Wellington Diocesan Synod.

Manawatu Herald, 22 July 1902, Page 3

Wellington Diocesan Synod.

At All Saints’ Church on Sunday night the Vicar gave a summary of the work of the session of Synod just concluded. Amongst many matters under discussion was a scheme for the insurance of Church buildings by the Dio- , cesan authorities themselves. This ' will, in all probability, be carried into effect during the coming year, and will mean a profit of upwards of £3OO now paid annually to various companies. The question of women voting at parochial meetings was again discussed. There was a general feeling that the proposal affected a fundamental principle of the constitution of society—via., the proper and relative functions of man and women respectivelyand it was accordingly rejected. The long deferred introduction of Bible. reading into the State School syllabus is at length assuming a practical and hopeful shape. Mr Wilson stated that representatives of nearly all the Christian bodies in New Zealand have now agreed upon a scheme. It consists of the use of the Lord's Prayer in opening the school work of each day; and the reading, twice a week, of selected portions of the Bible under the direction of the teacher. Actio* is now on foot throughout the Colony for-the purpose of enlisting the sympathy and weight of all citizens, so that the attention of the Government may he claimed and the recognition of the Christian faith.be secured for our children.’ The most important matter considered by the Synod was the position of the Church Mission to the Maoris. The Church Missionary Society, which has carried on the work up to the present, is this year withdrawing. This will mean that a sum of £2,000 must be annually raised in New Zealand in addition to present contributions. It will also mean that the entire management of the Mission will be in the hands of the Church of New Zealand.

To raise so large a sum as is needed will demand a large effort oi self-sacri- - flee; but so serious and hearty is the manner in which the crisis is being faced by the representatives of the Church, clerical and. lay alike, that there is the greatest hope of its being effectually coped with. The position of the Maori work, though so much in danger financially, is nevertheless distinctly encouraging when the lively interest and efforts of the natives themselves are considered. It is believed that in ten or twelve years the Maori part of the Church will be selfsupporting; and the charitable efforts of the pakehas can be turned elsewhere. The Session of Synod just closed was a most useful one and marks another clear ste|> in advance in the life af the Church in the past. Quiet develop* meat and steady growth throughout the Diocese is the impression plainly conveyed by a study of the many matters under consideration, and by the rapid and effective handling of the business of the Synod.