EARLY RECORDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2698, 26 October 1889, Page 6 (Supplement)

EARLY RECORDS OF NEW ZEALAND.

♦ No. 3. We avo frequently reminded by writers and others who dirtcutss ecclesiastical affairs that there is perfect freedom and equality amongst the various religious bodies in this colony ; that we are not troubled with a national establishment. But it does not appear to have always been the case, for we read in the columns of the Press, nearly half a century back, that in the early days New Zealand possessed a State Church. Whilst there is so much religious discussion taking place, and finance forms a burning question in regard to the maintenance of the churches of the present day, it may be of interest to read a slight insight into the condition of the Church at the time ive have referred to. There was, at the date we sneak of, a lively controversy going on in Auckland over the tardiness of the Trustees of the Church in erecting a suitable ediiice in Auckland, where divine worship was then conducted under great difficulties. In the New Zealand Herald of September lltli, 1841, is an article on the payment out of the colonial revenue for a Minister of the established Church. There is much caustic criticism, and also not a little pathos on the part of the editor, in describing the visitation of the clergy to those who need them in the hour of sickness. The article is as follows : — In England tho Budget of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is annually anticipated with the greatest interest by all classes. In like manner we liavo been anxiously awaiting the issue of tho Estimates for tho ensuing year, by tho Colonial Secretary, of New Zealand. We have them before us, —and there is very much that affords subject for serious remark, which we promise our readers shall not escape us, for souie future number, — but we have been most particularly astonished at one Head of Service, and that bpinir in connection with the foregoing observations, wo shall make it the subject of our remarks on this occasion. The " Abstract; of the Estimated Expenditure" is divided under nine beads the seventh of which is " Eoelesinstical Establishment," with " Amount of Estimate" Four Hundred and Fifty L'ouuds. On first perusal wo presumed this to be the annual stipend of the Resident Clegyman at Auckland ; but, on reference to the details of the " Probable Expense" of the Ecolesiastieal Establishment, we find aa follows : — For three Resident Ministers. At Auckland ) —Russel, > —Port Nicholson ) £150 per annum each £-150 We know not with whom rests the power and responsibility of the nomination of amount of salary or stipend to the various and numerous individuals included in tho Estimated Expenditure, — we know not whether they are curtailed by the Homo Government, or whether the Legislative Council hero have tli6 power of fixing the amount ; but we assert there nover was a greater act of injustice—a more contemptible pretension at economy,—looking at the sums paid to other branches of tho Public Service, than this vote —if it may bo so tormed—of the paltry sum to the three clergymen , appointed at the threo principle Cities in the extensive Colony of New Zealand. One hundred and fifty pounds per annum, for the Minister of Auckland ? ? ? This is to bo the income of tho man whose rank—as representative of tho Church —if that would bo a plea for consistency and proportion of income, is second to none, save tho Governor, —who, oducated for many years, at mach expense and fitudy, must be qualified to teach, — who, in manners, must bo the perfect gentleman,—who, in morals and nil tho duties of social life, must bo free from reproach, and an example to his parishioners.—" Tho labourer is worthy of his hire." Exclusive of the qualifications we have mentioned, we ask what are the duties—the sacred, important, hallowed duties of that man who is the ordained Minister of our Holy Religion ? Without touching on those minor avocations which require his daily attention and occupy his time—such as National Schools, Church Committees, &e.—we pass on to tho.se more serious and responsible duties, on which, in our opinion, a Clergyman should enter with his miud and thoughts undisturbed by all earthly cares, and

identified as much as possible with the feelings and condition of his parishioners, to whose couch of sickness, —perhaps of death, —he i« wending his way. At Home—at our native Home and Father Land, thero is not one among ue, who, when visited by psiin and sickness, could but seek alleviation and sympathy from kind friend.- , , if not from dear relatives ; —but here, far away from kindred and friends, when laid postrata by disease or when approaching " That bourn whence no traveller returns," to whom can the wauderer from his native land look for consolation in bis aillictions, or for sympathy in his sorrows, heightened by separation and distance by all those most dear to him in this world ? —Or, when in that last awful hour, when passing to " Another and a better world," to whom can tiie Christian pour out the bitfer sorrows of his wounded spirit,—confide the pantrs of a burdened conscience,— or impart the last aspirations and request of fond, faithful, affection,—but to that holy man, whose offico in itself, ever assurea him a welcome passport to the bed of sickness Or chamber of death ? Wo ask—ask it seriously—is this the person, invested as he is, with theso most sacred and hallowed functions, to whom this most miserablo pittance is to be meted ! A pittance less than tho present daily wages of labourers and mechanics. Wo could likewiso enter into detail of tho Estimates and provo how disproportionate the income of tho Colonial Chaplain is to thut of others whoso duties aro merely mechanical, without any exertion of mind or talent. But we reservo tho different establishments, with tho Gentletie men of the first, second and third class, for future analysis ; and wo maintain, exclusive of any reference to, the salaries of other departments, that tho Ecclesiastical Establishment of New Zealand is treated unjustly, in comparison with similar E-itablinhmeuta in the neighbouring colonies. Wo have mado Colonial— more especially Australian—Statistics our study, and we shall lay before our readers facts extracted from a most valuable work, viz—Montgomery Martin's British Colonies. In conclusion, he it ever remembered that tho colonization of Christians among the uncivilised savages in this Antipodean region, is iu furtherance of the inscrutable designs, and in fulfilment of the prophecies of that Omniscient and Omnipotent Power, without whoso blessing and protection all human efforts av.iileth nought. That the early settlers have evinced their sincerity, and fulfilled their duty as members of tho Established Church, their liberal contributions amply testify. In like manner let tho Government perform theirs, by making proper provision, from tho revenue of tho colony for the sacred Ministers.of that Church ;—if not, most assuredly this colony,—as every other human undertaking or institution th.it rcgardcth not their God,—will, " Vanish LIKE A lUSELKMS FABRIC."