THE ANGLICAN GENERAL SYNOD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1860, 2 March 1889, Page 1

THE ANGLICAN GENERAL SYNOD.

At t he General Synod at Dunedin on Thun

day, it was decided t bat. t he next meeting should take place in Wellington, in February, 1892. Tbeßiehop of Nelson, on behalf of the Synod, presented an address to the Primate on his retirement. The Primate, in a fseling reply, after referring to his predecessor in office, said that, looking back over the last 18 years, one could not but be thankful to see how the constitution had won its way to the hearts of the people. It was decided to record the address and answer in the■ proceedings. The Incumbents Removal Bill as amended was passed.

The following is a copy of the addres® presented to the Primate “To the most Rev. Henry John Chitty, D.D., Lord Bishop of Christchurch, Primate and Metropolitan of the Church of the Province of New Zealand, We, the bishops, clergy, and laity in General Synod assembled, having been, informed by you of your intention shortly to resign iho office of Primate, desire to approach you with the affectionate expression of our copter that your tanure of that office is to terminate, but of our satisfaction and gratitude that you have been able to fill it for so long a period so efficiently and with such good results. You succeeded in this office one whom it was not easy to fellow, the founder of our present successful organisation; bat the discharge of your office has been of that calm and temporal character which was so much needed to consolidate and cryslalise the work previously begun. You have seen a diocese added to the ecclesiastical province, and set forward on its way fully equipped ; and you have added by consecration to the episcopate four Bishops, now exercising their office in the Church. There have

been during your Lordship’s Primacy some days of perplexity and trouble, but you have, permit us to say, hold on the even tenor of your way with the utmost impartiality and loyally to the great principles and doctrines of the Chard l . In presiding over our General Synod your rulings have ever preserved the freedom as well as the dignity of those Councils. You have secured a hearing for each , while your own utterances have oyer been Japp, eciated as wise and timely. We are, j thankful for the prolongation of your life j beyond the ordinary measure— a life of

great value to the colony, and araupecia'ly glad that you aro mill among us 10 learn our appreciation of your mirit, and witness our gratitude. You have frequently undertaken long journeys and fatiguing duties at a lime of Ifa when most men look forward to rest, and the cheerfulness and benignity of your presence has added a charm and ensured success to many of our ecclesiastical gatherings. We trust that you may be long spared to reside among us to enrich the Church wth your experience, although you do not take bo active a part to its work. Ihe Bishops have ever found in you a wise and sympathetic friend, and the discharge of your fatherly office has been Appreciated by both clergy and laity. We trust that you will have the reward of Divine approbation and favor for the responsible duties you have faithfully filled as Primate, in addition to the work you have performed as Bishop, and that you will long have the pleasure of eitoessiug the increased and growing prosperity of the Church which is so dear to you, and whose head you have so faithfully served.”—Signed by all members.