THE GENERAL SYNOD.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 820, 7 February 1877, Page 2

THE GENERAL SYNOD.

[ By Telegraph J (Per Press Agency.') Nelson, February 6. In the General Synod last night the Rev Mr Leighton moved—" (1) That the Synod adopt the resolution of the Diocesan Synod of Nelson with reference to religious instruction in public primary schools, and memorialise the General Assembly in accordance therewith. (2) That a select committee be appointed to draft petitions to both Houses of the Legislature endorsing the views set forth in the resolution."

The Bishop of Nelson seconded the motion.

The Dean of Christchurch moved as an amendment—" That the Synod petition the General Assembly at its next session, that in any general measure for education provision be made for religious instruction by ministers of religion or other authorised persons.” Mr Hunter Brown seconded the amendment.

Mr Lusk supported it. The Bishop of Nelson contended that they had better ask for something they were likely to get ; something perhaps like the English Act, leaving the matter in the hands of the local committees, who really represented the parents of the children attending the schools.

Archdeacon Harper did not agree with the last speaker that they should only ask for what they were likely to get. The local committees already have power, but seldom exercise it. The religious instruction of the young was absolutely going back. He w.is amazed at the ignorance of Bible facts he found on going to his new parish of Titnaru among big boys and girls If something was not done,"in twenty years the.youth of New Zealand would be almost wholly ignorant of the Bible.

Mr Oarletou supported the amendment. Healways had consistently voted for religious education, hut without the slightest hope of carrying it. The Uev Mr Tanner thought teachers should be empowered to give religious instruction.

! The Bishop of Dunedin was convinced > that the people generally did wish their children to receive religious education. Children now were growing in ignorance of the Bible, and it was to the absence of religious instruction that was to be attributed the growing spirit of insubordination which was becoming seriously felt under the form of larrikinism.

At this stage of the debate it was adjourned, and the orders of the day gone on with.

The Bishop of Nelson moved—‘‘That this Synod has listened with the greatest interest to the reference made by the Primate in his opening address to the resignation of the Bishop of Waiapu, and heartily endorses the estimate there expressed of the value of his services to the Church during a long period, in which he has borne so prominent and useful a part as missionary and Bishop. The Synod regrets the loss frcm its counsels of one who has eminently contributed to the harmony of its proceedings, and trusts that his remaining years, though spent in retire ment, may be cheered by the support of those truths which it has been the work of his life to promote.” The motion was carried unanimously, the Primate being requested to communicate the resolution to the Bishop of Waiapu. Mr Carleton then moved the second of his resolutions on the Statutes of the New Zea land Church, which was negatived on a division, as follows ; Ayes—Bishop, I ; clergy, 10 ; laity, 11, Noes—Bishops, 4 ; clergy, S ; laity, 4, The third resolution was superseded on the motion of Mr Seymour, by the next order of the day. The Communicants Bill on the third readiog wae thrown out, the division being—

Ayes—Bishops, 4 ; clergy, 7 ; laity, 7. Noes—Bishop, 1 ; clergy, 12 ; laity, 10. The Nominators Statute (amended) was read a second time, and ordered to be committed on Wednesday. Archdeacon Maunsell moved the second reading of the Bill to amend statute 19 by omitting the present preamble and constituting other words in lieu thereof. Mr Ecus Marten seconded the motion, and a protracted debate ensued, resulting in the motion being negatived— Ayes—Bishops, 2 ; clergy, 16 ; laity, 11; Noes— B shops, 3 ; clergy, 3 ; laity, 5. The Synod then adjourned.