DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1986, 6 July 1880, Page 3

DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE.

A conference, in continuation of the centenary celebrations, took place in St. Michael’s school-room last evening. Considering the inclemency of the weather, there was a fair attendance of ladies and gentlemen. The Rev. E. Q-. Penny said he had been requested to take the chair that evening, in the absence of the Primate, who was unfortunately unable to bo present that evening. A telegram had been received from him, stating that he was weather-bound at Temuka. They all know that only great difficulties would prevent their Primate from being present with them, as he was always ready to answer the call of duty. The proceedings commenced by singing Hymn No. 215, A. and M. The Chairman, having offered prayer, road a letter from the Dean excusing his absence on the ground that he was chairman of the Shakespeare Society, which met on Monday evenings. Ho (the chairman) would not detain them long by preliminary remarks, as they would far better bo occupied listening to the papers which had been prepared. There could be no doubt that the Sabbath schools supplied a vast agency in the work of the Church.

The Rev. W. 0. Harris then read his paper, “ How to Increase the Efficiency of Sunday School Teachers.” He said that the secularisation of the system of education in New Zealand had thrown the work of Sunday school teaching into the bands of amateurs. While this was so, he was of opinion that nothing should deter the clergyman from attending and superintending the Sunday school, and also the aiding of the teachers during the week. There were two classes of teachers—one consisting of persons who had long experience in the work of teaching, who required but little superintendence on the part of the clergyman; the next class was composed of senior scholars passing from the higher class of the Sunday school into the teachers’ class, and this would require the careful supervision and advice of the clergyman. He would advise the formation of a class called the Bible class, under the distinct supervision of the clergyman. The teachers should be reminded that though repetition was very good, that it should not form the entire of the teaching. Secondly, ho advocated the putting of succinct questions, which would probe the mind of the child. Thirdly, he advocated the formation of teachers’ meetings, the good effects of which he saw under the supervision of Archdeacon Harper at Hokitika. Fourthly, the teachers required example as well as instruction. They required to be told how to do the work as well as what to do. Fifthly, he advocated the practice of inviting trained Sunday school teachers to give model lessons. In some of the schools of the diocese he believed that the plan ho had sketched had been tried under its separate headings, but not, so far as he was aware, as a whole.

The Rev. F. Knowles followed as the speaker on the same question, urging the necessity of teachers coming prepared for their work, and also engaging in frequent prayer. He also advocated the institution of a probation class for the younger teachers, the continuance of the model or training lessons.

The Chairman invited any member of the conference to speak. The Rov. H. O. M. Watson said he saw that examinations of Sunday school teachers had been carried out, and he hoped to see the plan carried out here, because the preparation necessary would increase the efficiency of the teachers. He desired to express his concurrence in the hints thrown out by Mr Harris. The Chairman also expressed his hearty sympathy with the views contained in the paper of Mr Harris. The Rev. W. O. Harris said, as Bishop’s chaplain, he should be very glad to examine any Sunday school teacher, either orally or on paper. Mr H. R. Webb thought that the great point in increasing the efficiency of Sunday school teachers was for them to recognise the great responsibility of the work undertaken by them. A gentleman in the body of the Hall said ho hardly thought the more influential members of the Church took the interest in the Sabbath school they should do. The Rev. B, A. Lingard said he desired to state that there was still one Church day school open in Christchurch, and ho was of opinion that until the Church took up the daily school work, ns well as on Sunday, they would not bo doing her work. The Yen Archdeacon Harper read a paper on the subject— :< How to retain the attendance of Senior Scholars.” Ho advocated the formation of Bible and Communion classes, meeting the clergyman of the pariah once a month for instruction, &o. He also advocated the transition of the senior scholars to the rank of teachers under careful supervision, and the employment of selected senior scholars in the small details of the working of the school. An institute for senior scholars and teachers might be started under the presidency of the clergyman of the parish. The Yen. Archdeacon went on to furnish his ideas oh the means to be adopted. The Rev. H. 0. M. Watson followed the Archdeacon, and thought that this subject was one which ought to bo discussed from a practical point of view. His experience Jed him to suggest that their senior scholars should bo treated in a different manner, taught in a different place, from the other

scholars. They should also bo invited to the teachers’ meetings. Again, he was in favor of the senior scholars being taught by the clergyman himself. A Gentleman who rose in the body of the hall suggested the formation of senior scholars’ classes exclusively for them. He went on to say that he believed the ladies were entitled to claim the honor of establishing Sunday schools prior to Mr Raikos starting his. In Salford, near Manchester, he might say that ho had a senior class of nearly eighty. Mr Hoywood said that he found the keeping up of communication with any senior scholars ho had an interest in have an efficacious result in helping their senior scholars in their schools.

Mr T. M. Gee read a paper on the “Management of Sunday School Festivals,” dividing his subject into three heads, before the feast, at the feast, and after the feast, giving a number of suggestions as to the carrying out of the school festival.

Mr W. G. Brittan followed, advocating the celebration of a service in the parish Church on the Sunday prior to the starting of the school festival. Mr Brittan advocated completeness in the arrangements, and also agreed with Mr Gee in keeping away the parents and other grown up relatives from Sunday School treats. He further suggested the holding of winter entertainments for the children.

Mr H. R. Webb spoke on the subject, and agreed with both Mr Gee and Mr Brittan as to keeping parents and friends away from their treats. He would like to see a monster gathering of all the children of the Sunday Schools in and around Christchurch. Perhaps the opening of the Cathedral might be selected as the time. Yen. Archdeacon Harper gave a brief sketch of the way in which the school festivals are carried out in Timaru. There they had last February, 2500 people at their parish and school festival, the meetings being open to adults, and the cost was £llO, every shilling of which was subscribed beforehand. The chairman having briefly addressed the meeting, the proceedings closed by singing the Evening Hymn and the Benediction