WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1891.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 250, 21 October 1891, Page 4

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1891.

The discussion in the Synod on Mr McCullough's motion for limiting the term to which a clergyman shall be appointed to an incumbency proves conclusively that the Anglican mind> so far as it is expressed by its Synodical representatives, is not prepared for a bold innovation on the time-honoured method of clerical appointments. M r McCullougli has, however, rendered a service to the Anglican body by thus ventilating the subject, and eliciting the opinions of both clergy and laity. His proposition may be radical, but that is no proof of its unsoundness. The warmest admirer of the Anglican polity cannot.-, fail to observe that the mode of appointing clergymen to the principal parishes is eminently unsatisfactory, and there is bardly a bishop throughout Australasia who has not referred in his addresses to the injury inflicted upon the Chutch on account of important parishes being held by clergymen who had become either physically or intellectually unequal to their duties, but who cling to office with a persistency that renders hopeless any attempt to remove them without a resort to extreme measures.

The position taken by Mr McCullough, and those who think with him, is a very clear one. They argue that the present arrangement is one-sided, and while the clergyman can at any time resign his charge by giving three months' notice, the people have no power of dispensing with his services except by the odious system known as "starving out," or by taking such action in the Church Courts as can only terminate the relations between pastor and people by a process closely akin to a violent rupture. This is practically the true state of the case, Mr Upton's reference to the Primate's "safety valve" notwithstanding. No compact can be said to be entirely satisfactory when secure advantages to one side at the expense of the other. This is precisely the position in which Anglican incumbents and their parishioners are placed. A clergyman is sometimes brought out from England at considerable expense, and after remaining a short time, it he receives an offer of preferment in another town or colony, he feels no moral responsibility in throwing up his work and leaving the parish which has loyally supported him to shift for itself. We do not, of course, deny that there are instances where a clergyman is fully justified in changing the scene of his labours, and few parishes that respect their; pastor grudge his preferment even if his gain is their loss. But we need not go outside of Auckland to see that the system, as it is at present worked, is an unsound one. To quote the substance of a remark made by the ex-Bishop of Christchurch in one of. his addresses, superior appointments are secured with very little regard to the interests of the parishes that are left vacant.

The root of the evil, we believe, lies in the unsatisfactory method of appointing clergymen to cures in the Anglican communion. If a town charge becomes vacant, it is very seldom that an incumbent is sought for among the cleigy already at work in the diocese or even in the colony. The theory is that the nominators make the choice, and submit the candidate's name for the Bishop's confirmation. The practice has generally been for the uominators to rnalce no choice at all, but to entrust the selection of a suitable man tothe Bishop's Commissary in England. There are obvious objections to this plan. The Commissary usually has no colonial experience. He may reside in a country parish and have few opportunities of personal acquaintance with the candidates. Very frequently he knows nothing of the cleric who is anxious to enlighten the colonials, except by report, and a choice under such circumstances is necessarily a haphazard one. Iα one of the principal colonial dioceses so many incompetent men were sent out under this system that the Synod enacted that in future no clergyman should be. deemed capable of being appointed to an incumbency until he had resided twelve months , ' in the diocese. Another> mode of filling up city parishes is.by allowing the cure to be "jumped" by any stranger clergyman who happens to be engaged to supply the pulpit during the interregnum; It may be argued that the parishioners have at any rate the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the clergyman before making him an offer of the incumbency. So far there is certainly an advantage; but it frequently happens that a locum tenens not overburdened with delicate scruples uses his opportunities of influencing nominators, "and if he is at all a presentable man, there is a sort of undefined idea that he ought to be given first chance in the running. But the chief objection to this plan is that it is to a certain extent unfair to the other clergy, especially to those working m. the country parts of the diocese. They see themselves excluded from any chance of promotion if they stick loyally to their posts, and the "plums' given

either to some English curate neither remarkable for ability in the pulpit nor out of it, or to a member of that peripatetic clerical class never at hand when there is a vacancy in bush districts, but always providentially on the spot when the city parishes are going begging.

We think the view taken by Mr McCullough and Mr Doonin is practical and business-like. It may be a little in advance of the times, but the pricciple is a sound one. What is there derogatory to a clergyman in accepting an appointment, say, for seven years ? If •he and his people are mutually satisfied there is nothing to prevent a renewal of the engagement. If he leaves the parish at the close of the specified term he does so without compromisiog bis ministerial character or dignity. There may be many reasons why an excellent clergyman is not suitable for a particular charge, and no man with a proper feeling of self-respect cares to remain where his power for usefulness has departed.

This cannot be denied—that the present system works badly. We could point to instances throughout the colonies where important Anglican city churches have been almost deserted by the refusal of an unsuitable incumbent to resign. Few "persons care to incur the odium of moving actively to dispossess a clergyman, especially if he is a man whose general character commands respect. Some of ' his parishioners, while they would be glad to sever the tie, stick loyally to the Church, but the majority drift away. We are drawing no fancy picture.

The clergy to a man voted against the motion last night. Many of them disapprove the present system, but they cannot be expected to see the light ail at once. We are rather surprised that the laity, with the exception of four, followed docilely the clerical lead. The truth is, they seem to have given very little study to the subject. Mr MeCullough must comfort himself that, like the initiators of all forward movements, he must be satisfied with scant recognition at first; but we venture to predict a similar proposition will meet with a different reception at some future Synod, for it is undoubtedly a move in the right direction, and in accordance with the spirit of the age in which we live.

The Customs revenue of New Zealand fo r the quarter ended 30th September, says the "New Zealand Trade Review," ia the largest the colony has ever seen. It amounts to £437,591 as against £402,114 for the corresponding quarter, being an increase of £35,477. In September quarter of last year was included £15,071 for primage duty—a tax since repealed, so that, apart from that special impost, there is an improvement equal to £50,000 for the last three months. The contributions for the four principal ports are as follows :—Auckland : 1891, £104,194 ; IS9O, £91,022. Dunedin : 1891. £101,001; IS9O, £100,957. Wellington : 1891, £89,862 ; 1890, £75,653. Lyttelton : 1891, £64,482; IS9O, £70,027. We defer further comments till after publication of the details.

There was launched on the Clyde yesterday a splendid steel steamer for the New Zealand trade that will be the largest merchant vessel that has ever vieited this colony. She is the Ruahine, and has been built by the Fairnelds Shipbuilding Company, of Glasgow, to the order of the New Zealand Shipping Company for the passenger and cargo trade between this colony and London. She will, besides being the largest New Zealand trader, be the fastesb steamer in the running, as she is to have a mean speed of from 17 to 18 knots per hour. She is built entirely of steel, and isHobe fitted up in the most modern style, with very large refrigerating chambers for the conveyance of frozen meat. She registers over 6,000 tons, and is being fitted with cool chambers capable of containing 70,000 frozen carcases of mutton. She is intended mainly for the cargo trade, but will also have accommodation fora number of passengers. She very considerably exceeds in size the well - known ocean steamships Tongariro, AoraDgi, Ruapehu, Rimutaka, and Kaikoura, so popular in our direct service with London, and will be quite on a par with any of the finest ocean-going steamships afloat. She should arrive in the colony on her first voyage early next year.

We have to acknowledge receipt from the New Zealand Shipping Company of a copy of their comprehensive tabulated state, ment showing the cargoes of ships from New Zealand to Europe from Julylsfc, 1890, to the 30th June, 1891. The total exports from Auckland to Europe and United States from Ist July, 1890, to 30th June, 1891, were as follows :—20,259 carcases mutton, 1,094,7821b weight; 2,007 pieces beef, .323,8631b weight; 10,438 bales wool and skins; 28,400 bales flax ; 1,950 tons pelts, tallow and oil; 106 sacks peas, 2,197 sacks oats, 2,637 cases fruit, 246 tons butter in cases, 66 tons cheese in cases, 10,930 cases gum and 883 bags, 2,400 tone sundries. The Auckland increase is £13,172; Dunedin increase £43; Wellington increase, £14,209; Christchurch decrease, £1,545.

The action of Constable Macky, of the local water police, in saving a woman from drowning in the habour on Monday evening, is a,n instance of courage in the preservation of human life which should not be allowed to go unrewarded, or, at all events, uncompensated. The woman, named Rice, fell over the Queen-streefc Wharf kerbing into the boat harbour aboub eighb o'clock at nighb, and Constable Macky withoub a moment's hesibation jumped in after her, having witnessed bhe accidenb, and held her up unbil Sergeant Clarke came to his assisbance in a waterman's boaband gob bhe woman ashore. A few moments' hesitation on tho part of the constable might have resulted in the woman's death. As ib was, Constable Macky jumped into the water fully clothed, at considerable risk to himsolf and certain damage to his uniform. Constable Macky has on previous occasions assisted in saving life while on water police duty, and Constable McDonnell has similarly distinguished himself; bub if officers are compelled to boar the brunt of expenses for damages, boots and uniform, the effect will only be to discourage such acts of humanity.

A meeting of Jamea Black's creditors was held ab the Official Assignee's office yesterday afternoon. Mr A. E. Dovore presided. The resolution passed at the meeting, accepting a composition of Is 5d in the £, was confirmed.

Ab a time when there are complaints aboub business being dull, it is pleasing to note that the Northern Rollor Flour Mill is at present working nighb and day, running the whole 24 hours,

Mr W. F.-Bcickland, M.H.R. for the Manukau electorate, rendered up an account of his Parliamentary stewardship to the Onehunga portion of his constituency last evening in the Onehunga Public Hall. Tho meeting was large, but fairly quiet except towards the close of fehe address. Mr Buckland received a vote of thanks and confidence, some opposition being manifested. Somo amusement was caused during the questioning part of the proceedings by one doughty elector handing Mr Buckland a bovine's jaw-bone neatly wrapped in paper. Mr Buckland characterised the offering as "an insult," but consoled himself with the remark that ab any rate it was not the jaw-boue of an ass.

At the Police Court this morning, Fanny Primrose was fined 10s, or 48 hours' imprisonment, for drunkenness. Charles Mattison and Arthur Fortune were charged that on the 25th September, at Panmure, they wilfully and maliciously did throw down part of a wall erected on the Panmure Road under the control of the Mount Wellington Road Board. Mr W. F. Buckland appeared for the defendants.. Mr A. E. Devore, on behalf of the Mount Wellington Road Board, said he would not proceed against Mattison. Mr Buckland statod Fortune did not deny he tipped off the wall fourteen or fifteen stones, bub it was done by way of a lark. Henry Bevoridge gave evidenco on behalf oE the Road Board. The charge against Mattison was dismissed, and Dr. Gilc3 imposed a fine of 5s and costs upon Fortuno.

Mr George F. Clulee, of Timaru, was passenger from England to Lyttelton per the R.M.s. Doric yesterday. ' On being interviewed by three leading representatives of athletics here, he said tie had the most satisfactory interviews in England with the English Amateur Association respecting the visit of a New Zealand team to the old country next year. Be had a letter from the secretary of the Association which, said that although that body would be unable to guarantee the expenses of the trip, ifc would promisetogiveavi3itingteam such introductions to English Athletic Clubs that would ensure the reimbursement of expenses cut of gate moneys. Mr Clulee 9tated that he would furnish a complete report of the information ho had acquired when a meeting of delegates will be held to consider the question.

A new telegraph form will come into operation on the first of November. The form is divided by a perforated line into two sections, one for retention in the telegraph office, the other to be issued to the public. The object is to save the telegraphic operators from the work of writing the messages in duplicate, and the Department from the oxtra cost of stationery. A very important defect, however, occurs in the torm, which, unless rectified, will be productive of preat public dissatisfaction and business complications. The timee of despatch and receipt of telegrams will be omitted from the forms issued to the public. Now, it is often of the utmost importance to business men to know the time at which a telegraphic message was despatched. Responsibility for orders involving bundredsof pounds may.indeed,depend upon this information. The sale of shares, and the receipt of tenders are exnmplos of business transactions conducted by wire in which the question of time is of the highest importance. We hope that the Commissioner of Telegraphs will see fchab this information is furnished to the public. In other respects tho form is an improvement, and will no doubb be productive of considerable saving to the Department.

The Wellington City Council sat yesterday afternoon to consider the question of rescinding the motion to affix the soal of the Corporation to the electric lighting contract, with a view to having the charge of £7 for 50-cind!o power lamps in principal streets reduced to one-half, while the Council supplied the motive power. Dr. Lemon wrote that the charge-was a fair and reasonable ono. A heated discussion took place, during which Mr De Castro, the representative of the Company, said the contract was a binding one. Tho Council ultimately adjourned further discussion until 29th insfc., pending arrangements.

Last evening ac the monthly meeting of t!ic Protestant Alliance Lodge, 53, in tho Protestant Hall, Newton, there was a very largo attendance. Tho Grand Secretary from the Thames was present, and was received with "honours." After several candidates had been initiated and the ordinary business transacted, the matter of the anniversary concert and dance, which is to take place on Friday evening in the Foresters' Hall, waa introduced, when the Committee declared themselves satisfied with the programme for that evening. This lodge is now in a very flourishing condition, and the anniversary bids fair to be a .horough success. v

St. George's Hall was packed to the doora last night on the occasion of the Scottish entertainment in aid of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church funds. Tho feature of the entertainment was a number of tableaux. Probably, tho best was " Mary, Queen of Scots," Mrs Murchie gave the recitation in a feeling and finished mannor, and was deservedly applauded. The " March' of ' the Clan Chatham," represented by thirty - two juveniles of both sexes, wa3 splendid, and found great favour at the hands of those present. Miss Dean contributed a couple of songs, and Master McAffer and Miss Daisy McMillan danced the Highland Fling in good style. A numbor" of other items were also well given. The entertainment, which concluded with the tableau, " Albion," " Scotia," and " Erin," will be repeated tonight.

The following is the lisfc of visitors staying at Okoroire Hot Springs for the week ending October 17th, 1891 :—A. Feelsend (Auckland), Mr and Mrs Davidson (Napier), Colonel and Mrs Padday and three children (London), Miss Conroy (Rotorua), William Hayes (Dublin), George Moulder (Auckland), J. B. Leith (Melbourne), James Richardson (Napier), F. Cook (Auckland), F. R. Millman (Hastings), Mr Mueller (Auckland), J. M. Mennie (Aucklandi, David Garriock (Auckland). John and William Pvobertson (Hawera), Mr and Mrs W. H. Hutcheson(Dunedin), H. Compton (Auckland), J. C. Davis (Auckland), Miss Doran (Gisborne), Miss H. Kennedy (Gisborne), Mr, Mrs, and Master Fox (Ponsonby), Mr and Mrs Ledingham (lateof Levuka), Consul and Mrs Jorss (Papeete, Tahiti), Miss White (Auckland),. Miss Chambers Taylor (Auckland), Miss Jewitt (Auckland), Samuel Hodge (Haiwke's Bay), Mrs D. Hutchison (Dunedin).

The annual meeMng of the Leopold Gold Mining Company was to have been held at the office of Mr J. Young, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, this forenoon, bub lapsed for want of a quorum, and was adjourned until 11 a.m. to-morrow. The Prince Alfred Gold Mining Company's special meeting also lapsed.

The evangelistic services for the young, under bhe auspices of the Sunday-school Union, were held last evening ab the five centres aa arranged, and were woll attended. This evening ab half-pasb seven, in bhe Pittstreet Wealeyan Church, the final meeting of the series will be held. This will take i the form of the annual sermon to teachers, and communion service, when tho Revs. Jas. Guy (Primitive Methodist) and E. Isaac (Baptist), will officiate. This meeting has generally been a very interesting and helpful one to Sunday-school workers, and the Committee trust bhab, in spite of the strong counter-attraction of General Booth's meeting, there will be a good and encouraging attendance. After the sermon a collection will be taken up to defray the expenses which have been incurred in connection with making those services known.

Last evening, the Davonport Gymnastic Club closed its season by a gymnastic display and concerb in the schoolroom of the Holy Trinity Church, Devonport. Professor Carrollo", the instructor to the Club, superintended the gymnastic performances by the juvenile and adult members, who till acquitted themselves well. There ivas a crowded audience, and the concert went off exceedingly well. Songa were contributed during the evening by Miss Harper, Miss Burgess, and Mr Harry Brett. Mr Oliver Maya was chairman.

Last evening the annual general meeting or the Auckland Yacht Club was held in the Harbour Board buildings. There was a good attendance of members, and Mr John Wiseman, the commodore, presided. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read by. the secretary, Mr W. A. MacCormick, and adopted. The annual report of the Club was adopted. It seated that there were 57 members and 31 yachts on the register of the Club. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Commodore, Mr J. Wiseman (re-elected); Vice-Commodore, Mr W. R. Wilson ; Rear Commodore, Mr T. Kilfoyle ; Treasursr, Mr G. Cozens ; Secretary, Mr W. A. MacCormick ; Assistant Secretary, Mr W. Frater ; Committee, Messrs J. C. Webster, T. Henderson, R. S. Reynolds, A. J. Gibbs, O. B. Waymouth, F. W. Mace, H. Haines, A. J. Bloomfield, J. Waymouth, H. Horton ; measurers, Messrs G. Goldie and G. Cozens ; auditors, Messrs O. B. Waymouth and R. S. Reynolds. It was decided to hold the first cruise on November 7th r to assist the Auckland Annual Regatta Club, and to nominate Wellington as the locality of the N.Z.Y.A. races this year.

To-morrow at 12 o'clock Mr Gabriel Lewie will offer by auction the residence and grounds of Captain F. R. Webb, Sunnyside, Symonds-street, Albert Park. This property is well-known being so well situated as a private residence, and there is all that can be desired, both as regards its surroundings and proximity to the Park. The house is well-iiniehed throughout, the garden tastefully laid out and every convenience that is desirable to a gentleman's home, and there should be a good competition for the property, as there is no land available in the vicinity and it must always command a good return for capital.

Evangelistic meetings for the young in connection with the Sunday-school Union were held last night at the JSfewmarkefc Wesleyan, Pitt-street Wesleyan, Franklin Road Primitive Methodist, Devonporb Presbyterian and Onehunga Presbyterian Churches. The annual sermon to teachers will be delivered this evening at the Pittstreet Wesleyan Church by the Rev. J. Guy, and will be followed by a communion service, conducted by the Rev. E. Isaac.