ANGLICAN SYNOD.
Colonist, Rōrahi LXI, Putanga 15202, 15 Whiringa-ā-nuku 1919, Page 3
Mō tēnei niupepa
ANGLICAN SYNOD.
■■■-*> —— DIOCESE OP KELSON. (Prom "The Colonist," Oct. Bth.) The session of the Anglican Diocesan Synod was opened in the Diocesan ;xii, i gSry yesterday afternoon. The* Bight Rm By. Sadlier,, Bishop ot Nelson, '■ 1U There were also present the following "'cier^v: Bishop Mulcfl, tho llov. Dr. Weeks°(Dean of Nelson) Archdeacons York (Blenheim) ami Kwytixa™ Canon Vol stem (All ■ Saints', Nelson), Canon bmwh (Jiotner. ham), Canon Dart (Wakeneld), lievs. A. H Heron (Harelock), O. P ; baunders iKaikoura), JVF. Coursey (Westport), F A. Tooley (Granity), G. A. Grossman (Wairau Valley), V. VV. Bedwell (Spring Creek), P. Quintrell (Picton), A. ferryman (Motupiko), P. o. .Perry (Surburban North), P. J. Daynes (Takaka), A. J. Carr (Richmond), and A. T.. Milgrew (iteefton). -. % Laity: Messrs Wilson Heaps (lor Cathedral), S, H. Strong (All Saints ), C H Coote (Brunnerton), C. v. Pitts- Brown (Reefton), P. H. Richmond (Cathedral), P. O. J. Cock'burn (Cathedral), V 7. J. Mackay (Cheviot), W. York (Murchison), W. Thoril (Richmond) O. F Faulkner (Motupiko), A. B. Hall (Waimea West), G. U. C Saxton (Grani-oy), A. "P. Seymour tf?ipton)., J. B. Harrison (Amuri), D. S. Evans (Karamea), G. Dodson (Sublirban North), G. A. Edmonds (Denniston), A. U. Mar uinnity (Reefton), Huta Paaka (Wakapnaka and Whangarae), C. de Vere Teschemaker-Shute (Wairau Valley), A. J. Mills (Spring Creek), P. A. Irving (Seddon and Ward), H.: S. Fredericks (Picton), A. R. Davidson (Collmgwood), A. C. Strachan (Ngatimoti). Leave was granted to Mr G. . H. Cawte on account of illness. The pipsident called attention to vie ' presence of the Deputy Mayor (Cr. T. Pett't) representing the Mayor, who ; was unable to be present- tne Yen. - Archdeacon Watson, of St. Peter s, Wellington', who is to preach at the Synod service this (Wednesday) even- : ing; the Rev. W. Bullock, general sec- . retary for New Zealand of the Church of Ellwand Men's Society; and the Rev. ; I*"'. "FL Spencer of the British and [ Foreign Bible Society. These gentlemen ; were welcomed and provided with seats ; on the floor of the House. ■ The opening prayers were, read by , Archdeacon Kempthorne. . THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. } The president, in his address, referred '• to the conclusion of the war, and said that in the providence of God they now < had a reasonable expectation of_ peaceful year?. He went on to speak of his ' share in the work of the Church among j the New Zealand boys in England and j; elsewhere, performed uncter a eommis-j' siou from the Primate. He expressed j his admiration for the chaplains sent to j 4 the front by the Church, and, in this'r' connection, said he had come to the; definite conclusion that if social • work, ( in all its modern developments was ne-i'^ cessary to an army, there should be, as, j indeed, there iiad been, special officers j and men appointed by the authorities j, for that purpose. The'chaplain should! take his share, but he must not i oe compelled to divest himself of his function as a minister of Christ in order 1 to do it. Prom the Christian stand- . point, one of the most encouraging fea- tures of the war had been the ■ way mi which men of undisguised Christian faith , and character took tEe lead. It was an j ' t tinquestionable, permanent, stubborn , fact that under their leadership we won j tho war. Men of this character were not confined to the leaders at Home. New Zealand had reason to be proud of ( such leaders as General Sir Andrew Has- . sell, General Sir Edward Chaytor, and General Richardson. As to the men, it was quite impossible for anyone who vud j not see things for himself to form any T idea of what our boys suffered and per- r formed. • ~ On the subject of diocesan matters the Bishop said:— tTL must now direct f your attention to matters affecting the reconstruction of the diocese. In the -j place of our ever-lamented friend, Mr j A. E. Hedges, who laid down his. life f in the war, Mr J. Williams has been ap- • pointed diocesan secretary and treas- urer. For over three years Canon Dart • has acted in this capacity, Tmt now as r Mr Williams is becoming daily more ac- j customed to the work his attendance at ( the office is becoming leas Imperative, c and in a little while it will cease. Be- , fere that time comes I want to express my thankfulness that in a moment of . crisis God had given to the diocese a clergyman, who had had such business training as to be enabled to take over the duties of secretary and treasurer, duties which', it may be well to rernem- ( ber, are becoming more and more intri- ] cate every year. How Canon Dart has had the physical and mental strength to j j care for his district and to attend to ( the Diocesan Office I do not know. It is true that God gives'us strength ac- ( cording to our daily need, but I can- j aidly confess that at one period I was afraid that Canon Dart would break j down. What he needs now is a goodji holiday wherein to refresh himself after < the ordeal. I tender to him my most < unfeigned thanks for his loyalty and for < the great personal service he has given ] to me. And while saying this I must 1 add that the thanks of the Bishop and < Synod are due to the district of Wake- ; field for the patient and unselSah man- « nor it has spared its"clergyman to do i this work. During the whole three ( years not one word of complaint has reached me from the district, which, in ' my experience, is a record under such •< circumstances. For Mr Williams and ; bis work I crave your sympathy and courtesy. A diocesan secretary or any- '} one who acts in such a capacity can < never ba highly popular. His relations ; to _us_ all are those of business, and it is in our power to make those relations easy or very troublesome. An- , other appointment, for which the Bishop ■ is responsible, is one that I am sure will meet with your approval. Mr A. C. Maginnity succeeds his honoured father as the Chancellor of the Diocese. At the beginning of the war we were counting on eight candidates for the replenishment of the ministry.^ Three ] ■ have been ordained; one of tTiese, the Rev. J. A. Jermyn, is still on active service, and two ordained men and one layman who did. not pass the military test are.working in the diocese. Of the four who enlisted two laid down their lives in battle, one has decided not to continue his, studies, and one, Captain A. J. Farnell, is now finishing Bis course for ordination at St. John's . College, Durham. Five clergymen went on ac. tive 'service. One of these, tne Rev. R. H. B. McCombie, who Korred in the Ara'bulanee Corps, died of wounds re-1 oeived in the battle of Le (Jues-noy. Previous to that engagement l'>.nw him. several times when ho was .on duly. Ho was very happy in his work and had! earned the esteem not only of the officer* ! .Init of his fellow-soldier*. On.bohnJf of the diocese and myself I communicated our sympathy with -hi* mourning relatives-'in the Old Land. Two of the chaplains returned some time apo. The Rev. J. F. Coursey is now hnwpily Fettled fis.vlrar.of Westpcrt, but_ Canon Taylor's health was so seriously-impair-. Ed that he could not venture upon work in this ranr+, difficult di"CP^" T-r rt ;*.. now engaged "To the parish of St. Peter, ' Wellington. We cnri onl> v>-"V-! pariure from us; with cenuini regret . , antf with, the prayerful hone that ; his Tinique gifts may be available in the ;* Church' militant for many years, The
Zealand very shortly. Added", to this , drain, upon our resources, two clergymen, the Rev. J. A. Rogers and the xiev. Jti. tf. W. White have been doing special service in military camps. Mr Rogers has returned, but Mr White is still employed in this work. Two clergymen, the Yen. Archdeacon Grace and the Rev. A. J. S; Seaton, have died, and two, tho Rev. R. de Lambert and the Rev. N. A. Frißerg, have left the diocese. It will thus be seen that out oE thirty-six fellow-workers ill 1914 six :ire dead, four are no longer in the diocese, and four have yet to return. Before passing on, I desire to call the attention of. members of the Synod to Title A, Canon 11., which was passed in the General Synod held in Nelson in 1913. Since that date the right of the Bishop personally to make appointments has ceased. I mention this 'Because c ren some of the clergy are still under the impression that the Bishop has certain appointments in his own power. This is not so. All appointments for almost seven years have been made by the board. The Bishop hast his responsibility as the chairman, but a majority of the board must give Its consent before any appointment can be made. Mr Coursey's appointment to Westport has been mentioned. The Rev. P. Quintrell has been appointed to tho Parish of Holy Trinity, Picton, and the Venerable Archdeacon York to Blenheim. The acceptance of the parish of Holy Trinity,' Greymouth, by tho Rev. A. J. Carr will open up some very serious questions in the district of Richmond and Stoke. We are hoping very shortly to welcome the Rev. H. A. Haslam,.the Rev. H. Warren Austin, M.A., and the Rev. P. Pring Rowe. Mr Austin will assist the Dean at the Cathedral, and Mr Pfing Rowe will be instituted to the parish of All Saints. Canon Wollstein, who has been acting as locum tenens for the Rev. J. A. Rogers, hopes to return to his labours at Spring Creek towards tne end of the present month. In every detail Canon Wollstein has proved himself a loyal, faithful, and diligent parish priest. His work for missions has always ranked among the best in the diocese, and I feel that I cannot permit him and Mrs Wollstein to return to Marlborough without expressing to them my thanks as Bishop and how highly'l have appreciated their work in Nelson. But there are many of our districts still unsettled. Cheviot, Kaikoura, Seddon, Suburban North, Reef ton, and Granity h-re temporarily filled; and the Grey Valley, Runanga. and Murchison are still vacant. Very soon as we receive additional assistance we hope that permanent appointments wall be made. In the meantime the future is not without anxiety, but if we meet our anxieties with faith and courage they will soon disappear." Thero was not much use in making an appeal to the whole diocese,, proceeded the Bishop, if a- large number of their districts had no permanent ministers and some had none at all. That was the cause of the delay in the appeal for the new Cathedral. Certain preliminary arrangements had been made, and when the proper time came a forward movement would eventuate. By the time Synod met again, he anticipated that teaching would have begun in the proposed school at Blenheim. After pointing out that the rise in the stipends of the clergy was due to the Home Mission Fund, the Bishop remarked that the fund must not be regarded as an en[iowment, and said it would bo very unwise if clergy and people depended typon it as such. In the interests of the fund the best service that coTiid be rendered would be to create an ambition in the assisted districts so to increase the local contributions for stipend purposes as to decrease the claims upon the fund. Before many years had passed, he hoped there would be in this diocese a sustentation fund such as^ that in the Church of Ireland and such as was now being formed in the Church in AVales. In a reference to missions, the Bishop called attention to the regulations as to collections, and said the following rules p/ould be helpful to those who wished to iiake tilings easier for their fellow workers:— "1. No special appeal for other .missionary organisations must be made on bhe statutory days—the first Sundays in February, May, August, and December. It has come under my notice that the statutory Sundays have been set aside in favour of other efforts. This is a distinct breach of the law of the Church In this diocese, which every clergyman md churchwarden has promised to obey. [ should deem it a calamity if I were compelled to take order on this question ar to dissociate the diocese from any effort for the Kingdom of God; but bhe Holy Spirit is the spirit of order, a-nd I must insist on the observance of the law until the law is altered. "2. While it is impossible to control the wishes of private donors who send their contributions direct to the headquarters of any mission, yet they should be encouraged to send sucli contributions to the diocesan secretary for' transmission. In no other way can the diocese have knowledge of what i.s con-: tributed. Where this knowledge is not' übtaiiiablo the missionary reputation of; the diocese suffers. } "3. All money raised for missionary purpose's whether raised by missionary unions. Girls' Friendly Society, or Sunday schools, should *be paid to the churchwardens -for transmission to the diocesan secretary. Such money should not be sent from a particular locality to the headquarters of the mission concerned. In the new era upon which we are entering the observance of these simple rules will help considerably in the well-ordering and in the discipline'; of the diocese." "" ! In commending the C.E.M.S. and the Rev. Mr. Bullock to tho Synod with the warmest sympathy and good Avislies, the Bishop said he was looking forward with hope to the time when they would have in every parish and district a body of men who had made their creed a reaiity and were desirous of sharing that reality with others. On the motion of Dr. Weeks, seconded by Mr Maginnity, the President was thanked for his address, and thankfulness to God was expressed for his safe return to the diocese. Sessional officers were appointed and various reports presented. The President intimated tliat this year ho did not intend to appoint any sessional committees. The hours of sitting vrere fixed as from 13 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 2.30 to 5.30, and 7.30 to 10 p.m. .The President introduced .Bills (1) to amend tho -Parishes, Parochial Districts and Vestries Act, and (2) for tho fitter ordering of and giving effect to tho legislation passed by tho Synod. On the motion of Archdeacon' Kempthorne. a resolution was r>assed regard*-■ }7<x,- thrs. appointment of members of tiv Wiikfsrewn School Trust Board, and fniUiorisipp: the brcml to borrow ;; sum iv-,t exceeding £2000 from the Nelson ~> ■•■oc'PHfin Tnr-'fe j>o:ird for the nurnose ( f ofircc-ting improvements i.n the property. On the mnf.iVn of ?Jr Pitts-Brown, it war. iv-.sr.ivnd thnt a romrmttoe be set' v:>- to i:o<-;';iro into and rnnnvt uoon tlio 1 ridpqnfioy or oi'^p-rwisc ni; the stipends pni'l in tho diocese. Certain resolutions 'in co'ii:^;1' ioii.wit'ii 7ao Rev. Mr Bnllcr-k' cfp.*'-> on prlf*T-oßs co i^e work nf the.Chi"'r>h <~f i^nefi-'iid S^'fiptv. in. wVr-li !-:■> ■'■■'■ins ■hhl'Ol'(jr'?l brliT"? .of?■•:■-""'■•■>■!•.!>/! •*•'<•,!• I **''lVi .'/iOn!v,dr>vi fit +Iv> fvfmf- Or>o r> ■"*"■* ■.dpvo'lriT:TT»Mits rf ''•■; 1" wr1 Inrl boon -p ri[or.r)y dnfirution rF-'tlie. Kions ard jdoals of men,' and . there; was new a. ,'prrenter refignif.ioii rf the. importance of-ideas, of right ideas, and especially
of Christian ideas.-The C.E.M.S; faced ■ -the question.'-.of what was meant by faithful churchmanship. It sought to make Christianity operative in everyday life, and desired' that its .members should take part in the social life of the community a p s Christian men. The alterations in the constitution of the.society were to come before a conference for ratification. In the new badge the cross would be contained in a circle, symbolising the imprinting of the teaching of the Cross upon the world. After a free discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of the Dean, seconded by Mr Pitts-Brown, <fThat this Synod, having regard to the new and worthier constitution of.the C.E.M.S., : respectfully requests the President formally to invite the Rev. W. Bullook to visit the diocese for purposes of organisation." The Synod went into committee and Ceait with the report of the Standing Committee. October 9th. The Nelson Diocesan Synod resumed its session yesterday. The president (Bishop Sadlier) moved, and it was unanimously carried, "That jthis Synod now in session send its warmest congratulations and assurance of its prayers to Yen. Archdeacon Richards, M.A., on his election as Bishop of Dunedm." The morning session was mainly occupied with a discussion of a motion by Rev. G. A. Grossman, seconded by Rev. W. W. Bedwell, regarding the improvement of parochial missions. The mover dealt with a series of missions, attended with considerable success, tliat had been held recently in Marlborough, and pointed out that a great measure of practical benefit accrued to those uho had actively engaged in the work. The system adopted was that of a clerical interchange'supported by prominent and enthusiastic laymen; md he considered that this method of working would prove of inestimable benefit to oilier districts, if it were adopted. Archdeacon Yoi;k spoke in favour or the Blenheim experience, and commended its adoption in other /ientres. The motion, v inch was carried, re^d as follows:—"That, in the opinion of this Synod, the holding of parochial missions should be encouraged, and that the following committee lie elected to draft a scheme to carry out such missions:—Yen. Archdeacon York,-Rev. W W. Bedwell, and Rev. F, Sampson, Messrs W. J. Girling, A. P. Bent, D. [Jenkins, and the mover. 73 i Archdeacon York moved, "That this Synod considers it the duty of the clergy to teach the application of the Christian ■faith to social and industrial practice." The mover referred to the report of the Archbishop of Canterbury's committee on this problem. He emphasised the claims of economic questions for full and sympathetic consideration. The Rev. F. Quintrell,. in supporting the motion, said that the matter called for the serious thought of all who sought the welfare of mankind. He believed there was a considerable amount of misunderstanding, much of which could be cleared away by a fuller knowledge of economic arid other facts. The Rev. P. W. Rowlands, as a visi* tor, expressed his thankfulness that such a subject had been brought forward. It was splendid to think how it was now being wTiole-heatredly faced by thp Church of England. What was wanted was the sympathy which came from knowledge. The clergy needed more training in the knowledge of men, and they should not study the question in other than a practical way. The President spoke of a remit from the General Synod on social service. The Rev. J. P. Coursey mentioned that there was a Workers' Educational Association at Westport, of which he was a member. Anyone could join it, and it afforded an opportunity of great value for the study of economics and labour questions. The motion, which gave rise to an interesting discussion, was carried. Archdeacon York moved, seconded by the Rev. W. W. Bedwell, "That this Synod sympathises with Miss Mary Binley in her lonely and arduous work as teacher of the Maori school at Okoha, and recommends that a companion or assistant be provided for her, and .that the Standing Committee^ bring the matter of financing the project under the notice of the various parishes." The Archdeacon described a visit which he had paid to this school, which,is situated in an isolated part of th~e Pelorus Sounds. The school, he said, was efficiently conducted, and Avas in every way worthy of encouragement. The motion was agreed to. The report of the Standing Committee was considered in committee. The portions of the report so far dealt with contained the following information : — "The 'Diocesan Gazette 7: As there is a probability that a provincial supplement to all the diocesan papers will be published shortly, and as the proportion for the Nelson diocese will be 1300, it will be necessary to increase the circulation of the 'Gazette' up to this number. The shape of the 'Gazette' will be altered in order to correspond with the supplement. " 'Samuel Marsden' Van: As the Rev. J. W. Bloyce has been ministering to the two districts of Brunnerton and Ahaura, in the Grey Valley, the van was not used last summer. It is hoped that as soon as the staff is complete Mr Bloyce will be able to resume the splendid work in which he was formerly engaged. "G. A. Selwyn' Mission Boat: The launch has remained at her moorings during the whole of the past year ow^ ing to the missioner 'being required at Spring Creek. The Rev. A. H. Sedgwiek.B.A.. has been supplying services as far as his strength has permitted. We are very thankful to him for his acceptable ministry. The launch has been thoroughly overhauled, and with a few minor alterations is fit for sea. "Diocesan Fire Insurance: This is now in working order, and £255 is invested. "Summer School: Owing to the war restrictions on travelling it was thought better not to hold the school this year. Arrangements are in band for one to be held noxt January, and we trust that it will be helpful and inspiring." It was resolved, "That this committee recommends the Synod to request the Trust Board to write off the £87 odd standing against the Weld Street Vicarage." The usual Synod service was held at the Cathedral yesterday evening. The Rev. Dr. Weeks conducted the service, and Archdeacons Kempthorne and. York read the lessons. The Yen. Archdeacon Watson, M.A., of St. Peter's, Wellington, was the preacder. He took his text from 11. Corinthians v. 14. "The love of Christ con strain eth us." He referred to the end of tho war as a .subject for great thankfulness and joy. Yet it left n sense of incompleteness in their thankfulness, because they knejv that the world was unsettled.' The" unity that joined the Allies seemed to have all gone. History showed that reaction af- W war was ahvnys more. dangc-ous to victor than to vanquished. Men and v/nmen wore asking how the patriotism oftbe past could be 'preserved _' What tvns needed was motive, something; that vvilrTUft irmn nhovp'thp sordid nieaunr"3<3 of life. ...Christianity offered to mike life ranr« permanently interesting t!v<n war could ever do. The lov*» of C!l''^t rn-prTTi^ot<»red us in a lifelong ' pn^rifigfl fnr-others. Where would they {i-^ o vtorv more entrancing thsin the •'""v^firp- on Calvary. He pointed-out >bnt the. prying,., need of the world was rspn.ee and goodwill.' The anthem was "Ho. VnfccrhiTiGr over Tsrnol neither slumbers nor' Bleeps.''' The I singing washed by the combined', choirs of Me "Cathedral
t ! and All Saints', conducted by Mr B. S. jClaughton, with Mr N. X., Williams at i the organ. . . . October 10th. i The session of the Diocesan Synod i evas continued yesterday, the "Bishop of - Nelson presiding. Leave of absence was granted to the i following members:—Messrs G. W. i (Jawte friavelock). A. G. Oottrell (Westport), J. J. White (Blenheim), W. W. • Tylor (Blenheim), E. E. Boyes (All Saints') W. W. Cochrane (Greymouth), J. H. Harßiess (Westport), W. P. Marris (Westport), E. J. Smith (Greymouth), and Revs J. Vosper (Motueka) I and L. Mackay. . _ A telegram of greeting was received from the Rev. T. Fielden Taylor. The cordial thanks of the Synod were tendered to the Yen. Archdeacon Watson, M.A., for his sermon on the occasion of the Synod' service, to the organists and choirs of the city churches for their valuable and willing help and to the Dean of Nelson for the efficient . organisation of the service. The Rev, F. Quintrell moved, seconded by Archdeacon York, "That it be an i instruction to the Standing, Committee i to prepare an outline of the business of > each session of Synod, including the • Standing Committee's report, and to ' post the same to all members of Synod not later than 14 days prior to the ■ meeting of Synod."—Carried. Bills were passed (1) for the better ordering and giving effect to the legis• lation passed by the Synod, and (2) to amend the Parishes, Parochial Districts, and Vestries Act, 1913. ; SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE. •The Rev. Arthur J. Oarr presented the following report; for 1918-19, of the Sunday School Committee: —The year under' review has been a hard, one for Sunday school teachers. The influenza ; epidemic interfered with the usual routine work, and at its close it Was difficult for the workers to restore the average attendance to its normal condition. Also, as some districts were without clergymen^ the work entailed upon these willing helpers was greater. The examination Avhieh is usually held ix. Advent had to be abandoned owing to the influenza epidemic. It is expected that it will be held as usual this year. The '.Sumnjer School also lapsed for the same1 reason. Arrangements are well in hand for the next school, which Will take place early in January next. 'A special feature this year, in addition to the usual programme, will be instruction in Bible Class work and blackboard drawing. According to figures to hand there are some 119 Sunday schools, 385 teachers, and 3560 scholars. This shows an increase of 34 schools and 19 scholars, while the number of teachers is the same as last year. The amount spent on Sunday school work was some £250. CLERICAL STIPENDS. Mr C W. Pitts-Brown presented the 'report of the committee set up to inquire into the adequacy or otherwise of, the stipends paid to the clergy of thej diocese. The report was adopted as follows :— (1) That £250 per annum should be the minimum % stipend paid to a married clergyman. (2) That the present method of allowing each parish or parochial district to make their own assessment towards the Stipend P'und requires alteration, and such assessment should be made 'by Synod in accordance with tie following section. (3) That a Finance Committee consisting of seven members be set up on i-he first day of each session of Synod to inquire into and report upon the amount of assessment which may reasonably be required from each parish or parochial district towards the Stipend Fund, and after the consideration of iuch report in committee the Synod shall then definitely allocate the amount which each parish or parochial district should contribute to such Stipend Fund. (4) That a bettor system of organisation is required in many parishes or parochial, districts in order to obtain greater support towards the Stipend Fund, viz., by mite societies, envelope system, a regular and systematic canvass of the district for monthly and j quarterly subscriptions, etc. j (5) That with the object of placing the payments of stipends upon a more stable basis, it is desirable that a sustentation fund be established info which all assess- I ments for stipends sKall be paid and ! pooled, to which gifts and legacies shall ' be invited, and from which the clergy's stipends shall be pafo. (6) That a special meeting of the central yestrv of each parish or parochial district shall be held forthwith or at least prior to the first day of December next, ot which the Archdeacon, together with the resident lay representative of Synod for that district be pre- Uent. in order to consider and effect the foregoing. OTHER BUSINESS. The consideration of the report of the Standing Committee was concluded. One paragraph of the report stated:— The Rev. Tamati To Kanapu began a most successful and acceptable work, but, having had a severe attack of in| fiuenza, he. was not physically strong enough to continue. Very reluctantly he had to return to the North Island to! recuperate. His work proved the great i need of a native clergyman, to minister to the Maoris in this diocese. in the evening the Rev. F. H. Spencer, of the British and Foreign Bible i Society, addressed the Synod. He re- j ;marked that the Archbishop of Canter-; ; bury had said that the Church's most j important work was the circulation of ; God's Word. Its teaching broke down all distinctions and barriers. The esociety's activity was world-wide. • Its' agents in Turkey did not cease opera- j | tions during the war. In Roman Catho-! lie countries, as, for instance, in South . America, its work was being attended i with most encouraging results. There was a tremendous increase in the work in China. He urged closer organisation in New Zealand for the advancement of the society's aims and objects. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Rev. Mr. Spencer for his address, on the , motion of Archdeacon York, supported i by the Rev. Dr. Weeks. The Rev. A. T. Milgrew, who also • supported the motion, spoke of the great help the Bible Society'had been to him in Fiji. ; The following resolution was passed as a result of "the Rev. Mr. Spencer's address, being proposed by Mr G. A. Edmonds and seconded 'by "Canon T. J. Smith:—"That the question of appointing organised collectors in each church , in aid of the British and Foreign Bible Society be brought prominently before the churches of the diocese." The Synod went into committee to i consider the Report of- the Foreign Mis. sions Committee, which was adopted, i Tt was resolved, oh the motion of the , R^vv J. F. 'Cbur'pey, seconded by Arch. deacon .Kempthorne. "That the Synod . '■"frrots th.pt the physical condition of Canon Tnvlnr has compelled him to resign from the diocese of Nelson, and nvavs that he mpv.be criven strength to , rarrv on the work to which be has been i <-.nl]prl in the diocese of Wellington."— Carried. ' . , _ October TJ.th. ■ Thn c:r>R<s■>'<->vi of f.i-io NeKon Diocesan : Pr-Tiryl omirlnrlprl yesterday, the Bishop ; of Nelson presiding. teWnnras v^Plveri from Archi rlofipori "Riehsmls. of Invevmredll, Bishop, nino+, of "Hiitin/lin. «u> follows:—"Most i "rntpfnl thanks to Synod for'sympathei tic and helpful message/ On tho motion of Arcndeacon York, [ cpcomled hv the. Rpv. G. A. Croamian;; I and supported by the President, it* was ' * ' .' *
■ resolved, "That the thanks of the Syjnod be given to the Yen. Archdeacon ! Kempthorne for the efficient and ' a'blo manner in which he fulfilled the arduous and responsible duties of Commissary during tho Bishop's absence at the Ifrbnt." . -. . . ■ ! Elections of committees resulted as follows:— ! 'standing-Committee: Dean Weeks, Archdeacons York and Kempthorne, Canon Dart, Rev. F. J. Daynes, Messrs C. W. Pitts-Brown, F. H. Richmond, W. J. Girling, G, E. C. Saxton, and Dr. W. J. Mackay. 1 Foreign Missions ' Committee: Dean I Weeks, Archdeacon Kempthorne, Canon Dart, Rev. A.. J. Carr, Messrs O. W. j Pitts-Brown, W. York, G. A. Edmonds, and Dr. A?. J. Mackay. Sunday School Committee:. Dean Weeks, Archdeacon Kempthorne, Canon , Dart,-Revs, W. W. Bedwell, G. A. Grossman, and A. J.. Carr, Messrs W. York and G. A. Edmonds. A series of votes of thanks wore passed, including votes to the hosts and hostesses of members of the Synod, to | the officers and reporters of Synod, and 'to the lay readers, organists and choirs, i and Sunday school teachers of the diocese. - * ■ I .Before the members ' separated, the President sa.id the country was entering upon what he hoped would be a long reign of peace. That would bring fresh responsibilities, but it would, also bring fresh hopes^ He trusted it might bring as well fresu zeal and fresh consecration in the service of their Lord and Master. ■ The annual missionary meeting was held in All Saints' Schoolroom yesterday. The Bishop of Nelson occupied the chair, and was supported by Bishop Mules. - Bishop Sadlier thanked the ladies who had provided such a bounteous luncheon, and welcomed the visitors. He went on to say that the Church in New Zealand had declared for united action with regard to missionary work in order to secure greater efficiency. He hoped that under the new Board of Missions there would be an increase in enterprise without any loss of individual enthusiasm. The Rev. F. A. Crawshaw, organising secretary of the New Zealand Church Missionary Society, said that this year to date the society's income had been £3736. an increase of £160, 'but as the year began with a deficit of £155, the increase had been none too much to meet current needs. He reviewed the Church's missionary work .throughout the world, and laid stress on the need of prayer, knowledge, and consecration of life to ensure its advancement. : The Rev. F. W. Rowlands spoke on' the influence of the Christian Church in Japan, and of the tremendous opportunity which that con itry afforded for missionary effort. . In moving round tha world he had found a prejudice against) tho' Japanese people. The reasons put forward feu it were the unreliability of the Japanese commercial classes and the foreign policy of Japan. In reply he pointed out that the commercial ciass^ were not representative of the whole race, and moreover those classes were improving in integrity. As to foreign policy, our own might not always be, viewed with favour by some other coun- j tries. He did not approve of Japan's * policy towards China and Korea, but. there were indications of a change. The" j present Prime Minister of Japan was a different type of man from his predecessors. It had to be remembered, too, that the foreign policy of Japan in the past had been influenced by the military section, who had been imbued with the i ideas of their German instructors. The; defeat of Germany had given the mili-* tarist party in Japan a greater blow! than might 'be imagined. JVir Rowlands! went on to give instances of the indirect influence of Christianity for good on the i Japanese people, and said that just be-| fore the war there were indications of i the growth among them of a sense of human insufficiency and the need of God. Extracts from letters written by Miss Latham from India were read by the chairman, who also mentioned that Archdeacon Melville Jones, who was known in Nelson, had been appointed Bishop of the .new diocese that had been founded in Central Africa. . '.
