BISHOP COWIE'S ADDRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 251, 23 October 1893, Page 4

BISHOP COWIE'S ADDRESS.

The address of the Bishop ab the opening of the Anglican Synod thia afternoon, is rather limited in its scope, and deals almoeb exclusively with matters relating to the interests of his own denomination. There are few points in it thofe call for special comment. It appears to ua that the reference to the question of granting women the power to vote at parish meetings, hardly give? the subject the prominence it is entitled to. The reasons are ab least as strong ■ for extending the franchise to women in the Church aa in the Stabe. There can bo no doubfc that the factious opposition of the Primate largely influenced the adverse voto on the Bill at the last session of the Geueral Synod. The resignation of Bishop Hadfield removes that difficulty. The Bill for granting the suffrage to women will be introduced at the next meeting of the General Synod. In the meantime, the diocesan assemblies are desired to further consider the question. Dr. Cowie suggests thab ib would be well to diecues it during the present session, "if the time ab our disposal admits of our doing so."' We hope the Synod will not be deterred by any consideration of time from fully ventilating the question of women voting. A good deal of time is often frittered away on subjects of comparatively trifling importance. The woman of the Church, who are its main supporters, have a right to expect that their claims will bo no longer disregarded, and whatever other business has to be deferred, we trust on this matter the Synod will epoak with no uncertain sound. The threadbare question of religious instruction in schools will probably be debated with more than usual interest this year, if we may judge from the recent, efforts that have been made to induce the Probes tant denominations to agree upon a book of selections from Scripture to be used in the national schools, if the sanction of Parliament can be obtained. Another point of importance to the Anglican communion on which tho Bishop lays stress is the training of candidates for Holy Order?. We have more than once referred to the disadvantages of the present system, and we are glad to see thab Dr. Cowie's views coincide with our own. There can be no doubt that the practice of training a few theological students in each diocoso is inimical to the growth ot that " spirit of toleration and large heartedness " so essential to the success of Christian teacherain our own time. Students trained in this isolated manner can hardly fail to reflect, whether for good or evil, the peculiar views and prejudices of their own diocepe. Dr. Cowie seems to think nothing remains but to make the best of the existing Btate of things, bub it is surely a sign of weakness to calmly acquiesce in the maintenance of a Bystem that is an avowed failure. The establishment of a central college in place of the presenb scattered agencies would be a distinct step in advance, and we do nob think the obstacles in the way of carrying oub such a scheme, some of which the Bishop indicates, oughb to be regarded by any means as insuperable.

The funeral of the late Captain Joseph Oakley, of Ponsonby, took place yesterday afternoon at the Purewa Cemetery, the obsequies being attended by a considerable number of friends of the deceased and his family. Tbe coffin was covered with a large number of beautiful wreaths of flowers and various appropriate floral emblems: A funeral service was held at the Church of the Epiphany, Newton, by the Rev. E. Lush, and the funeral cortege then proceeded out to the Purewa Cemetery, where another Anglican burial service was held, Mr Lush officiating. The deceased gentleman had a large circle of friends, and was highly esteemed.

The Trades Congress which lately sab ab Belfast passed a vote of thanks to all those members of Parliament who voted for the Paymenbof Members Bill. All the Unionisb members from Ulster voted against the Bill.

The average attendance, says Reynold's " Newspaper," of the House of Lords is twelve ; three forms a quorum, no matter whab important business is on hand. The land owned by these lords amounts to 13,000,000 acres valued at £16,000,000.

The Ponßonby Naval Artillery annual independent and volley tiring wa9 the means of the company mustering in large numbers ab the Mount Eden rifle range on Saturday afternoon. Lieuts. Graham and Watson were in command, and Adjutant Grant supervised the shooting on behalf of the staff.

The London " Publisher's Circular " of August 12th contains an article of over six columns in length on Mr T. Fisher Unwin, of London, under the heading of " Publishers of to-day." Mr Unwin is the publisher of the " Century Magazine," and is one of the principal book publishers in England. He has brought out several wellknown series of worka, including the "Story of the Nations" in 34 volumes, "The Adventure" series, "Great French Writers " series, " Cameo " series, " The Pseudonym Library," " Independent Novel " series, and " Children's Library." The " Circular " cays:—" There is nothing externally pretentious about the publishing premises of the 'Century Magazine.' and the birthplace of so many popular books, bub the bustle of the interior may be said to speak • volumes' for tke amounb of business done. ' The New Irish Library' is one of the latest additions to Mr Fisher Unwin's long list, and the first volume, 'The Patriot Parliament of 1691,' by Thomas Davis, appears ab an opportune period. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, who contributes an introduction, is the editor of what bids fair to become another popular venture, started under promising auspices. A forthcoming fine arb book is ' Alfred, Lord .Tennyson, and his Friends,' a series of twenty five porbraits and frontispiece in photogravure, by Mrs Julia Margaret Cameron and her son, with an introduction by Anne Thackeray Ritchie."

This week is announced as positively the last of the exhibition of the model of the clock of Strasburg. Next week the " show " will be taken to the Thames. A great crowd of children were present at the exhibition throughout Saturday.

The City Hall popular Saturday night entertainments were revived on Saturday, under the management of Mr J. J. Speight. The hall was well filled in all parts! A capital programme ot the minstrel and variety order was presented, and the various item 3 were woll received. Tbe following ladies and gentlemen took parb in the programme :—Misses Griffith?, Emery, Levy, and Messrs Dave Gardner, Washington Creemar, Chas. * Brown. Tuohy, Glyn and Hewson A farce entitled " Bang, Bang !" concluded tho programme.

The anniversary of the Christian Endeavour Society of Union Free Church was celebrated yesterday, when Rev. F. C. Dewsbury preached special sermons dealing with the work of the organisation. On Thursday next the second annual convention and tea meeting of the Society will be held.

The Town Clerk notifies that proceedings will be taken without further notice for tho recovery of all current city rates now due and unpaid.

A large number of members and friends of the Y.W.C.A. paid their quarterly visit to the Costley Home la9b Saturday afternoon. A sumptuous tea was provided for the old folks by the ladies. After tea Dr. Kenderdine and Miss McDonald made a few appropriate remarks, and several of the friends played, Bang, and gave recitations, which added greatly to the evening's enjoyment.

It is notified in our advertising columns, that the night for receiving entries for the Eight Hours Bports has been postponed ntil Saturday next, ab the British Hotel.

Mr S. Adams' pupils' concerb at the Opera House to-morrow right is likely to be a great success. The dress circle seats are nearly all taken up. The booking will close at 2 o'clock to-morrow.

Teaß grown in Ceylon being of delicate flavour, necessitates their being packed in air-tight packages so as to retain their full aroma. Arthur Nathan's " Reliable" Ceylon Tea ia packed in lead packets.— (Advb.) 2

Some very novel and pretty designs in summer suitings, trouserings and fancy veßtings, also fancy vest buttons, have just been received by Geo. Fowldn, Victoria Arcade. Call and see them.—(Advt.)