QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2321, 26 May 1887, Page 2

QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE ARCHDEACONRY OF WAIKATO.

The quarterly meeting of the district was held in S. John's Church, To Awamutu, on Monday, the Ven. Archdeacon Willis in the chair. The Revs. K. O'O. Biggs, J. Marshall and R. G. Boler and a number of tho laity from various districts were present. The proceedings were opened with prayer by Rev. R. G. Boler. The Chairman having explained the object of the meeting, the minutes of the last quarterly meeting held at Te Aroha were read and confirmed. Re the society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rev. R. G. Boler moved and Rev. J. Marshall seconded that the secretary be asked to write to all teachers in the Waikato bringing under their notice the desirability of forming "Bands of Mercy " in their schools. Carried.

Jubilee Survioes.— Mr Teasdale moved, and Rev. R. G. Boler seconded, that it is desirable to have a special Jubilee Service on 21st June, and to ask the co-operation of other Christain Ministers. Mr Hutchinson moved and Rev. J. Marshall seconded an amendment "that the Bishop's suggestion to hold the Jubilee service on the 19th be endorsed by this meeting." A discussion there ensued and finally the motion and amendment were withdrawn, and Mr Hutchinson moved and Mr R. F. Sandes seconded, "that the clergy of the Archdeaconry be requested to give favourable consideration to the suggestion to hold special Jubilee services on the 21st June." Carried.

The meeting adjourned for'dinner to the Parsonage. After dinner all assembled in tins Church, when a short service was held. The conference having resumed, the [next matter for consideration was the standard course of religious instruction proposed by the Auckland Diocesan School Board. The Chairman read the headings of the various subject enumerated in the circular from the Board. Some discussion ensued, objections being taken to the classification by age rather than by capability. The Chairman having asked the opinion of Sunday-school teachers, Mr J. L. Mandeno said that in many cases the children were very irregular iu their attendance, and perhaps the same children would not be attending , the school in a year's time. In his opinion it was a matter for the clergymen, The Chairman said that there was no doubt that the whole system of Sunday School teaching required reorganising. He was of opinion that iu order to have a perfect system of teaching it would be necessary to have paid teachers. The teachers were not blameworthy, they did their best, but it was hardly to be expected that they could give the time necessary for a properly defiaed system of instruction without being paid. Mr Mandeno thought the system was not applicable to small dislrict schools. Mi , Walton agreed with Mr Mandeno. Mr Boler thought it might require a litte adaptation. A general exception was taken to the clauses in the paper, which suggested the learning of chapters by little children as that was too great a tax on their capabilities. After considerable discussion Mr Teasdale moved, and Mr Sandes seconded " That this conference approve of the general scheme of the standard course of religious instruction." Carried. The Rev. J. Marshall approved of some systematic course of instruction. The Rev. Mr Biggs thought the lessons to be committted to memory too much for infantile minds. With this all agreed. The Chairman reminded the clergy and lay officers that the Archidiaconal returns for the synod were required shortly, and it was time they were sent in. The date of the next sitting of the conference was fixed for Monday, sth September, and the place, Hamilton. Mr Boler reminded the conference that the consecration of St. Peter's Church, Hamilton, would take place on Monday next, and he hoped that any of those present who intended going would give their names to Mr Sandes. The chairman proposed and Mr Hutchinson seconded a very cordial vote of thanks to the Rev. Mr Boler for his hospitality and very kind reception of this conference. Carried unanimously. Mr Boler briefly acknowledged the courtesy, and said such meetings were calculated to strengthen the bond of sympathy between the clergy and laity. The following subjects wore decided upon for consideration at the next meeting :— New Zealand alliance, consideration of means for raising funds for a testimonial for Bishop Cowie on his approaching departure for England on a visit, church finance, formation of parishes, and division of cemeteries.

After the doxology and benediction the conferance separated.