ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 685, 6 November 1852, Page 2

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the New Zeaiandjsr. Sir, — The Circular, addressed by His Lordship the Bishop, in answer to a letter, numerously signed, requesting him to take into consideration measures for the better management of the Church of England in New Zealand, authorises the members of the Church to elect six of their body to meet the " clergy, office-bearers, and lay representatives of the Church of England." Now, Sh 1 , 1 wish to know — and perhaps you can enlighten me on these points — who are the " lay representatives V Who are the " office-bearers" of the Church of England in the Archdeaconry of Waitemtfta \ What are the duties of these officers? - By whom and when were they appointed ! As a Churchman, I confess my ignorance of any layman holding office in the Church as at present constituted in this colony. I am aware that laymen hold office in connection with the Missionary Societies, but surely His Lordship cannot consider these gentlemen either as representatives of the Church or holding office in it. I would also wish to know, in p a deliberative meeting, how far the opinion of the six elected lay members would influence the proceedings of the clergy, who alone outnumber them, and who. doubtless would be supported, in any point at issue, by these unknown office-bearers and lay representatives I I am, Sir, Yours, obediently, A Churchman. Auckland, Nov. 5.