DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 247, 18 October 1922, Page 9

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

YESTERDAY'S SESSION. SOCIAL SERVICE MOVEMENT. The third session of the twenty-third Synod of the Diocese of Auckland was continued yesterday afternoon, Bishop A. VV. Averill presiding.

On the motion of Mr. C. J. Tunks, it was decided after a short discussion that the Synod approved of the creation of a social service board, to promote and co-ordinate social work in the Diocese, provided that the Bishop should be offieio a member of the lxjard, and that two members of the governing body, to be known as Synod representatives, should be tricnnally appointed. It was stated by several speakers that such a board would serve a valuable purpose in doing propaganda work in connection with the several social and humane institutions conducted by the Anglican Church throughout the province. There was too much modesty shown by the church in connection with its social work, and the board could d» a great deal in making the public cognisant of <!>«» needs of the various institution* thejr aims, objects, and work. Special reference was made to the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, the Children's and Orphans' Homes, and the St. Mary's Home, a shortage of Anglican women workers being mentioned with regard to the latter.

INCORPORATION OE FUNDS. By a unanimous vote it was decided that steps be taken to incorporate the Home Mission Fund and the TTome Mission Endowment Fund with the Central Fund, and that the latter be known as the -Central Fund for Church Extension and Home Mission Work."' Tt was resolved also that a strong appeal be made during the Lenten season to defray a deficit of £679 15/6 in the Home Mission Fund, and to make special self-denial offerings for that purpose. A number of speakers urged the establishment of a strong fighting fund, and outlined the many advantages that would accrue. Canon Haselden said the fund would make it possible for the church to extend its ramifications to the utmost limits of the backblocks. Wherever settlers went, there the church should go also.

THE CITY MISSION - . A report of the Auckland City Mission was presented by the Rev. Jasper Calder. It stated inter alia that a service was held every Sunday evening in' the Princess theatre, and altogether 53, of these had been held. It had been Mr. Calder's ambition to see that these services were bright and cheprful. there being no reason why religious worship should be mournful. .The joy of not having to wade through long psalms and 1 lessons and stereotyped prayers Sunday j after Sunday had been remarked upon 1 by many , . The mission had two nurses who were ready and anxious to help sick folk when occasion arose, and two hospital visitors who kept in touch with any wards wherein members were patients. Eighteen confirmation candidates had been sent forward, 03 marriages solemnised. 37 baptisms, and 40 burials. Court cases handled numbered 47. The sum of £.500 had been raised over and above collections, and of this sum £240 went to the Girls' Friendly Society. £77 to St. Mary's Home, and £180 for the -'Down and Out Fund." COXFEREXCE OF CTvEP.GV. A conference of the clergy of the ' Diocese was held yesterday morning. I Bishop Averill presiding. Matters of importance regarding missions were fully discussed. The Bishop and Mrs. Averill afterwards entertained those attending at luncheon.