DIOCESE OF NELSON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 29 July 1941, Page 6

DIOCESE OF NELSON

SYNOD IN SESSION The third session of the 31st Synod of the Diocese of Nelson opened in the Marsden Church Hall yesterday, the Bishop (Rl. Rev. Dr Stephenson) presiding. In the morning, a clergy conference was held and matters of domestic concern were discussed in breezy fashion. The Rev. E. H. Newman then introduced the important subject of “WarNeurosis,” and urged the study of the appropriate psychology to help returning members of the fighting forces whose nerves may be affected by the sights and the strains of their service. Many of these men, it was declared, will find it difficult to settle down quickly and quietly to civilian life and routine again. The Revs. R. C. Simpson (Motupiko) and C. E. Tanner (Amurn spoke sympathetically of the difficulties and the need of this task. The Bishop undertook to give whatever help clergy may desire of him in this sphere of pastoral service. At the beginning « the afternoon session a very pleasing interlude occurred when Mr W. J. Girling (Blenheim) asked leave to present a petition to the effet that. Synod, having 1 learned of Mr C. W. Pitts-Brovvn’s intention. "on account of the ‘March of Time,' ” not to stand for re-election to the next Synod, and remembering his many and capable services, desired him to reconsider his decision. The petition was signed, Mr Girling said, by almost all the members of the Synod and if any were omitted it was because the space for names was so full as to leave no room for more. The business of the afternoon and evening was the consideration of the annual reports of Standing Committee and the other committees and Trust Boards, which all showed satisfactory j positions. The Diocesan Missionary Council’s report disclosed a remarkable increase in income each year since 1935. Last evening synodsmen were entertained at a tea given by the young men and women of the Nelson Anglican Bible Class Union. To-day a Church Missionary Society luncheon was held at the All Saints’ Sunday School room. This function has been regularly held there since 1903. The committee responsible for the arrangements consisted of Mesdarnes Wiggins, Biddle. Wright. Wallace and Misses Maginnity and Dodson. The luncheon was followed by a m’ssionary meeting at which the speakers were the Bishop and the Rev. IL F. Ault, of Wellington.