DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 252, 24 October 1877, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The Synod met yesterday afternoon in the Bishop's school. A letter was read from Mr Hunter Brown, stating that other duties would prevent his acting as Diocesan Secretary. Mr Ashcroft moved, "That this Synod recognises the great hindrance to the work of the Church in the smallnessof the fund at its disposal, and desires to co-operate with the Diocesan Secretary, when appointed, in making strenuous efforts to raise the annual income till it reaches £1000." In this Diocese there were supposed to be 15,000 membera of the Church of England, and there surely could be no difficulty in raising from them fche comparatively small sum of £i 000 a year towards the General Church Fund, and this income would allow matters to be carried on satisfactorily, instead of in the hand to mouth style of the present time. lie thought that a systematic and regular canvass would have the desired effect, as the people only wanted the matter to be brought home to them to give that assistance which was so urgently required. Mr Acton Adams seconded the resolution, but thought that the undertaking would be one of considerable difficulty. He suggested a regular enrolment of Church members, who could bo individually canvassed, and would thus be led more fully to realise their responsibility. Archdeacon Butt thought that meetings convened in the various districts, and addressed by gentlemen deputed by'the Synod, would hare the desirable effect. Mr Barnicoat thought that the Synod owed a debt of gratitude to Mr Ashcroft for having brought the matter forward. He felt sure that sympathy with the Church existed, and that it only wanted to be called forth in a practical manner. To some extent Mr Ashcroft had already dona this, as from what had fallen from him he (Mr Barnicoat) had been led to the determination to increase his annual subscription to the General Church Fund. The Revs Mr Whyte and Mr Watkins advocated a systematic canvass of the diocese. After the transaction of some other business the session of the Synod was brought to a close by prayer. ■