ANGLICAN SYNOD.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1174, 8 July 1911, Page 6

ANGLICAN SYNOD.

\ FOURTH DAY. I HADFIELD HOSTEL FINANCES. The fourth day's sitting of the Anglican Synod was commenced in the Sydney 1 Street Schoolroom yesterday, tho Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Sprott) presiding. ; In a report by tho Reports Committee ■ No. 2, the following reference was made . to the Hndßeld Hostel:—"The fees re- ; ccived at tho hostel, though it is now . full, only just pay for the actual mainten- ) ance, and leave no margin for incidental ; expenses. Tho position of tho institution cannot therefore be considered finan- ■ cially sound." Tho report was adopted. EASTBOURNE PAROCHIAL DISTRICT. The final step in the separation of Eastbourne parochial district from the Lower Hutt was taken, when the new boundaries of the parish of St'. James, Lower Hutt, as defined by tho special committee, were accepted. PLANS OF CHURCHES. Tho following resolution in regard to ■ plans of churches, parsonages, schools, and other buildings was moved by Mr. R. Wilberfoss, who asked that the resolution bo accepted in place of Resolution 3, dealing with these matters:— Tho Synod hereby authorises tho Diocesan Trustees it they so desire, to submit the plans and specifications of any church, parsonage, schoolhouse, or other building proposed to bo erected upon any lands or property under their control to such architect' as they may desire. / Several speakers opposed tho motion which they urged meant tho abolition of tho Diocesan architect, who had rendered most valuable services to the .church. "It would be a distinct loss to the diocese if the services of- the diocesan architect were, lost," was the general tenor of tho remarks. It was stated that in more than one case it had been found that after plans had been passed by the architect alterations had been mado by the builder. On tho motion of Archdeacon Harper it was decided to add the following words to tho resolution:— : '' And- also desires to s'tato emphatically that nothing in this resolution is intended to rellect in any way upon tho merits or work of tho gentleman who has held tho position of diocesan architect for the last 27 years; instead, it wishes to place on record its recognition of tho great merit of that work and ready generosity that has characterised all his dealings with this diocese. Tlie motion was then put and lost on the voices. CHURCH CHRONICLE. It was decided, on the motion of the Rev. Joshua Jones, that the Revs.-A. M. Johnson and E. T. Wynne Bond be elected as clerical members of tho Church Chronicle Committee. MARRIAGE LAM'S, FEES, ETC. The Rev. E. W. J. M'Conuel moved: That tho archdeacons be asked to draw up and publish a card to bo placed in churches, containing a statement of tho Church's marriage law and other regulations, a list of fees, special collections, and Church funds, and of such other matter as they may think fit; tho printing of such card to be charged to tho General Church Fund. After somo discussion, it was decided that the words "standing committee" bo substituted for tho word "archdeacons." This was agreed to. Tho debate was adjourned until Monday. VESTRY REPRESENTATION. In moving tho second reading of a Bill to givo parochial districts with a population of 3000 and over, ten members on tho vestry instead of seven as at present, Captain- Hewitt said tho object was to increase the number on tho vestry in tho largo parochial districts where they wished to havo the services of young men without turning the old members out. Ho thought tho larger number they could get to serve on the vestry the better it was for Church work. The Rev. Joshua Jones contended that districts capable of becoming parishes should not bo disfranchised. It was a scandal that so many largo populations should ,be left in the imperfect condition of parochial vestries. In committee, tho Bill was amended as desired in the clause, and tho third reading was set down for Monday. CONCERNING ORGANISTS. Dr.' W. K. Fyffo moved the second reading of a Bill to define the position of organists in the churches,, the principal point of which .was to amend the Parishes Act so that "the organist of any parish' or parochial district shall bo under the immediate control and direction of the vicar of such parish or parochial district, who shall havo power to grant leave of absence from duty for a period not exceeding ono month, and shall bo responsible for supplying the place of such organist. Leave of absence for a longer period than one month shall not be granted without the approval of the vestry and upon, such terms as may bo agreed upon by _ the vestry. The vicar and tho organist shall have control of tho use of the organ, and in case of disagreement between vicar and the organist the vestry shall decide the question." "At present," said Dr. Fyffe, "the most important lay officer of the church—tho organist—was classed with the verger, tho bellriDgcr, and the scrubber." His motion would, he thought, givo an improved status to the organist, and define his relations with the vicar, the churchwardens, and tho vestry. After a lengthy discussion, tho second reading of the Bill was negatived by 80 votes to 2G. Tho Synod rose at'lo p.m. until Monday next.