DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 794, 11 February 1871, Page 3

DUNEDIN.

[prom our own correspondent.] February 4. The Fifth General Synod of the Brauch of the United Church of England and Ireland in New Zealand met in the City Council Chambers here on Wednesday of this week. There was a large array of clergy, no fewer than five Bishops being present, as well as some archdeacons and other dignitaries. The Primate opened the proceedings by reading an address on the state of the Church, referring to the various matters to be brought before the Synod, and alluding to what had been done since the Synod last met. A letter from Bishop Jenner was read, enclosing an opinion of the Archbishop of Canterbury on his case. In this letter Bishop Jenner reiterates his claims to the diocese, and backs them up by argument. The Rev. Dr. Maxwell has moved a motion to the effect that as the nomination was never sanctioned by the Synod or the Standing Committees, this Synod does not sanction the appointment of Dr Jenner ; and therefore that Dr Jenner is not, and never was, Bishop of Dunedin. So here is the ghost that gave .so much trouble a short time ago, and which everybody thought laid for good, ushered into public notice again, and likely to give as j much trouble as ever. The subject is likely to give rise to a long and keen discussion. A case was heard before the Mayor's Court this week which attracted great public attention. A Mrs Waterhonse, who is in considerable practice as a midwife here, had a case in the neighborhood in which there was some difficulty, and after a rather protracted labor the woman died. Previous to the death, however, a medicil man had been called in, and he immediately jumped to the conclusion that gross negligence had been exercised, and had a coroner's inquest on the body. Eventually, the midwife was arrested and held to bail on a charge of manslaughter, which was heard before the Mayor this week. The case lasted two days ; a number of witnesses were examined, medical and others, and a vast amount of learning exhibited by the opposing lawyers (Mr Hasrgitt for, Mr Barton against, the prosecution. It was another case of doctors differ ; for one set of them were dead against the midwife, while the others were more or less in her favor. The result of the long enquiry being that Mrs Waterhouse was discharged, and the medical man . who was first called in retired looking considerably smaller than when he began. Over thirty women were in the Court ready to give their evidence in favor of Mrs Waferhouse, but the Bench did not consider it necessary to call them. The High School for Girls opens on Monday, and no fewer than 88 girls offered themselves yesterday at the preliminary examination, necessary now for all— boys and girls. This augurs well for the success of the Institution. Fourteen of the young ladies failed to pass the minimum. Both candidates for the Superintendency are poshing their canvass very hard, a regular progress over the province being undertaken by each. It is annising to read the reports the meetings at which they appear. At most of them they are quiet, and either candidate is received courteously; but at others the reverse is the case, and " heckling " and general rowdyism is displayed. The polling is expected to be very close in most parts, though Macandrew is likely to set the majority. The subscribers to the Benevolent Institution held their annual meeting this week also. The report mentioned the large number who had been relieved by the charity during the past season, and nrged on the public the duty of increased support. We experienced a very sudden change in the weather on Wednesday evening — from warm and genial, it changed to cold and boisterous, with a deal .of rain. The wind remains at south-west, with passing showers.' No damage was done by the gale.