DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 417, 7 October 1876, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Napier, Octobers. Mr F. Tuxfobd moved, “ That the name of the ‘See of Waiapu’ be altered to the name of the ‘See of Napier.’” The mover observed that it was absurd to name this diocese the Bishopric of “Waiapu,” which was a gully on the East Coast, inhabited by Maories and 3 white men—Mr Campbell, his son, and a storekeeper. It might require an Act of the General Synod to alter the name, but be thought it should be done. The Rev. F. C. Anderson seconded the motion.

The Rev. Mr Jordan suggested that the “ See of Poverty ” would be a good name. (Laughter.) He meant to say “ Poverty Bay.” The Rev. D’Arcy Irvine said the name of the See of Waiapu was associated with much that was honorable and glorious in missionary work, and he. for oue, was in favor of the name remaining as at present. Motion lost. The Rev. G. Maunsell moved, “ That in the opinion of this Synod it is desirable that the meetings of the Synod should be held some time during the antunm of each year, and that the place of meeting should be each of the large centres of populatiou throughout the diocese in turn.” He suggested that the meetings of the Synod should be held at Napier, Gisborne, and Tauranga, alternately. Dr. Spencer seconded the motion pro forma, but considered that the Synod ought to sit where the Bishop resided. The Rev. E. Williams opposed the latter part of the motion. Motion lost. The following motion was withdrawn, with a view to the matter being brought forward next year, when a comprehensive scheme would be introduced: —Mr J. M. Tabateau to move, “That the necessary steps be taken to appoint an additional lay member, from Wairoa and Mohaka, aud an additional member from Poverty Bay.” October 3. The President said he had sent a telegram the previous evening to Archdeacon Harper informing him that he had been nominated by the Synod as Bishop of Wjqapu, and that Archdeacon Harper had replied, declining to accept the office, but thanking the Synod for the honor proposed, to be conferred upon him. Mr Stuart suggested that the matter should te further considered. He would propose that a Committee be appointed to draw up a memorial to Archdeacon Harper, praying him to reconsider his decision. The Rev. E. Williams, as the nominator of Archdeacon Harper, would be glad to fall in with the views of any member who could suggest any mode of procedure, consistent with the dignity of the Synod which would induce Archdeacon Harper to reconsider Iris decision. The motion as amended, was put and carried, and it was resolved, that the memorial, when drawn up, should be signed by the President, on behalf of the Synod, and be forwarded to Archdeacon Harper by the first opportunity. The following is a copy of the address adopted by the Synod for presentation to the Right Rev. Bishop Williams :—

“ To the Right Rev. Bishop Williams, late Bishop of Waiapu,—“We, the undersigned clergy and laity of the Diocese of Waiapti, in Synod assembled, respectfully desire to express our regret that age and failing health have compelled your lordship to resign the see of Waiapu, over which you have presided for seventeen years. “ The peculiar circumstances of- the diocese, arising from its composition of European and large native elements, necessarily required, in the interests of the Church and society at large, no unusual amount of tact and discrimination. These qualities, together with the largeheartedness ever possessed by good men, have, we are gratified to know, not only been recognised by all classes of the community, but also have been productive of works which even now are continually bearing fruit, while they embody Ihe elements of progressive and future testimony to the prudence, judgment, and urbanity which have characterised your episcopal rule. “ Much, however, as these commendable features of experienced manhood furnish grounds for congratulation, they bear but faint comparison with those nobler qualities of the well-tried soldier of the Cross who has done good battle for the cause of his Redeemer and the eternal happiness of his fellow-man, and it is this higher path of life, surrounded as it is by duties and blessings, that this diocese has had before it an example of those Christian graces which emanate from a full and firm belief in the providence of God, and the redemption of man by the blood of Christ, and for which we cannot speak too approvingly, for an inflexible adherence to duty, elevated, yet softened by an enthusiasm exercised within the bounds of that prudence becoming a man and a Christian, must ever command admiration. It is therefore with unfeigned satisfaction that we are able to recognise fully in your lord* ship’s missionary labors and episcopal career a life devoted to the best interests of mankind. “ Without minutely scanning the past, dotted as it is with success, and at times with drawbacks and painful disappointments, owing to a large Maori defection from the faith through the unhappy war, and consequent superstitions and disturbances, the present position of the diocese affords abundant testimony that its spiritual provisions have not been neglected ; and in the number of churches dedicated to the service of Almighty God, and the provision therein made for the due administration of Christ’s sacraments, and also in the gradual return of most of the Maoris to the form of worship of our Church, we trust your lordship receives no small degree of satisfaction which, in your forced retirement from all active episcopal work, cannot fail to afford spiritual comfort. “ Trusting in the providence of God that you may be blessed with improved health, and he vouchsafed a longer tenure amongst us, and so be able still to witness stone after stone being added to the spiritual edifice of which your lordship has been the wise master-builder, and that finally when life’s sojourn is over, you will be received into the mansions of everlasting bliss, we beg to subscribe ourselves—- “ Your Lordship’s, faithful servants, and brethren in the Lord.” [Here follow the signatures of 23 clergymen and 19 laymen.]