Original Correspondence.

New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 448, 31 July 1850, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Neio Zeaknder. Sir,— .More than a fortnight has elapsed since a letter appeared in your paper, regarding the introduction of a proposed form of Constitution for the Government of the Branch of the Church of England established, in th s colony. The writer of that letter signed himself " A Member of the Church of England." He commenced by recalling to the recollection of the public, the attempt that was made rather less than two years ajfo, by his Lordship the Bish"p of New Zealand, to orgnnize a system similar to the one now con-templated,—-which attempt failed, from his Lordship's n>t submitting a plan for the comtderation of the church meetings that were convened at the time for the purpose. Now there can be no doubt on the minds (if the various members of the Church of England that s">in» form of Government is urgently required, aB ihi> Church is the only one among the various secis existing in these Islands which has no system to workupon. It might fairly be imagined that the appea ance of { the letter obore alluded to, would hare called for some notice frun the different ministers of the Anglican ; Church, who cannot be supposed to be utterly ignorant of the proposed measure,— that one at least might have been iound to oiier some comment, or give some explanation. But No. The qurstion ha» been allowed to pass unregarded. Neither clergy nor laity seem to have paid it i he slightest attention. But now that tbe question is Bgiin reconsidered, how differently are they preparing for their fresh effort. On the former occasion the subject was brought forward fairly and openly, there was no attempt made to cast a veil of secrecy over their proceedings by the movers in this great work. Meetings were publicly convened, Ht which all who felt disposed, were able to attend, and theieny had an opportunity of expressing their opinions, and carefully considering the various propositions that were submitted for their discussion previous to the adoption of any system which might when brought into operation seriously embarrass the memboii of the Church, and possibly frustrate the intention of the originators of thedesign. On the present occasion, a small number of persons meet together, and prepare for general signature an address to the Bishop of New Zealand, a proposed outline of a plan of Church government ''for bis Lordship's consideration, and as they trust for his approval, which they would be all sitisfied to see adopted here." Not a word about the propriety of discussing a question of such vital importance to the interests, nay, the very continuance of the existence ot the Church of EngUnd in New Zealand. Dissentient voices are to have no means of expressing their disapprobation of any clauses in (he plan which may appear to them to call for amendment, if not for expurgation. What course will be left open for them to follow, if such a system were approved by his Lordship and brought into operation ? It would be impassible for them conscientiously to continue members of their piesuut church, and to sub* mit to rules which they deemed improper. The door of secession would be opened still wider than it is even now— yet the mischief would not end there ; the Church of England would become so weakened by the desertion of its members, and so crippled in its financial resources from the same cause, that iti existence as a body here, would eventually become merely nominal. In illustration of tbe manner in which the whole matter has been conducted, I would only remark that many have signed tbe address, without knowing what they pledged themselves to lupport ; others have been I'sked in ihe street at once to affix their signatures, and when this serious responsibility was declined on the very pioper ground of their being totally unacquainted with the nature of the constitution, and that after perusal they should wish to give the matter some litt'e consideration. The Cliurch-Constitution-hawkers seemed quite surprised, and requested them just to step into a shop, read the plan, and sign it without delay. So little are the public acquainted with the plan that eveu his Lordship the Bishop labors under the impression that it is in the form of an address to himself, praying him to convene a meeting of church members to consider the subject, and that it is the intention of the lay members who printed the address lor signature to give further publicity to the plan. As the subject has not yet come before his Lordship officially there may yet be time left to bring the tubject under discussion, thereby realizing his Lordship's idea, which is too valuable a suggestion to be neglected, and also to ascertain the feelings of the other settlements, in order that, the members of the Church ot England in these islands may unite in th" furtherance of such a measure, and that all grounds for future discussion may be removed. The following short outline of some of the most important features in the proposed arrangement may perhaps draw the attention ot the members of the Church of England, and move them to give the subject their further consideration. The proposed form of Constitution is to be a general convention composed of the clergy and laity, which will consist of an Upper and a Lower House. The Upper House will consist ot the Bishop or Bishops, the Lower House will consist of the Deputies of the clergy and laity (though in what proportions is not stated) to be selected by tbe clergy and laity respectively. This latter though nominally one house will in reality form two chambers, for, though the ducussion of all questions is to be general, the clergy and tbe laity ai c to, vote separately — a majority of each being necessary to carry any question. Further, the confirmation of any law so passed is to be left entirely to the discretion of the metropolitan. The registration of all adult mae persons who wish to be enutled to vote for the election ol the Lay Deputies, will devolve upon the clergyman of the di-tnct in which they reside, upon their furninhing a declaration in writing staling that they are members of the Church ot England, and are desirous to incorporate themselv. s with the proposed Cliureh Constitution. But it shall be competent for every such cleigymau io refuse to register the name of an> applicant in his district, whom he shall have good and sufficient reason to believe not to be a member of the Church of England. This decuion is, however, liable to revision by the Bishop of the Diocese, upon appeal made to him. No church censure shall be imposed upon any one, until the charge brought against him shall have been duly proved before a jury of pefions of bis own order.

These, then, are the most important points in the proposed Church Constitution, and appear to call for deep reflection and careful consideration, before any person can solemnly pledge himself to their adoption. I have refrained from making any comment upon any of them except the first, which seemed to require some immediate explanation, because I conceive that such a proceeding mi^ht be rather premaiure, and be cause a solitary opinion has seldom much weight with the mass. For the present then I will say no more, trusting that before long some further li«ht may be thrown upon the subject.-— I am, Sir, your obedient •ervant, Parascopus.

To the Editor of the New Zealander» Sir. — \ subscription wai railed to do honor to the Auckland Lodge ot Free and Accepted Masons by a Return Ball ; but it has pleased a few this day to alter the previous arrangement! and make it subservient to the movements of H. M. S. " Hatannah." As a subscriber I beg to be informed why a selfelected committee can thus depart from the original intention and divide an honor to which the Masom are so well entitled.— l am, Yours, &c, &c. Z.