size required for the columns would be exceedingly difficult to procure, that it would involve a large immediate outlay, and probably considerable delay in the prosecution of the work. Moreover, the opinion was gaining ground that the combined use of wood and stone might after all prove more disastrous in case of earthquake, than if stone alone were employed in the structure of the walls. The commission are given to understand that there is a general feeling of satisfaction among the subscribers to the fund at the decision which has been come to in this important matter. In August last, the first contract being all but completed, the commission called for tenders for the second portion of the work, which includes the carrying up of the aisle walls to their full height of 24ft, and the western wall to a corresponding height. Of the two tenders received, the lowest, being that of Mr Tait, who had fulfilled his first contract to the entire satisfaction of the commission, was accepted, involving an outlay of £4920. There are promised subscriptions to the Cathedral fund nearly enough to cover this amount, but as a considerable number of them are not immediately available, the commission have, in their agreement with the contractor, reserved to themselves the right of stopping the work at one or other of two given times, should (as they trust will not be the cise) the funds in their hands prove unequal to meeting the expenditure necessary for completing the contract. This includes the western doorway, which has been undertaken by the Cathedral Guild as their special work, and was estimated to cost £2OO. The detailed drawing which has recently arrived from England contains some carved work not shown in the original sketch, which will of course increase the cost. As the doorway will be a nmin and very beautiful feature in the building, it is hoped that the additional expense involved will not deter the Guild from carrying out the work as proposed. The subscriptions paid since November, 1871, amount to £5542 4s 3d. and there is a further B'im of £4.938 3s 4d promised. Of this latter amount the payment of a cons'derable portion is spread over a term of years. Contri butions continue to come in, but not so largely or so quickly as could be wished The commission have found especial difficulty in enlisting canvassers for the several town and country districts. If persons willing to undertake this most useful and necessary work would volunteer their services, they would be doing more than anything else to help forward the building of the cathedral. Accompanying this report will be found a statement of receipts and expenditure, together with a list of subscriptions to the cathedral fund. The cvnmission, taking into consideration the rapid ra,te ef increase in the population, and the large periodical influx into Christchurch of country visitors and strangers, together with the fact that the town and suburban churches are already filled by the regular attendance of parishioners, are of opinion that an effort should be made to complete the nave as soon as possible, with the view of utilising it for public worship. In conclusion, the commission have to announce that three seats have become vacant in the commission, formerly occupied by the Archdeacon of Christchurch, Mr W. Rolleston and Mr R. H. Rhodes. The commission have not requested the standing committe to fill up the vacancies, owing to the near approach of the session of Synod." The Rev C. Bowen laid on the table a list of the subscriptions to the cathedral building fund. DIOCESAN EDUCATION. The Very Rev the Dean moved, " That the report of the diocesan education committee be read." The motion was agreed to, and the report read by the clerical secretary. MAORI MISSION. On the motion of the Very Rev the Dean, the report of the Maori Mission for 1873-4, was read by the clerical secretary. HOURS OP MEETING. The Rev Cauou Cotterill moved—" That the Synod meet every day, except on Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 p.m." Hon, J. B. Acland secoi.dad the motion,

Mr March suggested that the mover, should include in his motion half-an-honr's adjournment. The Rev Canon Cotterill agreed to this bi-iug done, and the words and " adjourn at 0 80 p.m. to 7 " were inserted in the motion." Notices of motion having been given the Synod adjourned until 4 pm. this day.