Strife Continues in Waikato Diocese

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 342, 1 May 1928, Page 9

Strife Continues in Waikato Diocese

CONTENTIOUS MEETING NEW CHAPTER ELECTED HAMILTON, Monda> Hopes that tne annua' meeting of St. Peter’s Cathedral pa-:sh»or»ers would result in the solution of the present Anglican Church problem and the settling of strife in the parish were not fulfilled this evening. The Dean, the Very Rev. G. R. Barnett, presided. He was supported by Mr. A. B. Whyte, diocesan secretary, and other legal advisers. Efforts to bring forward contentious resolutions were constantly made by the "opposition.** but all contentious matter was ruled out by the dean. The meeting, which consisted of over 200 persons, d<d not disperse till 11.15 p.m. * lt is not necessary for mo to remind you that many reports have appeared in the Press concerning recent Church happenings in this part of the world.” said Lean Barnett in opening the meeting. lie added that the Chapter had set up a sub-commit tee to “censor' the press reports. Failing the Press submitting to this they would be excluded. WASHING LINEN PRIVATELY The opinion was expressed that the "washing of dirty linen” was not desirable* except among themselves. Opposite points of view were advanced. one parishioner stating that the Chapter and dean seemed frightened of the truth. Eventually the Press representatives present agreed t*» abide by the dean s ruling. Lean Barnett appointed Mr. W. G. Pountnov its vicar's warden, and asked lor nominations for people’s warden. Two nominations were received. Mr. D. Hay and Mr. O. R. Farrer. A discussion ensued as to who were entitled to vote. The dean ruled that only those whose names had appeared on the wardens' roll two fnonths prior to the annual meeting were eligible. NEW RULES FOR VOTING Several speakers pointed out tl .it the rule had never been previously invoked and many active church workers and members of vestries had omitted to become enrolled. The dean said he was in the same position himself, but pointed out that any irregularity allowed at that meeting could be upset by an appeal to the Standing Committee.

It was revealed that about 130 of those present were entitled to vote, while over 50 were disfranchised. Several speakers expressed dissatisfaction with flie condition of the roll, and stated that many church workers were disfranchised, while the names of numerous people who never came near the church were on the roll. Voting proceeded in accordance with the dean’s ruling. Mr. Hay was declared elected people’s warden by 58 votes. Nominations for ten members of the Chapter were invited. “TICKET” WINS EN BLOC Mr. G. Bindon nominated the following “ticket” for the Chapter, all of whom were elected:—Messrs. F. A. Snell. J. T. Reid. H. M. Hammond. F. Vickery, W. H. Blakeway, C. Morris and E. V. Stacc. In doing so Mr. Bindon said the candidates felt it was only fair to parishioners to outline their “platform.” They were deeply concerned at the present unhappy position of the Church and were certain changes should be made to remedy the position. If elected then efforts would be directed toward <1» restoring harmony in the Church. <2 > resisting the introduction or contribution of ritualistic or Anglo-Catholic practices in the Church, <3) the readjustment of services at the cathedral by reinstating mattins at the 11 o’clock service on certain Sundays in the month. In addition to those comprising the “ticket,” Messrs. L. V. Judd, O. K Farrer and C. Norris were also elec Led to the Chapter. Six were defeated. Air. John Warren rose t 3 a point of order but was asked to sit down. DEAN HAS AN OPEN MIND The dean said although not wishing to influence the voters, the “platform” as outlined would not come under the requirements of He himself was responsible for the spiritual direction of the Church and the Ch apter recognised he had an open mind on the subject. He ruled all discussion of the bishop at that stage out of order. NO TALK ABOUT BISHOP I Mr. M. H. Hammond asked permission to move a motion with respect to Canon Harvie. but the dean ruled the resolution out of order. The chancellor. Mr. C. Norris, said that the Church’s advocate had stated that had he been in the full possession of the circumstances of Canon Harvie’s dismissal he w r ould have upheld the bishop. i Mr. English commenced an explana--1 tion of what led to the bishop's notion, but the dean objected. A further motion with reference to the bishop was mentioned by Mr. F. A. Snell, but was ruled out of order.