DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2080, 23 October 1880, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Fbidat, Ooxobeb 22.

The Primate took his seat at 4 p.m. The Bev. Canon Ootterill brought up the report of the “ Church News ” Committee, which was read and laid upon the table. The Bev. W. O. Harris moved—“ That in the opinion of this Synod it is desirable that the Church Work Society Committee, the Diocesan Education Committee, and the “N. Z. Church News ” Management Committee, be amalgamated ; and that the functions discharged by the three committees be discharged henceforward by the Church Work Society Committee.” The motion was agreed to.

The Bev. G. J. Oholmondeley moved—- “ That the report of the Olergy Pension Board be printed with the proceedings of the Synod.” This motion was also agreed to. The Bev. B. B. Otway moved—“ That a return be laid before this Synod, showing: 1. What amount of interest has to be paid per annum on loane by the Church Property Trustees. 2. An approximate statement of the amount of balance of income at Easter, 1881, after grants to clergy Stipend Fund, interest on loans, and current charges have been provided for.” The motion was agreed to.

The Diocesan Treasurer stated that the interest on loans would amount to £3600 ; against that a sum of £1420 would be received from assisted parishes; leaving a net sum of £2IBO to be provided for that purpose. With regard to the second question, it was calculated a debit balance of £ls would be shown on the date named. The Bev. Canon Ootterill moved—“ That the Bill to amend the Instructions to Ministers, Churchwardens, &c., be read a second time and considered in committee.” The resolution was carried on the voices, after which the Synod wont into committee. It was moved that progress be reported and leave asked to sit again. Progress being reported, the Synod resumed. Mr W. J. W. Hamilton resumed the debate on the following motion of the Dean—- “ That the Bill for constituting the Chapter, and for regulating the government of the Cathedral be read a second time, and that it be considered in committee,” and the following amendment thereupon by Archdeacon Harper:—“ That inasmuch as the Cathedral Chapter is already constituted in accordance with ancient precedent by the Bishop of the diocese, the Synod hereby recognises the inherent right and responsibility of the Bishop and Chapter to frame regulations for their own guidance, aud for the government of the Cathedral.” He contended that the Diocesan Synod had jurisdiction in this matter, and if, as was stated last night, such action was ultra vires, that question could be raised hereafter, but present action was desirable, as this diocese, and no other, was affected by the proposed motion. In the course of discussion, it was urged that, as the Diocesan Synod had the power to nominate its Bishop, it certainly had the same power as regards the Capitular Body, The President thought that this important question, in which patronage was involved, could not be settled by the Diocesan Synod. The Dean having replied, the amendment was negatived, and the motion was carried on the voices. The Bill was then read a second time, and the Synod wont into committee upon it. The committee rose at half-past six and adjourned till 7.30. EVENINgTsITTING. The committee re-assembled at 7.30, when the chairman reported progress and asked leave to sit again. The Dean moved, and it was agreed—“ That the Order of the Day be postponed to allow committee to resume the consideration of the Cathedral Chapter Bill.” The Synod having resumed, the chairman of committee reported progress, and asked leave to sit again. Several notices of motion were given, after which the Synod adjourned till 4 p.tn. on Monday next.