AUCKLAND DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9253, 2 November 1895, Page 8

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN SYNOD.

«. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, O-tober 31. The Anglican Diocesan Synod cordially adopted the suggestion of Bishop Selwyn, that the Church men and Church women of New Zealand should contribute a window to the chapel of the Selwyn College Cambridge Memorial, in England, of the late Bishop of New Zealaud, and decided to form a Committee to forward the movement. A resolution of sympathy was passed with the Missionary Society and the Churoh of England Zenana Mission on the gi eat losses they have sustained by the recent massacre of missionaries at Kucheug. The Rev. George Mac Murray moved—" That this Synod of the Diocese of Auckland gives its hearty support to the Bill now under the consideration of the Parliament of New Zealand to refer the question of the introduction of Scripture Text Bjoks into the public schools of the colony to the decision of the householders, as defined by the Education Act, 1877." He thought that, if an archangel from heaven were co draw up a series of Text Books, there would be found man in the Assembly and outside who would object to them. Canon Gould seconded the resolution. Tha Rev. Mr Baker asked h°w it was that the Text Book had been abolished in Ireland. Archdeacon Dudley thought the only question before the Assembly was to approve of the action of the Government, in referring this matter to the householders. M- Rice did not see any use for the motion. The Bill waa dead, and it was no use flogging a dead horse. Canon Nelson thought that this was a horse that would have to be flogged. He firmly believed that if' a plebiscite were taken the vote would be in favour of Bible instruction in schools. Mr Beatty did not think the reading of the Bible in schools would be a satisfactory solution of the present difficulty, nor did he think that denominational education would be a satisfactory solution. Ho blamed the clergy for the present state of things. Archdeacon Willis thought the questiou should be made a test one at next election. Mr Upton moved as an amendment :—" That this Synod ia of opinion that the question of the introduction of religious instruction into the public schools should be referred to a vote of the whole of the electors of the colony, and at as early a date as possible." The Ray. Mc McMurray withdrew his motion in favour of the amendment. The Rev. Mr Gillan moved as an amendment:—"'That the words 'religious instruction' be struck out of the motion and the words 'Irish Scripture Text-Book' be substituted therefor." Mr Templar pointed out that tally half of the members had not seen the Irish Text-book, and therefore could not recommend it. The Rev. Mr Hawkes gave some interesting details with regard to the Irish Text Book. He considered children of this colony were were on the downward grade with regard to both religion and morals. He attributed this evil to the lack of facilities for training children. He strongly advocated the reading of Scripture lessons iv public schools. After further discussion a vote was taken, and the motion in the amended form was carried. The Rev. Mr Katterus moved— " That this Synod welcomes with thankfuluesß the kiud expressions towards the British people, and the call to prayer for unity contained in the letter of his Holiness Pope Leo XIII., and in response to his wishes, and of those of the Archbishop of Canterbury, now respectfully requests the Bishop to take such steps as he shall see fit, and call all the people in this diocese to prayer to the great Head of the Church for the unity of Christendom." The mover, at some length, commented on his motion. He expressed pleasure at the changed attitude of the Roman Catholic Church towards the Church of England, and thought the passing of such a resolution would bring the two bodies into closer harmony. Mr Te.npler seconded the motion pro forma ; the question was nut discussed. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Evans the next motion on the Order Paper was proceeded with. Novembar 1. The Synod has closed its sittiug - .