DIOCESAN SYNOD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5813, 15 November 1879, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Seventh Day.—Thursday, November 13. The proceedings were opened with prayer ; after which the minutes of the former day’s proceedings were read and confirmed.

The Rev. James McWjlliam read a very interesting report concerning the status of the Maori church ; none in his district had joined Te Whiti. Several churches had been bui t by their own exertions, Hauhauism was nearly extinct. The large sum of £325 had been collected by themselves for their own needs. Reports from the four Native Deacons were also read.

The Rev. R, Coffey moved,—That the Synod go into committee on Act 1. Two synodsrnen were given to St. Mark’s Church and there will now be twenty-four lay representatives for the diocese. Moved by the Rev. T. FancOUKT, seconded by Rev. T. L. Tudor, — That the report of the Committee on Parochial Accounts, with the tabulated statements attached thereto, be adopted and printed in the report of tbe Synod.—Carried. Moved by the Rev. T. L. Tudor, seconded by tbe Rev. R. Coffey, —That in the opinion of this Synod it is desirable that a Church architect be appointed for the diocese.—Lost. Moved by Mr. Rol'3-Martbn, seconded by the Rev. W. Booth, —That in printing the report, all the acts and resolutions of this Synod be reprinted .as amended to date.—Carried.

Moved by Mr. Powles, seconded by Archdeacon Stock, —That the report and balancesheet of the Diocesan Board of Trustees be adopted and printed in the report.—Carried. Moved by Mr. Powles, seconded by Archdeacon Stock, —That the General Synod he requested to sanction the sale of certain lands (sections 86 and 87, Featherston), for the purpose of investing the moneys realised by such sale in other more conveniently-situated laud in the same township.—Carried. Moved by Mr. Powles, seconded by the Rev. T. L. Tudor, —That in order the better to provide for the training of young men for the work of the ministry, the General Synod be requested to take into considetation the establishment of a Theological College for this ecclesiastical province, and that as the General Synod meets only once in three years, this Synod ventures to suggest that this question be referred to a committee of the General Synod, which shall meet for its consideration during the recess.—Carried. The Synod went into committee on the Church Extension Fund Bill.

The following clauses were amended to read as follows :—Clause 6—That whenever necessary a paid collector or collectors be appointed by the secretary to collect all subscriptions or rents due to the fund. Clause 7 —That the administration of the fund be vested in the Diocesan Synod. Clause B—That all applications for grants of money from the fund be sent in to the secretary not later than 31? t August in each year. Clause 9—That at the opening of each session of the Synod a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into and to report upon all applications so sent in ; the Bishop to be ex officio chairman of snob committee. Clause 11—That the stipends attached to the several existing or contemplated cures in the diocese be in accordance with the annexed schedule, and that this schedule be revised by the Synod each year at its annual session. Clauses 10, 12, 13, and 14 were struck out. The Chairman reported progress, and asked leave to sit again. Notices of motion were given by Mr. Halcombe, Mr. Quick, Rev. T. L. Tudor, and the Synod adjourned at 11.30 p.m. Eighth Day, Friday, November 14. The proceedings opened with prayer ; after which the minutes of tbe previous day were read and confirmed. Moved by the Rev. T. L. Tudor, seconded by the Rev. B. W. Harvey, —That this Synod desires to recommend to members the advisability of giving intimation to the president at leeast one month before the meeting of Synod of any Bills or amendments of Acts they intend to bring before the Synod ; that in resolution 3 the words July 31 may be altered to August 31. Moved by the Rev. T. L. Tudor, seconded by the Rev. B. W. Hartey,— That in the opinion of this Synod it would tend greatly to promote the unity aud cordial co-operation of the different parts of the diocese if the place of meeting were occasionally changed, and this Synod accordingly respectfully requests his Lordship to give the question his earnest and careful consideration during the recess.—Lost. Moved by tho Lay Secretary, seconded by the Rev. T. Fancourt, —That the Bill entitled “an Act to establish a general Church Fund for the diocese and to provide for the administration of the same” be recommitted.— Carried. The Synod then went into committee, and clause 12 was amended to read as follows : “That whereas the ordinary revenues of St. Peter's Parish have been already pledged to meet certain liabilities, nothing contained in this Act shall be held to interfere with arrangements made with respect to such liabilities unless the consent of the bondholders and guarantors be first obtained.” Clause 16 was amended as follows ; —“ That the standing committee administer the fund during the recess.” The following new clause was added : “That the power of appointing, dismissing, and controlling the treasurer and secretary shall vest in the standing committee when the Diocesan Synod is not in session.” Notice of the third reading of the Bill having been given, the Synod adjourned at 11.30 p.m. until Monday at 7.30 p.m.