A " Scene " at the Synod.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 13 February 1892, Page 2

A " Scene " at the Synod.

The ' scene ' began about 8.20. The Synod had just adopted certain resolutions re trust property, which had been passed in committee, when the Rev A. R. Fitchetc rose with a copy of the Standing Orders in his i hand. He had got as far as saying that he desired to make a personal explanation, when The Primate, rising hastily, interrupted him by stating that he could not permit the order of business to be interfered with by theintroduotion of any extraneous matter. The Rev Mr Kitchett, who seemed greatly taken aback, wished to point out that he was acting in conformity with Standing Order 19. The Primate, again interrupted. The Rev Mr Fitchett asked leave to read Standing Order 19, which he submitted would make his position clear. The Primate ordered the rev gentleman to sit down. If not, he himself would leave the chair. The Bishop of Dunedin submitted that if it were a right, it should not ba denied him. The Primate : He cannot introduce anything that is not on the order paper. The Rev Mr Fitchett : Pardon me, my lord, the Standing Order that I wish to read makes provision for what I desire to do. The Primate: I have already stated that the rev gentleman must give notion of motion. The Rev A. Towgood (Marton) pointed out that the Rev Mr Fitchett appealed to a printed document, and surely there could be no harm in hearing what his authority was. The Rev Mr Fitchett, seizing kis^ opportunity, then read out Standing j| Order 19. The Primate said that there was . no personal matter to explain. The Rev Mr Fitchett protested*, that his Lordship could not decidif that until he had'" heard what the explanation was. ■ The Primate said that if in debate a member thought his remarks had been misrepresented by another member he might ask leave to explain what he meant. The reverend gentleman must give notice, so that the matter might appear on the Order Paper: He again called upon the Dean of Christchurch. Archdeacon Mules said if the Hey Mr Fitchett were allowed to speak it could easily be determined whether he was in order or not. The Rev Mr Fitchett respectfully submitted that the Primate could not pronounce upon the personal explanation until he had heard it. The Primate : Will you be good enough to explain it. Rev Mr Fitchett : Certainly, my lord ; I have asked your perniission to do so, and I have explained that my action is in conformity with Standing Order 10. The Primate: That is only if a member has been misrepresented. If this matter is persisted with further I shall simply leave the Synod. I shall adjourn the Synod unless the Dean of Christchurch goes on. The Dean of Christchurch had accordingly risen to proceed with his Bill, when the Bishop of Dunedin jumped upon his feet, and exclaimed, • Are there no privileges, my Lord ? The Primatß excitedly replied, • I know no privileges.' Thereupon the Bishop of Dunedin stepped down from his seat, and passed into the retiring room. He was immediately followed by the Bey vlr Fitchett and the rest of the clerical and lay representatives of the Diocese of Dunedin.* The Bishop of Christchurch and Sir John Hall followed, and apparently poured a little oil upon troubled waters, as Bishop Neville, the Rev Mr Fitchett and their fellow members resumed their seats after , an interval of about half an hour. — N.Z. limes.