ANGLICAN SYNOD

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1933, Page 6

ANGLICAN SYNOD

IMPRESSIONS OF A LAYMAN RECENT CHRISTCHURCH MEETING (Contributed.) Three things stand out in my recollections .of my first Synod—(l) The dignity lent to its proceedings by lie splendid old Provincial Council Chambers; (2) the outstanding ability or the lay members of the Standing Committee and Canon Galwey’s quiet and courteous efficiency; (3) the rendering of the invocation “Spirit of, the Living bod” first’ by 'Sister Jutson and North of the .<Qhurch. Army., and then as a reverent chorus by the deeply moved clergy and laity. The speeches -during, the, session were of a,, very high order, for instance, that of our old friend Mr. L, F. de Berry Berry o u the report of. the youth council of the Diocese being really eloquent, yet to the point. Another very telling speech was that of Archdeacon Hands/ ’ late ' of Fiji, which shattered to fragments whatever - -sense, pf„.satisfaction/ we had with our missionary quota, by telling-us of the great efforts made by. other, churches in Fiji, as against our" own inddeejuate provision for the needs of whites, natives qnd, Indians .-there.. Sister Tobin, of the.. North/ China Mission., gave us a most.-vivid idea.jof the immensity of the mission:, -field there and,, in telling us of her term of captivity - by - banditsThere;--gave -anin stance of the power of prayer and God’s answer ,td .itj/ '.. , ' Much of the time of the Synod was taken up by the utterly distasteful and retrograde task of making economies, chiefly by .reducing the salaries and travelling allowances of our clergy. The report on our orphanages was tile occasion for an appeal for a clergy as head, of the Boys’ Orphanage- at Tiniaru. The Revs. E. A. Osmers and H. I; Hopkins (both well known here) made frank and incisive speeches on this isiibjcct. , Tlie „ forward mcvemcait in youtth work, recommended by the special com-: mittee was approved and should receive the backing of every, member of our Church, as it- is of vital necessity to pur existence that voluntary successors to our present workers and congregations should- be found so that the work may still go- forward.' Of special interest to this Parochial District is the Bill to enable the amalgamation of., .trust investments. A business measure" which passed through .all its stages, and "which will, when passed by Parliament, . equalise ■interest .payments -and spread losses over the whole fund instead of their being borne by any particular trust.