DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1799, 26 November 1879, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Tuesday, November 25. The Synod met at 4 o’clock, his Lordship 'the Bishop presiding. After prayers, The minutes of the previous sitting were read and confirmed. bbfobi on waimath petition. The report of the Select Committee on the petition of parishioners of Waimate was read. Notice of motion was given to consider the report next day. CHBIBTCHUHCH PASTORAL BEBEHTES. Mr Harman brought up the report of the committee on the Christchurch Pastoral Reserves Committee. The report was read. Mr Harman gave notice to move—“ That the Synod go into committee on the day following to consider the proposals contained in the report.” LEAVE OP ABSENCE. Notice of motion was given to extend leave of absence to the clerical secretary on Wednesday, and that the Rev. Mr Flavell fill the secretary’s place. DIOCESAN STATUTE NO. 2 AMENDMENT BILL. On the motion of the Dean, the Synod went into committee to further consider the provisions of this Bill.

The Synod resumed, and the Bill was reported with amendments. OHUECH BEQULATIONS. Mr Parker moved cial regulations and instructions for the guidance and information of churchwardens, vestrymen, and parishioners in the parishes of the communion of the Church of England be printed, and sufficient copies be transmitted to the curates in charge of parishes and parochial districts, for the use of the vestries, and that every vestryman and churchwarden on taking office be provided with a copy.” Some discussion took place as to whether the good result of the motion would be commensurate with the cost of printing. Eventually Mr Parker withdrew his motion in favor of a motion by the Dean—“ That the Standing Committee be instructed to consider during the recess and report to the next session as to the beet method of preparing a digest of the statutes and regulations of the Synod, for the information of vestrymen, churchwardens, and parishioners.”

Several members expressed regret that Mr Parker had withdrawn his motion, as they considered the proposal of the Dean neither met the case nor bore upon the question. Mr Ford suggested that an alphabetical index should be attached to the annual report of the proceedings of the Synod, os published in pamphlet form. After further discussion, the Dean’s motion was put and negatived on the voices. Mr Poster moved—“ For a Select Committee to enquire and report as to the beat mode of providing for the more satisfactory ministrations of the Church in the district north of the Ashley, including Woodend,” with power to call for persons and papers. After considerable discussion, the question was put and a division taken, which resulted in the motion being carried. Mr Poster then moved—“ That the Committee shall consist of the following members : The Archdeacons of Timaru and Rangiora, Rev. O. Bowen, Hon. H. B. Gresson, the Rev. G. Cotterill, and the mover.”

Mr Malet moved that the Committee be elected by ballot. Mr Poster said, as it appeared that the only objection to the committee nominated was that two were local men, he would suggest the names of Messrs Tancred and Parker be substituted for those of the Hon. H. B. Gresson and Rev. G. Cotterill. At this stage the names of several other gentlemen were proposed to stand on the Committee, and a ballot had therefore to be taken, according to the Standing Orders. There were twelve nominations, and the gentlemen elected to act as a committee were —Archdeacons Harper (of Timaru), Dudley (of Rangiora), the Rev. O. Bowen, Messrs Poster, Tancred, Packer, and Hargreaves. The usual adjournment was taken at halfpast six o’clock. On resuming at 7*30, The Bill for Constituting a Church Society (Rev. Mr Harris) was further amended in committee, reported to the Synod, and its third reading made an Order of the day for Thursday. PINANCIAIi BKQTJXiATIOItB. The Financial Regulations Amendment Bill (Rev. Canon Cotterill) was further considered in committee. Progress having been reported, the third reading was made an Order of the Day for Tuesday, this day. CHTTBCH DAT SOHOOXi. Archdeacon Harper moved —" That a 'select committee be appointed to consider the desirability of grants being made by the Church Property Trustees in aid of 'the establishment and maintenance of Church day schools, on the principle of payment by way of building grants under certain conditions, and of payment by way of annual grants towards the maintenance of such .schools, subject to the results of examination -and inspection, and to report to Synod thereon. .Such committee to consist of the Rev. H. ■Cocks, the Rev. P. G. Brittan, Mr H. Selwyn Smith, Mr W. J. W. Hamilton, and the mover.” Ho considered this one of the most important questions before the Synod, dealing as it did with the religious education of the young. He pointed out in the first place that he had -avoided introducing the possibility of State •aid being introduced, as he thought such assistance was not likely to be obtained for some time to come, although there could be no doubt of the desirability and propriety of State aid being extended to the promotion of •church school work. But he trusted members would agree with him that the Synod should ■consider the desirability of making some provision out of the church estate for the establishment and maintenance of school work, as suggested in the resolution. He then proceeded to review the financial position of the diocese, showing that it would not be beyond their means to lay down the principle that if there were o fair opening for a church school and that such was likely to be established, it would not be beyond their means practically to undertake a certain guarantee for the 4 school, in case it should not bo able to support itself, by way of subsidy to parochial effort. He pointed out that the great strength of the church in England was the church day school system, which was maintaining a healthy competition with the Government schools, in a manner to command the admiration of everybody. If efforts were now made to establish the principle here, he believed they would find themselves very far behind hand as to church work by comparison with other parts of the world. He hoped, therefore, the subject would receive the earnest consideration of .the Synod, The Rev. P. G. Brittan seconded the .motion. He did not consider the education system of the Government compatible with religious education, and he thought a Church ■ school might be established in Christchurch with fair prospects of success. He trusted the Synod would agree to the appointment of the committee.

The Treasurer having replied to questions ■from Mr Malet and others as to the finances at the disposal of the trustees, Mr Grigg moved the previous question. On the question—“ That the question be now put,” a division was taken, resulting as follows : Ayes. Noes. Clergy 17 7 Laity 4 12 21 19 The Synod then proceeded to the next question on the order paper. appointment. The Rev. G. J. Oholmondeley moved—- “ That Mr William Henry Hargreaves be appointed a member of the Christchurch Diocesan Board of Trustees.” He explained that the appointment was rendered necessary by the death of Mr Hassal. The motion was agreed to. THE INTEMPBBANCE QUESTION. The Dean moved “That this Synod fully recognises the frightful evils and the hindrance to the advancement of religion in the community, which result from the prevalence of intemperance, and commends the praiseworthy efforts of those clergymen and laymen who in their several parishes and districts, have exerted themselves to counteract the evil.” Carried. The Dean then moved a view to the encouragement and increase of snch efforts, it is expedient that a Select Committee be appointed to consider the whole subject, and to report to the Synod what ipeoisl measures, if any, it may seem to them advisable to recommend to the members of the church for their adoption for the purpose of checking the prevalence of intemperance.”

Mr'Hamilton pointed out that there was not time during the present session to deal with this question, they should only deal with really practical matters. Mr Blakiston moved an amendment—- “ That with a view to the encouragement and increase of such efforts, it is expedient that the Most Her. the Primate should call a meeting during the recess to consider the question of intemperance, with the view to allay the evils of intoxication. Some discussion ensued. The Dean admitted that the amendment moved by Mr Blakiston suggested a practical effort and a very important step in the direction desired. The amendment was then put and carried. BBOIBTBATION, The Dean moved—l. " That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report to the Synod as to what recommendations, if any, it is desirable to make to the General Synod with reference to the declaration and registration of Church members. 2. “ That the committee consist of the Eevs. Canon Cotterill, G. J. Cholmondeloy, and 0. Bowen, and Messrs H. R. Webb, W. J. W, Hamilton, J. Grigg, and the mover.” Tne motion was seconded by the Rev, Mr Cholmondeley, and carried. CHTTBCH INSURANCE SOCIETY.

Mr Grigg moved—“ That a committee be appointed to report on the advisability of establishing a General Church Insurance Society, and that the committee consist of the Very Rev. the Dean, Rev. O. Bowen, Canon Cotterill, MessrsP.de c. Malet, W. 0, Walker, O. R. Blakiston, and the mover.” Carried. NEW REGULATION. Rev. G. J. Cholmondeley moved—“ That members of the Synod bo invited to forward to the secretary of the Standing Committee early notice of any motion they wish to have discussed in Synod, and that the Standing Committee be requested to use their discretion in publishing such notices before the session of Synod.” Carried. DAY OF INTBEOESSION. Rev. G. J. Cholmondeley moved—“ That this Synod approves of the proposal of the Lambeth Conference, which has been commended to it by the President, that Tuesday before Ascension Day, or any day within seven days after, be observed in this diocese as a Day of Intercession for Missions, and considers it desirable that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parte the Church Missionary Society, and the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge should participate in equal proportion in the offerings on the occasion.”