MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE EIGHTH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5471, 9 October 1878, Page 3

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE EIGHTH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF WELLINGTON.

Tho members of the Synod received the holy communion at St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, and mot at the diocesan room at three o’clock p.m. The President called the roll of members elected. Members Present:—The President. Clergy Archdeacon Stock, Rev. O, N. Nicholls, Rev. T. Fancoart, Kev. B. W. Harvey, Rev. VV. Ballachey, Rev. J. F. Teackle, Rev. K. Coffey, Rev. C. D. De Castro, Kev. H. Te Herekau, Rev. J. MoWilliam, Rev. T. L Tudor, Rev. A. Towgood, Rev. K. J. Thorpe. Rev. C. N. Gossett. Laity—Messrs. N. T. Clarke, R. Hunter, G. Didsbury, C. RousMarten, Colonel Leckie, J. A. IMimmer, Captain Hewetfc, J. Lockett, J. R. Lysaght, T. Buchanan, VV. France, E. VV. Lowe, and D, Porter. Th© President laid on tho table reports from pari-hes and districts aud the minute book of the Standing Committee. The President read th© address as follow* : Bret ren of the Clergy and of tho Liity,—lt gives me groat pleasure to find that as years pass away the beneficial result of tho ecclesiastical system under which we manage the affairs of the Church becomes more generally recognised. This is tho first session of the eighth Synod which has been convened hero. Nineteen years have now elapsed since the first meeting of the Diocesan Synod of Wellington. That the bishop, the clergy, and representatives of the laity should in every diocese meet together annual/ to legislate for the well-being of tho Church, and devise plans for the ex'ensiou of her W'>rk among a rapidly-iucrea-ing population in a now and prospering country such as this, is not only a significant fact as to th vitality of the Church, b *t it must he productive of good. Different aspects of Church work present themselves to the three orders who co-operate on these occasions for the general good. Knowledge and information of various kinds, as well as practical ex perienco In connection with different parts of the uioc se, are brought to bear on every question affecting its welfare. The actual condition of the diocese becomes by means of discussion more correctly understood. Remedies are devised for any evils or imperfection*, which, at any rate, carry with Jhera this recommendation to the racmhc'-s of the Church, that they have the sanction of a majority of each order. . The day is happily gone by when it was necessary to vindicate the wis ’oni exercised in establishing the vccleaiastical system which we have In this country. For many years, such was the t-ffect of a long habit of regarding tho Church as a necess ry part of he State, aa depending, that Is, for its organisation on civil legislation, that it was deemed impossible for the colonial Church to create an independent organ ssati-m of its own. even although it wig admitted that n>* authority/w»a in existence, extern »1 to itself, which c mkl do this. The Imperial Parliament could noc leghl-ito for the Chur h in a colony such as this is. The Cliuich of England, which has not even independent p wer to legislate for herself, obvi .usty could do nothing. The colonial Legislature was evidently debarred from any special legislation for or-e religious bodv in preference to others. Nothing remained but that the Church should fall back upon, and have recourse to. her own inherent and inalienable power to provide for herself what was absolutely needful (or her own existence and the discharge of those functions fgr the due exercise of which she exis's as a Church. This essential and inherent autonomy of the Church may appear obvious enough to us all now. But it was i power, or rather a potentiality, which for a lon& time was not recognised in any of the colonia Churches. Doubtless the Church of the United states of America, when thrown on her own resources had Known how to act. But a vaeuo dread of infnngin.some latent principle supposed to be involved in the words, *'Roval Supremacy,” as distinct from the law as administered in th Queen’s Courts, seemed, even in encles'astical and legal minds of a high order, to hamper and Impede freedom of thought on this subject. It remained for the great Bish p only recently •emov-d from active work in the Church of England. George Augutns Selwyn, first Bishop of .New Zealand, clearly to perceive that inherent right, which mu-t exist in every branch of the Church of Christ, to perpo tuato itself. and to exercise all those functions which were needful f>»r the preservation of order within it* own limits. It was tho genius of Selwyn that fir t firmly grasped th s truth, and, recognising the prolific principle which it involved, determined to disregard legal fictions, which by some seemed to extend the ecclesiastical law of England to the co onial Churches, and to impede their free aetb-n. Hav ng mentioned Bishop Selwyn, I cannot refrain from saying a few words in reference to him. His genius, energy, and devotion to his work have recently been so fnllv acknowledged in England and elsewhere, that nothing need be s>id in reference to those high qualities which he possessed, and which made him so remarkable. I trust that the effort now being made to raise a memorial to him at Cambridge —the proposed Selwyn College, will bo speedl y crowned with success I venture to hope that the need of having some suitable memorial to him in this country will not be lose sight of. To have n-glectcd such a memorial to Bishop Selwyn would. I feel con vinced. be regarded in future ages as a sad reflection on t*ds eneration of churchmen for their want o' appreciation of one of the fe-v trreat men of tho a/e. Possibly on the return of the Primate from England some practical suggestion on the subject may be made The Rev. W.U. Tucker lias undertaken to write his Ire Thi will doubtless indudo much interesting matter connected with his labors In this country among both rac<*3, as well as his raissl marv vidta fo Melmesia. Having been myself many years intimately connected with him in ecclesiastical affairs, I avail myself of this opportunity of saying that during a long course of years I never met with anything from him but the greatest consider ttiou, accompanied with undeviating kindness and courtesy. It may appear almost like egotism on ray part to say that in matters entrusted tome he always placed un?im ; tail confidence in o«y judgment; but it is only due to his memory to say so. So early as 1814 he appointed me his commissary and rural dean ere. In 1849 he made mo Archdeacon of KaMil, with au hority to act for him on both sides of tho Strait. In 1854, while In England, he recommended me t ■ the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Secretary of State to be bishop for the same part of his diocese Being at that time actively at work among the Maori population. I declined this responsibility If I have for a few moments reverted to these events long past, it is because the recollection of his hhh prindp’e and noble example stimulated me to some measure of exertion in days gone by. And I tru-t that th© mention of hi* name and the study of his life may act as a p i orful motive to many in this country to practice his self-denial and follow in his footsteps. Before turning to diocesan maters I would mention that by the last ra -il have been received some extracts from the report of the Lambeth Conference, os well as brief abtracts of ts proceedings. The general Impression seems to bo that it has proved- far more competent to deal with the subjects brought before it than tho Conference which sat in 1867. If it has not quite satisfied the expect tions of it* most, sanguine promoters, it has at least accomplished ra «rc than Its" opponents , oredlcted as the result of. its deliberations. The early proceedings, daring the first week ' of July,* are rep *rted to have been very unsatisfactory to the American and colonial bishops. But the committees which sat during an interval of three weeks before the closing ses-ion enabled persons meeting from different parts of the world, and accustomed to deal with very different aspects of Ohnrch work, to understand one another better than they did at first. Tho reports of the vario is committees seem to embody some very satis factory results. To me, indeed, some of the negative resul’a seem most important. That is to say, th*-‘ assembled bishops have ascertained, and freely admitted, what they have not the power to do. To have a clear conception of this has a great tendency to put a salutary restraint on nced'ess discussion, and toconfi e exertions within practical limits, and thus to concentrate attention on what is feasible. I will endeavor briefly to explain what I me n. The Conference makes no assumption of authority. It lays no c aim to a right to enforce them while making-' certaln recommendations to part cular Churches. After recording the fact that there were one hundred assembled, comprising archbishops, metropolitans, and bishops, they proceed to say:— *' We have made these questions the subject of serious deliberation for many days, and we now commend to tho faithful the coac’.nsions which have been adopted.” It may be in the recollection of some present that In my addro'B to the Synod in 18741 endeavored to show that the proposal to create a Patriarchate in order to combine ail the branches of the Anglican Church under one presiding head at Cmterbury, which was advocated by some enthusiastic churchman, had now bee *rao an Impossibility, and would be detrimental to the well-being of the Churches, oven were Jtposaible. I then gave rayreaaonsfor these opinions. It is a subject which has been on several occasions discussed in tho Convocation of Canterbury. * lam happy to learn that the suhje -t is not even alluded to in the report of tho Conference. In the same address I gave my reasons to tho Synod for thinking it would .be neither possible, nor advisab’e if possible, to establish a central Court of Appeal for tho col’inlal Chuichis. I venture to make a short extract from the report on this subject :— 44 Your committee having taken into consideration the whole question, especially with reference to tho action of some of the colonial Churches since 18C7- when a report bearing upon this subject was prepared by a committee of tho Lambeth Confcionce, held in that year, would make tho following general recommendations; Every ecclesiastical province which ha* constituted for the exercise of discipline over its clergy a tribunal for receiving appeals from its Diocesan Courts should bo h-ld respon-ib’e for Us own decisions in tho exercise of such discipline ; and your committee are not prepared to recommend that there should bo any one central tribunal of appeal from such provincial tribunals.” Still, tho report recommends that there should bo some council of reference to which provincial Churches might refer any question on which doubt might bo entertained. There is, indeed, a frank admission on tho part of tho Lamboth Conference of tho independence of tho colonial Churches, which contrasts strongly with tho uncertain utterances of tho former Conference on the same subject. Tho report says.— - " In considering the beat mode of maintaining union among tho various Churches of our communion, the committee, first of a’l. recognise with deep thankfulness to Almighty God, tho essential and evident unity In which tho Church of England and tho Churches in visible communion with her have always been bound together. United under one Divine Head In tho fellowship of the one Catholic and Apostolic Church; holding the one faith revealed in Holy Writ defined in tho creeds, and maintained by tho Primitive Church ; receiving tho same canonical Scriptures of tho Old and Now Testaments as containing all things necessary to salvation; ~ those Churches teach the same Word of God, partake of the same divinely ordained sacraments, through the ministry of the same Apostolic orders, and worship or.* God and Father through tho same Lord Jesus Christ, by tho same Holy and Divino Spirit, who is ir-ytn to those that believe, to guldo them into all truth," Among these Churches in visible communion with tho Church of England is mentioned the Provincial Church of New Zealand. I have called your attention to those three subjects, because it would appear that tho deliberate judgment of tho Assembled bishops, expressed in reference to them, entirely confirms views that I have during some years i-ast ventured officially to pub forth, but which I have often heard characterised as singular and even extravagant, and likely to lead to mischievous consequences, •, , , 1 will make one furthr oxir ct from the report, r forriiig more immediately to the inner life or tho Church;—*' Considering unhappy disputes on questftnu of ritual, wheftty Ohm oongregnttggs ta fSft

hutch of Engl md'and elsewhere have bedn seriously ILquletod. vour c raraitteo desire to >ffirm the pnujiple that no alteration from long accustomed ritu-l iiiould be mad , contrary to the admonition of the bishop of the diocese. Further, having m view :ertaln novel practices and teachings on the subject of confession, yovar committee desire to affirm chat in the matter,.of confession tho Churches if tho Anglican Communion hold fast those pnncd les which are set forth in tho < Holy Scriptures, which were professed by tho Primitive Church, ana which were re-affirmed at the English Reformation ; and It is their deliberate opinion that no mitu-der of the Church is authorised to require from those who may resort to him to open their grief a particular or detailed enumeration of all their sins, <>r to require private confession previous t • rcca ving the holy communion, or to enjoin or even encourage the p-ac-tico of habitual confession to a priest, or to teach that such practice of habitual confession, or the being subject to what has been termed the direction of a priest, is a condition of attaining t the highest spmtualUfe. At the same time your committee are not to be understood ns desiring to limit In any way the provision made in the Book of Common Prayer for the relief of troubled consciences.” Notwithstanding the progress already made In what may bo called t>»o formal organisation of the Church, which In many respects is most satisfactory, much still remains to bo done to promote and facilitate actual w *rk. Tho present most pressing ne-d of the Church is both to obtain m re clergymen and also to devise somo s stem by means of which, with tno Divine blessing, a constant supply may bo provided. It may possibly occur to those who have not given this subject their special attention, that this Is one which more immediately concerns the Bishop It is doubtless a special part of tuo Bishop’s duty to encourage and assist all candidates for the sacred ministry whoso qualifications (or the OIUOO give promise o( usofulness, and by solemn ordination to sot them apart for the office. Bub this aspect of tho subject is not the particular one about which there is any difficulty. What is needed Is to find men suitable for the work of tho ministry—properly educated and duly trained to enter ou the work to which a: their ordination they may bo appointed. But before X offer any suggestion as to steps that mi«ht be taken towards making provision for the present urgent want, i. may be advisable to look carefully at tho actual stare o* the subject under consideration. That many additional clergymen are wanted in this diocese (and X believe the same may be said o- other dioceses), there can be no doubt. It is no less certain to those who have taken pains to inquire, that there is no prospect of any adequate supply being obtained. It is important to be fully convinced of this, so Jong as«ny doubt remains as to this (act, it will be hopeless to expect that effective efforts wil. be made to organise any system which may meet the difficulty, and make provision f'*>r the futuro. I wdl uow give a few reasons (or the conclusion I have arrived at, that no adequate supply can bo looked for from England. It is true that the reluctance to take holy orders which was said to have t-x----isted In England a few years ago. arising from several, causes which it is not needful to specify,, has ceased; many are now being ordained. But tho demand of the Church of KagUnd for clergym n. occasioned by the increase of population, and the extension of Church work, eems t.o give occupation to a constantly increasing number, Thegreaterattention now bestowed mi what is external in religion, as dUtim-t from what is vital and spiritual in religion, that is to say, an ex ternal worship as distinct from what is personal in religion, occasions h disinclination iu tho minds of nauv men to forego the pleasure of conducting ornate a-rvices in beautiful buildings fo* the purpose of engaging in tho regular work requi - d in infan: colonial churches, where the scattered members of the flock must be sought out and gathered together Many non may be found wh will conscientiously discharge routine duties, b »t who arc wholly incap tbl* of the self-denial needed for tho purpose of visuing a scattered population and c-lling their attention to wuat •oncerns their spiritual life, aud persuading them to meet and co-operate for tho purpose of building a church and rroviding for the ministrations of religion, again, th~rc is now rather widely prevalent a kind of sentimental theology. It seems to be the result of mo torn impatience of severe thought- In the case of many young clergymen it weakens their moral ami religious convictions, * nd to a certain extent deprives them of the faith, courage, and self-denial required to face difficulties in distant countries. What is really needed is that there should be men who, believing that it is the will of the Divino Head of the Church th .t the whole world should be overspread by its holy influence, are prepared to disregard all obstacles m the way of a solemn luky. Then, having unreservedly ■■ecognised the obligation they are under to obey tho vMce of their Divino Master, as revealed iu Holy ■Scripture, should, discarding allselflsh considerations, be prepared to say either to the Society for the Pcopogar.Lon of the Gospel or to the Church Mission iry Society, ‘•You are in communication with the colonial Churches, von have applications from the bishops for missionaries ; I am ready to go anywhere; examine „e, ascertain my qualifications, and then send me to the sphere of la <or for which I may appear to be mod adapted.” Apparent y there are not now many men prepared to act on such principles. Still.it must be adrni.ted that the demand made by the colonia! Churches, which have so rapidly of late extended their jneratioDs. on the clergy of England, has tended to exhaust the supply. . I: lias now become necessary to make these remarksHowever thankf d we ought to bo whenever we ob ain any efficient clergymen from England, I would seriously warn the Synod, and if possi lo the whole ecclesiastic d province, that it would bo a fatal mistake for the Chu ch in thi country *o make to trust to any permanent supply of clergymen from England. tVe have now reached a period when it has become au imperative duty to faco this subj ct boldly and r solately. . Five years ago, in addressing th© Synod. I alluded to this question, and expressed a very i ecide i opinion that it ought to be dealt with without further delay. Nothing hassinceoccurrcdt ■ alter or modify tho opinion then ex ressed. What is wanted is one good theological ©allege. I am not prepared to admit that tlio Church of New Zealand is either unable or w *uld he unwilling to make such an effort as would lead to the establishment of such an institution as is required. My firm con iction K that if the absolute necessity for such an institution were extensively know*, a beginning might be mada townrls obtaining it. which would before long m«et with very general support. I trust that this subject will engage the attention of the Synod It is ind ed a matter which should be dealt with by the Ge oral Synod. But in order that the General Synod may do so effectively some previous prepira ; ion should be made for its consideration. I will not now repeat the reasons I gave five years ago against the permanent establishment of diocesan colle.es. Subsequent thought has only tend-'dtb co ifirm my conviction of their validity. Sooner or late' adequate provision must be made by means of a good theological college for the preparation of students for the ministry of tho Church. I can soo no reason why immediate steps should not bo taken to establish such a college, even though somo time might elapse before tho object desired could bo actually attained. m An institution such as that Cow suggested would present attractions to religiously disposed youths which might afford thorn great encouragement to devote themselves to the mtnUfiy. Young men of r al promise, who wish to be useful and efficient in their profession if they undertake Its duties, are not satisfled with th' prospect of an imperfect theological education which may barely justify the a for the ordinary functions of tho ministry. I can conceive no reason whatever for supposing that candidates for the office of the ministry will not be forthcoming here. If this Church is a living body it ouriit continually to bo producing men who will be prepared to devote their lives to the service of the ministry of tho Church. The duty therefore devolves ou the Church .to make such provision for their education in all that is needful toqmllfy them for the important work to which they would dedicate themselves. I hesitate not to say that there could be no object to which churchmen who, in God’s good providence have been enirusted with wealth, could devote part of it with greater prospect of doing good than that of helping to lay the foundation of an efficient theological-college for tlie whole ecclesiastical prov nee. While on this subject 1 feel compelled to allude to what ought seriously to engage tho irame liato attention of the laity. It has become absolutely necessary to provide better stipends for t ho clergy. I am referring more particularly, 'hough act exclusively to the clergy In charge of parochial districts. I feel bound to state my conviction that the stipends now paid are inadequate, and that new districts can scarcely expect to obtain clergymen until some definite arrangera mts are made to provide such atipendsas are actually requisite. A clergyman activo«y engaged in the discharge of his duties ought to have tho means of obtaining what for him are necessaries of ife without anxiety. Besides, iu country districts considerable expense Is incurred in travelling, which can i 1 bo a<f)rlcil. This is a'sabject that tho Synod might well devote some time to consider, and about which il might make some practical recommendations. In connection with this I would take 'tho opportunity of saying that the work of the Church has been greatly assisted in this diocese by moans of the help afforded by those deacon* whom I ordained, and .who continue in iheir secular occupttlons. . Tho diocese is 'also much indebted to tho various lay read«rs,- whoso services have been given with great regularity, and with tho best results in many places. X last year expressed an opinion to the effect that a system of public education, which not only absolutely .excluded all religious teaching, but oven nil recognition of religion, was one with which it was impossible the Church could remain satisfied. It is hot my intension to repeat what I then said. I ventured, huwevc-r, to express some doubt as to whether tho community at largo would long continue satisfied with asystem whie ’ was repugnant to tho feelings and convictions of nearly all who give the subject c ireful thought, or look forward to its probable effects. Since then I have had reason to believe that my opinions aro shared by many persons throughout the country. As I then mentioned, tho operation of the law in referenco to Roman Catholics, who con -clontiously decline to send their children Co the public schools, is a palpable infliction of Injustice. But there are many oth rs who, though their objections are not so absolutely insuperable as those of the Roman Catholics, nevertheless rot >rd tho system as essentially unjust There are, 1 believe, persons who profess themselves wholly unable to understand wherein tho Injust co consists. They allege (hat tho education afforded is what they call secular education; that this is avowedly desired by ail. and th I they leave rollghm to bo taught elsewhere as parents may desire Tho answer to this is, that the two cannot bo separated In tho education of children without serious moral injury to them ; that when their attention has been occupied with secular matters exclusively for five hours each day during five days in tho week, no time Is left for religious teaching, even if chi dron could bo got together for the purpose of affording It to them But there is another aspect of this subject which no wise state man ought to overlook. Public education, carried on at a very heavy expense to the community ought at least to bo effective. It ought, therefore, to bo made compulsory. But how Is a Government in these days, when religious toleration Ims become, as it were, a^household word among us Englishmen—to compel tho attendance of children at schools lo which their parents, on religious grounds, conscientiously object? The right lo object on such grounds is dmilled ; no Government would venture to ignore it. To say that none but Roman Catholics object would bo an unwarrantable, assumption At present, Indeed, the schools may not appear objectionable. But no one can pretend 10 foresee what, the character of schoolmasters under such a system may become in the course of a few years. Those who have given the subject long and patient consideration, can at least foresee that asystom of education which is essentially defective and faulty must eventually bear pernicious fruit. History must have been studied to no purpose by those who entertain any doubt as to tho Ola Istrons result to society consequent on such a system. There is no intermediate position between religious edneati n and Irreligious education. Wore any doubt entertained on tins subject, thoughtful consideration of what is now going on in Germany would tend to dispel it. Professor Ilocckel, of Jena, who occupies a high position among men versed in physical science, has boldly come forward to propose that a now religion, based on evolution, should bo taught in the public schools of Germany. It may bo worth while to Inquire what this great authority in physical science would teach. This may bo gathered from a lecture recently delivered at Munich by Professor Virchow, of Berlin, the most eminent physical philosopher in Germany, and leader of tho liberal,opposition In the Prussian Parliament. Ho Informs us that Dr.lloeckel ’recommends that “ tho theory of evolution should bo at once laid down as the basis of instruction, and the protoplastic soul bo assumed as the foundation of all Ideas concerning spiritual being; that the origin of tho human race is to bo traced back to tho lowest classes of tho organic kingdom, nay, still further, to dpottteBWCHCJ VfclfcCW tt*-

"rcdtly'""'dfosismated this a “now religion.” He then goes on to denounce “ every attempt to transform the problems of physical scientists into doctrines, to intro luce their hypothesei as the bases of instruction--’ especially th* attempt to <lisposso-s the Church ana supplant its dogmas forthwith by a religion of evolution.*' • urely it is time to take warning when a celebrated Gorman professor such as Hoeckel has the -*l- - to propose that his atheisti ■ views shoukl i;u taught in the public schools as the religion of the people. It is satisfactory that a man of Professor Virchow’s scientific attainm nt* and great reputation has made so distinct a protest against such a proposal. He does not hesitate to assert ih t there is a direct connection between the scientific speculations of fanatics like Hoeckel ami the socialism that Is now disturbing and alarmlngi-Germany. t may soon become a problem of surpassing social difficulty bow to preserve order. or protect life, when atheistic socialists like Dr. Nobillng are prepared not only to assassinate their sovereign for an idea but also to sacrifice their own lives. Are we to take it for granted that no such evil consequences are likely to follow the exclusion of religious teaching from our schools In this country ? Or if we really dread them, are wo to abandon our duty, and leave to Roman Catholics alone the honor of protesting against a system of godless education. Until public opinion is more enlightened on this momentous subject we must avail ourselves of whatever opportunities ate afforded fo religious instruction. I weald urge that, increased efforts should be made to establish and improve Sunday-schools, The Importance and value of them under present circumstances can hardly bo overrated. The clergv would act wisely in enlisting as much as possible ,t !, e zeal and. energy of the laity in support of hese. I am aware that it is impossible for the clergy, especially in the country districts, to do much In Sundayschools. No more legitimate sphere of useful work is open to the laity of both sexes than efficient teaching on their part In these. I would advise that some of the younger Sunday-school teachers should be encouraged to read for the inferior grades of the theological examination. Such a course of reading would be highly beneficial in fitting them for their irapor tant work. Although nothing very remarkable has occurred In connection with the ?irogres* of religion among the Maori population, I feel that I am ab e to to say thit stea ly improvement is gradually taking place. The native deacon who was located at Wairarapa two years ago, while speaking modestlyof what may be the actual spiritual result of Ills labors, states 'hat his mini.st-ations are everywhere well received, and that much encouragement is thus afforded him in his work This is substantially confirmed by the report on the same subject which I have received ;rom the Rev. a. Knell, the rural dean, and which I now lay on the table. During the past year 1 ordained at Otakl another deacon (the Rev. Arona Te Nana), who is located at Wanganui He has visited many parts of that extensive district. Last summer he accompanied me up the river, where we, on successive days, visited several native settlements. Wo spmt Sunday at a populous place, where a large number assembled to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We everywhere met with a cordial reception. The difficulty experienced in travelling renders thl< an uuusmlly laborious district to attend to. It is much to bo regretted that there is no Maorl-spo iking English clergyman to minister to this district. In faetthereis only one In the diocese. I should be very glad to see tny way towards extending Church work among the Maori populat on. There are four deacons working in different parts of the diocese These are supported partly by local funds and partly by grants from the Maori Mi-shm Fund and the Chuich Missionary Society. Their st pends are therefore rather precarious. The prospect of being able to obtain ncreased resources for the pn pose of adding to their number is not very encouraging. It wou’d be satisfactory if some permanent source of income cmild be established fr >m which apa tat least of th«l stipends might be provided. A proposal on this subject has recently been made to me by a clergyman belonging to a oMicr diocese. I allude to the Kev. S. Williams, who formerly resided in this neighhochoo I. He suggests that an effort shoal I be made to establish an endowment fund in this diocese (or the support of Maori clergymen hero. Ho thinks it possible t at some of the Maoris might be induced not only to give money, but also land for such a purpo-e And he further ventures to hope that some English settlers might not be:unwilling to contribute towards the fund. Mr. Williams o ors, conditionally at least on some efforts being made in the dioccso f o establish such a fund, to give £SOO towards it. It appears to me that this offer Is very important. It is significant, as a convincing proof that a person well qualified from his knowledge both of the Maori character and the Maori language to form an opinion on the subject, has a high appreciation of the value of the .work don*? by the Maori clergymen. This testimony is a complete answer to those who raise doubts as to the real efficiency of their labors. Again, It is a substantial proof of his deep conviction that these Maori clergymen should not be left to depend on uncertain and precarious exertions to supply their absolute wants. It is Impossible to l>e sure that some temporary phase of religious opinion might not place the Maori clergy in a position of considerable difficulty, and possibly in some cases in one of temptation, as it did a few years ago when the Iltuhau fanaticism burst forth and influenced large numbers of the converts of the i-.fant Church. I should feel thankful if the Synod would devote to this subject some portion of its time. It is possible that some steps might be taken to establish such a fund. It would apper to. be - a fitting practical subject f>t the Synod to 'co eider, and make some recommendation upon. The antagonism, both real and imaginary, that existed a few years ago between the two races inhabiting tills island has now, it may be hoped, passed away for ever. Englishmen wh » benefited during so many centuries from the wise forethought of those who went before them. In making provision for religion, might gracefully set the example of helping the Maori Church to provide if poaslule permanent means for securing the ministrations of religion. I trust that the liberal offer I have mentioned will induce churchmen in this diocese to respond to the invitation to create the proposed fund. At any rate I hope the Synod will embody its opinion in some resolution on the subject Efforts might then be made to bring it before the Maoris ihAll p irts of the diocese in some practical form which they could deal with. I last year visited all parts of the diocese. I hell confirmations at Tiuui, Greytown, Marton. the Hutt. Karori. ns well us in all the throe churches in this city. I was glad to find that there was no falling off in the number of candidates. . I also recently confirmed some natives at Pounia. It is to rae a matter of much regret that there is not a clergyman in the Manawatu-Rangit’kei district, I had reason to hope that I hail secured tho services of the Rey, W. W. St. Hill for that district. Although it is occasionally visited for the administration of the sacrament, a resident clergyman, not only for ordinary duties but to prepare young people for confirmation, is greatly needed. I regret the loss to tho dioccso of tho Rev, J. A. Newth, who had daring three years ministered in tho Porirua district; he has accepted a spirltu.il charge at Nelson. But lam thankful that the diocese and the parish of St. Paul’s have obtained the valuable services of the Rev. R. J. Thoipe, late Archdeacon of Waimea. in the diocese of N Is n. Reports of the various diocesan funds have been carefully prepared, and will be laid on the table. It is very desirable that tho character of our trusts should he better understood, and that’ Church members generally should know how absolutely essential to the workin r of our system it is that the provisions of our constitution in reference to trusts should bo faithfully complied with. I regret that tho rule of the Synod as to tho time when reports and returns from parishes and parochial districts should bo sent in has not in all cases been complied with. They will be laid before the Synod. 1 am thankful to say that the late Mr. VV B. Rhodes left two sums of £*oo, in aid respectively of the Diocesan Fund and of religious ed cation in this city; and further to add that through the active exer tlens of collectors, chiefly ladies, subscriptions to the Diocesan. Fund have been considerably augmented. I have gratefully toacknowlege tho efforts that have been 1 berally and successfully mad to provide funds for the purpose of erecting a new episcopal residence. Some doubt having arisen as to whether synodsmen ought to be returned by I believe, the sanction of the Standing Committee, issued, a notice for their election, tho object being to have the whole diocese proper y represented. It will, however. be advisable that Synod should remedy any Irregularity that may have occurred. Tho duty of making further provision for tho due representation in the Synod of parts f the diocese which have grown into Importance since the hut readjustment of tho reproientati’on, will now devolve on the Synod. The rep irti of tho S'anding Committee and of the Board of Diocesan Trustees, and the reports and returns from the different parishes and parochial districts will supply further details as to work going on in the diocese. It afforded me the greatest satisf action towards the close of last year to assist at tho consecration of the Right Rev. E A. Stuart, the present Bishop of AVaiapu. I also had tlu melancholy privilege, but real pleasure, of seeing for tho lnst< time, and taking leave of tho hto lamented Bishop Williams, who expressed great joy at having lived to see his successor enter upon his sacred duties. 1 now conclude, with the earn st hope that the Holy Spirit may be with us to direct and guide onr deliberations, and that the Divine blessing will rest upon our endeavors to promote tho glory of God aud tho efficacy of Ills Church in this dioccso. Moved by Mr, Buchanan, seconded by Mr. Clarke, and carried, —That the President be thanked For his address and that he be requested to allow it to be printed. Archdeacon Stock was elected clerical secretary, and Mr. Quick lay secretary. Mr. Powles was elected dioce«an treasurer. On the motion of Archdeacon Stock the standing orders of tho last session were accepted until otherwise ordered. The Rev. T. Fancourt obtained leave to move, without notice —That a committee be appointed to investigate and report upon the accounts of the parishes and parochial districts, consisting of the Revs. T. L. Tudor aud R. Coffey, Messrs, Didsbiry, Powles, Plimmer, and the mover.—Carried. Notices of motion were given by the Revs, W. B, Harvey, W. Ballachey, -T, F. Teackle, R. Coffey, A. Towgood, T. Fancourt, Archdeacon Stock, and Mr. Powles. The dynod adjourned till this day al 7.30p.m.