GENERAL SYNOD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 32, 6 February 1877, Page 2

GENERAL SYNOD.

The Synod met yesterday at 4 p.m. The Primate laid on the table a memorial from, the Good Templar Lodges of Nelsonpraying that the Synod would before the close of the general session arrange fora Temperance meeting to be addressed by the clerical members of the Synod, and offering the use of the Temperance Hall for that purpose. The Bishop of Wellington obtained leave to introduce a Bill intituled "A statute for giving notice of proposed enactments," which was read a first time, and the second reading made an order of the day for Wednesday. The Rev. J. Leightou moved—" That the prayer of the memorial of the Diocesan Synod of Nelson with reference to the designation of pastors' parishes be adopted by the Synod and incorporated in the amended 'Statute' for the Appointment of Pastors to Parishes.' " A lengthy debate followed as to whether the clergy should be called "rectors" (as proposed by the resolution), incumbents, curates, priests, or ministers. After a long discussion the Synod divided on the motion, which was lost, the votes being :— Ayes : Bishops 3; Clergy, 10; Laity, 8. Noes : Bishops, _•' Clergy, 8; Laity, 10. The Rev. Mr Leighton then moved—" (l.) That this Synod adopt the resolution of tlie Diocesan Synod of Nelson with reference to religious instruction in public primary schools, and resolve to me norialise the General Assembly in accordance therewith. (2.) That a Select Committee be appointed to draft petitions to both Houses of the Legislature, embodying the views set forth in the resolution referred to; such Committee to consist of Archdeacons Stock and Harper, and the mover." The Bishop of Nelson seconded the motion. The Dean of Christchurch thought the motion did not go far enough, and moved as ■an amendment that the Synod should petition the General Assembly at its next sessions tnat m any general measure for educatiou, provision be made for religious instruction being given by ministers of .religion or other authorised persons. ' " '

M ?^ u nk£ Bro^skc^nd^iUhe amend;ment^ and;,Mr Ltisk supported m\ ■ Thejßishop of Nelson- <Jontendld that they had 'nbetter^ask for solaethuig|they were Hkety to gef ; something, like the iEngpsh acs leaving! the rmMefia the hands of th'e^cabConitm.ittee^- : ( who really repre-S sented the parents of 'Me children attending the schools aud who if they wished for religious instruction to be given their children ought to be able to have it. Archdeacon Harper did not agree with the ■last speaker thafcthey shouldVoqly ask what |6 get.?- |Local^ Committees f ■already have'the power irientimied but seldom exercise it. The religious instruction of the young was absolutely going back. He was amazedmttheamount - of * ignorance of Bible - facts he found on going to his new parish, TiniaTrti, among- the big\bbys andgirls, even-: those so old as 17. If somethiug were Tib. 1 done, ju^Oyears.the.youtlfco.f New- Zealand would be almost wholly ignorant of the* .Bible. 7>Mr Carleton the amendment. , -He always had ' consistently voted for "religious educati6h£Mt without the slightest hope of carrying it. " 7, The Rev Mr Tanner agreed with the&Bishop of Nelson. He fought the teacher^hould ; be empowered to -religious instruction, "" ]The Bishop otDun^din remarked ffiftObe resolujtibWdaid 'nothing about askipgj&overnm_S.Sicj assist us with grants few^rds 1 such Schools' as *we might fe^sbjush and con- v duct pfifseiVes. f^^ugb|t<f'hlejadded.dHe was conyincfed ffiiat people generally did wish .their childtfen to receive a rfeUg^ous education. ; Children now wg|e growing tlp.it) igtiorahce•Of the Bible, & the abaeiice of * religious in^tructionsthat was- to be attributed { the growing! spiHtof ~insuf>oi^raatio<j&hich , was becoming seriously fehnunder tli.e_.fonu j of what- was 1 called " larrikinism." }7^ - •' Atj'this stage[the r Synod7rose^and«flii.re-| -suming :at:;7 : [3o ®.irif? the Orders jof 'the day ..were (proceeded i'with. r°*' : '-™-p o^s 7 The Bishop of Nelson moved;— "Tfiflt this Synod h&s':iistened with the greatest interest n to the ref erencef made :by the. Prima-e-jn-fris » opening -^address- .to, ;*the resignation^ of Ithe . Eight Rev the Bishop of Waiapu, and heartily * ehdorses.he estimate there expressed. bf.; the? value of his services to the church Muting the long period! in which he has borne sojj; prominent and jnsefhl|a pare as Midsfonkry * and Bishop. The Synod regrets llftOoss i from its counsels of one who has eminently" contributed to the harmony of its prbceed-* ings, and trusts, that his remaining years, t though spent in retirement, may be cheered ■; by the support of those truths which it has beenthe work ( of his life to promote.*-'- :::-».- The motion was seconded by the Rev Mr Burrows, supported by the Rev E. Wlllhuiis£ and Mr Lusk, and carried unanimously, the Primate being requested to communicate the resolution to the Bishop of Waiapu. - Mr Carleton;then moved the ,s?econd/of his] resolutions . on' the status .of) the-N.e\W;Zea4 land Church, which was negatived on diyi-T sion as follows :— Ayes : Bishop. 1; Clergy, 10; TLaity, 11. -Noes,: Bishops, 4J .Clergy, ,B;Laity, 4. ' „„. . ". fp-f;^ fThe third resolution' was supersede'^ on* the motion of Mr Seymour, by thehext order of the day. 1 Jl." ', I i The Deanof Christchurch moved the third reading of the Communicants Bill, on which' the Bishop of Nelson moved asan amendment that it .-. bcv:recommitted f orr ; furtheramendment. This was done lan'd," the fiill', reported, but on the third reading it wnar thrown out, thei division -being Bishops, 4; Clergy;--7; Laity, 7. Noes: Bishop, 1; Clergy, 12; Laity, 10. .„ . Thf. "Nominators Statute^' .(amended) was^ read a second time,, and ordered to' be ; com-f mifited on Wednesday. ; -" ! J Archdeacon 'Mahnsell moved the -second . reading of a bill to amend statute 19 by omitting the present preamble, and substituting other words in lieu thereof. .'■ :--if--jf Mr Rous Marten seconded the motion,-and a protracted debate ensued, resulting in the motion being;- negatived.' ■ Tlife division 5 Svslsf as follows:— Ates: Bishops. .i\. Clergy, 16;^Laity, IL Noes:. Bishops, 3; ,plergy, 3;. Laity, 5. The Synod then adjourned at 1115 p.m.