ANGLICAN SYNOD.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 8, 9 July 1909, Page 4

ANGLICAN SYNOD.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The Anglican Synod resumed its deliberations at 4 p.m. yesterday, Bibiiop Wallis presiding. Captain Hewitt moved : — "That his Lovdship the Bishop be requested to appoint a committee to consider and report on the following questions: (1) Are we justified in believing and teaching that the present development of knowledge of forces which the Creator has incorporated witk-Jiiatter is a fulfilling of the promise of Christ made to His followers when He taught that 'the Spirit of Truth should lead into all Truth,' and is the work of the Spirit on the mind of Christians? (2) Remembering that the Triune God is ignored in the public schools of the Dominion, and that such ignorance tends to make the human race imagine that they do things unaided by Divine power, is it not' necessary that the Church should make special effort to counteract this evil, by teaching how the powers of God are found in His works and by stirring up a spirit of thankfulness that He h^s provided and revealed these things to us in our day ? (3) Should not the Church arrange a fixed time for such teaching and thanksgiving?" Captain Hewitt spoke at considerable length. He said he hajd brought the matter before the synod for 25 years, but difficulties had always surrounded him. On this occasion, ho was pleased to say, his Lordship had intimated his willingness to nominate a committee to give effect to his ideas. The motion was seconded by the Rev. P. W. Clarkson (Hunterville) and carried. A VISITING MISSIONARY, The Rev. J. D. Russell (Eetone) moved in the direction of extending a' cordial welcome to the Rev. H. S. Woolcombe (late head of Oxford House) as a deputation -from the Church of England Men's Society." The motion expressed the hope that the visit would result in a powerful stimulus being given to the branches of the society already in existence in the diocese and new branches being established. Mr. Russell mentioned that there we're six branches of the society in the diocese at the present tulip. He referred to the good work done by the bociety in his own parish at Petone. Mr. J. W. Henderson (Karori) seconded the motion. The llev. J. Blackburne (St. Peter's) also referred to the good work done by •St. Peter's branch. The society was an immense power for good. He heartily supported the motion. The discussion was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The Rev. E. W. J. M'Connel moved : — "That the Finance Committee be instructed to place on the estimates if possible the sum of £25 as guarantee for any possible deficiency in the stipend of a supernumerary priest ; such stipend to be paid by the General Church Fund and refunded by the' districts in which he works." He declared that at the present time there was more than sufficient work for a 'supernumerary priest. He enumerated five vacancies in the diocese, and urged that these should be filled as soon as possible. The clergy ill Wellington were greatly overworked at present. » The motion was seconded by tho Rev. A. W. H. Compton. An amendment was moved by Mr. C. Kebbell, and seconded by '-Mr. H. A. Nevins, seeking to make the instruction to the Finance Committee relative to next year's estimates. Mr. G. Shirt cliff c said the present year's estimates had been made up. He was in sympathy with the motion, and it might be possible to" provide the £25 tifked for in an indirect way. Mr. C. P. Powles and the Rev. C. H. Isaacson supported tho motion. Yen. Archdeacon Fancourt said the proper thing to do would be to apportion £120 or £150 on tho estimates and appoint a bishop's chaplain, The bishop informed the tynod that only one cure and two assistant curacies were vacant. The motion was carried by a large majority. The second reading of the Rev. A. W. H. Compton's Bill altering clause 4 of Act 8, so as to bring four clergymen at present conducting scholastic institutions within the scope of the Pension Fund, was carried. The debate on church government is reported elsewhere in this issue. The synod' adjourned at 10 p.m.