CLERGY AND LAYMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 399, 6 July 1928, Page 16

CLERGY AND LAYMEN

WAIKATO SYNOD’S WORK SEVERAL COMMITTEES ELECTED (From Our Oton Correspondent) HAMILTON, Thursday. To-day is the third day of the Waikato Diocesan Synod, and the end is not yet in sight. Yesterday afternoon synod was engaged in discussing the report of the special committee set up to investigate dissension in the diocese. All last evening, from 7.30 to 10, was spent in reading for the second time a bill which caused a good deal of argument—the question of constituting archdeaconries at Waikato and Taranaki, and also another bill governing the rules and regulations of the cathedral chapter. This morning was devoted to the laymen’s conference, when the principle discussion centred on the raising of vicars’ stipends. The chief social event, the garden party at Bishopscourt,, held this afternoon, was a great success, the large gathering being entertained in perfect weather. There is an immense amount of business still to be transacted, and it it doubtful whether some of the bills will be finalised by to-morrow evening. It is thought unlikely that synod will prolong its deliberations into the week-end, as at least half of the clergy have to travel long distances, and must be in the pulpit on Sunday morning. The debate on diocesan finances will take place to-morrow afternoon. The opinion is freely expressed that synod will have to devise an effective scheme to ensure that there will be no further increases of the adverse balance during the next month or two.

In the Waikato diocese there are 27 parishes and parochial districts, containing 64 churches, administered by 32 priests, six deacons, and 45 lay readers. Anglican services are held also in 179 other places. Parochial statistics presented in a report to synod to-day are as follow: Vicarages, 22; boarding and secondary schools, 2; scholars, 139; teachers in church schools, 10; Sunday schools held in church buildings or elsewhere, 70; Sunday school scholars, male 1,359, female 1,700; Sunday school teachers, male 38, female 183; State schools with religious instruction, 4; baptisms, 1,088; persons confirmed, male 322, female 454; marriages, 255; communicants on roll, 4,280; receptions of Holy Communion, 51,439; communicants on Easter Day, 3,575. The total receipts for the year ended March 31, 1928, are set at £20,452, while the total amount of insurances and liabilities is £16,416. Authority was given for the sale of a piece of land at Gordonton, which had been set aside many years ago as a church site. The area was not now considered suitable for the purpose, another site having been secured. The price was quoted at £3O, the proceeds to be devoted to the building of a church at Gordonton. The Rev. J. W. Robinson (Huntly) gave notice to move: . “.That in the opinion of the synod, it is desirable that provision should be mad** for orphan and destitute children by our church in this diocese, either by the establishment of an orphan home, the boarding-out system, or any other suitable method, and that If considered advisable the necessary steps be taken.” The third reading of the bill defining the boundaries of the parish of St. Mary, New Plymouth, was passed. The motion brought forward by Mr.

Lysons yesterday, expressing appreciation of the Rev. F. G. Harvie's services, and regret at his loss to the diocese, was carried without dissent. The following elections took place: Pensions Board—Dean G. R. Barnett and Mr. F. Harris; assessors to Bishopscourt, Archdeacons F. G. Evans and E. M. Cowie, Canon G. H. Gavin, the Revs. H. R. B. Gillespie, H. E. Jones, R. H. Trill, Messrs. G. R. Stead, F. Harris, D. Hay, K. S. Caldwell, E. S. Ffutherford, and A. B. Whyte; diocesan missionary committee—Canons J. A. Kayll, E. H. Strong, and E. S. Wayne, and Messrs. F. M. Strang, F. Harris, and L. B. Gilfillan; standing committee —Archdeacons F. G. Evans and E. M. Cowie, Canons J. L. A. Kayll and G. H. Gavin, the Revs. Lionel Harvie, R. L. Connolly, F. W. Wilkes, and K. Hadfleld, Messrs. A. E. Bruce, H. G. Corbett, D. Hay, T. G. Hirst, F. Harris, J. R. O. Lockhead, E. S Rutherford, C. R. Stead, J. T. Wynyard. and G. W. Seton.

Bishop Cherrington said he did not think members of synod realised the trouble the committee took regarding the affairs of the diocese. The bishop assured synod that he had been anxiously concerned to identify himself with the standing committee. He paid a tribute to the committee’s integritv and reliability.