NELSON DIOCESAN SYNOD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 4

NELSON DIOCESAN SYNOD

CENTRAL DIOCESAN FUND Synod resumed at 2.30 p.m. yesterday. The Bishop introduced a scheme, to provide for a central diocesan fund or sustentatiun fund. The principle of the scheme was approved and a strong committee was set tip to consider the details of the scheme and to report to Synod at a later stage. The proposal is one of tiie oldest appeals made to the imagination of Church people in recent years. Once in operation it will create a fund from which adequate stipends can be paid in the poorer districts, and it will enable the Diocese to replace all its wooden buildings in the course of the next forty years. In the course of n- few years the financial affairs of the Diocese of Nelson will be on a thoroughly sound basis.

CHURCH MATERNITY HOMES An important proposal relating to the establishment of Church maternity homes was introduced into the Synod by Archdeacon Carr, of Greymouth, The consent and co-operation of General Synod, however, must- first be obtained and arrangements were made to lay the proposal before the Standing Committee of General Svnod at an early date.

LIQUOR REFORM The question of liquor reform, a iiardy annual, was introduced by Canon 0. <T. Kimberley, but it. failed to evoke any lively discussion. Whether the minds of syiiodsinen were puzzled by the uncertainty of the present political situation or whether they were tired of the endless arguments of last year it is difficult to sav, hut' there was an evident reluctance to take part in a debate. On the. motion of Canon Kimberley a resolution was passed respectfully requesting the Bishop to take such steps as lie may deem necessary to endeavour to bring about an agreementbetween those who advocate liquor reform, such as will ensure that one issue only will be placed before the electors at the subsequent referenda on the question. The Bishop acceded to the request and promised to place the matter before The House of Bishops fit, the eGncral -Svnod.

DIOCESAN SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Wednesday evening’s session of Synod was the occasion of the presentation of an inspiring report by the chairman of the Diocesan Sunday Schools Comprittee. Anyone interested in Sunday schools will feel tremendously helped* by a’ perusal of the full; account which will appear in Synod report when published. In brief the principal points of this report are as follows: (1) The Sunday school by post, scheme: -Much well-deserved appreciation was expressed of the work of the Rev. A. H. Heron, in this connection.; How he has toiled no one will ever know in full, ior he is the silent worker in particular ol this Diocese. The scheme is intended to bring the children of the La deblocks, who have been out of the reach of established Sunday schools, into touch with the Gospel. It has entailed considerable correspondence, much disappointment, but the response has largelv justified the effort. It is extraordinary that people with whom Mr Heron corresponded could possibly have been so callous as to ignore the opportunity offered them to give their children Christian tuition, yet many have done .so. There are now 153. .children, tinder the scheme’s training, and it is hoped that the increase of the last month will be a feature of future months. Cathedral Sunday School details: The Rev. F. C. Lawrence gave an interesting account of details in connection with his work as Superintendent of the Cathedral Sunday School. This ccvered a banner scheme for promoting t-lie team instinct with regard to attendance, and also several publications, pictures, and maps which lie recommends to such superintendents as are at a loss in these respects. His speech was greeted with hearty applause, and many have benefited considerably. Enhusiastic speeches and happy alEnthusiastie speeches and happy ,alNot for some time has such a successful report been presented to Synod, and fresh optimism has possessed the hitherto despondent.

ROYAL LETTERS PATENT

Nelson’s claim to distinction is based on many and t varied merits, each of which appeals to one or more sections of the community. Probably no citizen of this charming place will contradict the statement, however, that the title of City, so sought after by aspiring townships, is. Nelson’s most precious possession. Let anyone who sneers at this title know hereby that a. large c lid imposing parchment document l.ts, during this session of Nelson Synod; ou the table of the President of Synod, and that this is the vehicle of Her late Majesty’s Sovereign; will in this respect. In wondrous-script, pooped with precision' ana. patience, the i words that prove the contention stand, a permanent memorial, the possession or the Diocese of Nelson. Its connecton with the Church is that it is a double-barrelled document. It proclaims Edmund Hobhouse first Bishop of the newly-made See of Nelson, ancl goes on to declare his central town a City. It is well worth the inspection of every loyal citizen of Nelson, and the opportunity now given bv the opening of its secrets in' the library of '.he Marsden Church House during hours of session of Synod. THE CLERICAL SECRETARY • The clerical secretary of this session ol the Synod of the Nelson Diocese, reappointed at the commencement of the proceedings has filled this office almost perennially for nearly 40 years. During this remarkable term of office he has.recorded in his minutes the appointment by Synod of two Bishops. Tlie place of secretary requires conctntration, patience, diplomacy, and prompt action, and this gentleman’s annual nomination to this post ol honour is no slight indication of the esteem in which lie is held.

NELSON CATHEDRAL CHAPTER APPOINTMENTOF NEW CANON On the nomination of the Cathedra! Chapter and the Standing Committee the Bishop lias appoined the,Rev. O. J. Kimberley, Vicar of Seddon, to be p Canon, vice the Rev. F. J. Coursey, who has moved to St. John’s Church, Christchurch. Canon Kimberley is well-known throughout New Zealand m missionary circles. For some years ha was travelling secretary of the Church Missionary Society, and later or the New Zealand Anglican Board of Missions. His appointment is a timely recognition of his invaluable services to the Church in New Zealand. ' Speaking in Synod on behalf of the Board of Missions, Ffie Rev. F. B. Redgrave, general secretary, paid a tribute to the splendid organising work of Canon Kimberley.