Diocese Mast Face Drastic Finance Cuts

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 611, 13 March 1929, Page 11

Diocese Mast Face Drastic Finance Cuts

WAIKATO DISCUSSION ARCHDEACON'S POSITION rSC.VS Special Reporter.) HAMILTON, Tuesday. Drastic reductions will have to be effected to improve the finances of the Waikato Diocese, and at the meeting of the synod last evening the question of abolishing the parish magazine, dismissing Arch- ! deacon Cowie. and eliminating all grants to back-block parishes was discussed.. When the synod met in the evening; the treasurer reported that the total ] indebtedness at the end of the financial j year would be £-.939. Bishop Cherrinston said it was for j svnod to consider the position and he j suggested abolishing an independent | archdeacon, cancelling the magazine, and wiping out all grants to backblock, districts. The treasurer said if the bishops suggestion were adopted the diocese would be able to support itself on the two Sunday collections. He moved pro forma that these economies be effected. Mr. D. Hay (St. Peter’s"* said that if each vicar got one man to take an interest in his district there would be no need for economies. Archdeacon Cdvcie said the position was drastic and he knew it had to Rev. H. Jones (Frankton) moved that the magazine be abolished. Rev. Mr. Connolly (Cambridge) raised the point that notice should have been given before drastic changes could be discussed. It was agreed that the standing orders be suspended so that the matter could be discussed. Mr. Connolly protested at the way synod was being carried, but it was finally decided to abolish the parish magazine. NOT QUESTION OF SENTIMENT Mr. Hay said it had been suggested a special archdeaconry fund should be raised but it could not be done under 1 present conditions. A synodsman pointed out that. £IOO . had been donated on the understanding that Archdeacon Cowie's services were retained. What would happen The Bishop: I suppose we shall have to return the £IOO. HEADS IN THE SAND Mr. Connolly thought they were in too great a hurry. They were hiding their heads in the sand. ‘T was told this morning.” said Mr. Connolly, “when I said a certain decision was a dangerous thing that I had said something disgraceful. I say it again. We are doing a disgraceful thing.” Mr. G. W. Seton (Tirau) said that if the unrest in the district was settled there would be no need to discuss the archdeacon’s position. ARGUMENT ABOUT VOTING The motion that the position of independent archdeacon be abolished was put Mr. Hay then moved an amendment that the motion be not put and that the question be left to standing committee. The voting was declared lost by a big majority. A division on the motion resulted 36 for and 43 against and the motion was lost. The bishop, in declaring synod adjourned, said that personally he was glad the motion was lost. ARCHDEACON TO STAY THIS MORNING'S DECISION HAMILTON, To-day. Further discussion on the ways and means of providing funds to retain the services of Archdeacon Cowie took place in synod to-day. Many parishes agreed to guarantee sums ranging from £25 to £5 a year and considerable discussion took place as to tlie best method of putting the archdeacon’s position on a sound basis. Several speakers spoke of the esteem and respect in which Archdeacon Cowie was held. The opinion was expressed that a personal appeal to the parishes would result in a money stipend being obtained.

It was decided that Mr. D. Hay be asked to carry out a scheme for the maintenance of the present archdeacon of Waikato and also of the establishment of endowment funds for an archdeaconry of Waikato. Archdeacon Cowie, who retired during the discussion, returned and expressed his deep gratitude to synod for the action.

“When I went home last night 1 said, ‘They’ve kicked me out this time,' ” said the archdeacon. He added that they had given him another life and he could never cease to be grateful to synod. It was decided to stop the grants to back-block parishes.