LAY READERS' CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9830, 27 May 1895, Page 3

LAY READERS' CONFERENCE.

For some years past it has been the custom of the Most Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland and Primate of Now Zealand, to have a conference of lay readers of the diocese in Bishopscourt on the Queen's Birthday, and the custom was observed on Friday. At half-past seven a.m. there was a Holy Communion service at which Bishop Cowie presided, assisted by the Ven. Archdeacon Dudley. Bishop Williams, of VVaiapu, Archdeacon Clarke, and several other clergymen, were present. After communion one Rev. Canon Bates gave an interesting and instructive address, and in the course of his remarks he impressed on the lay readers the desirability of adopting a conciliatory spirit, and the careful use of words which may be apt to give offence as, for instance, the words, "a good churchman." To the minds of some these words did not convey the meaning of a devout worker and follower of the Lord, but a?? one who adheres to certain form of \ ritualistic observances. About 50 lay readers and clergymen sat down to dinner, after which a conference was held. The Rev. Canon Haselden was re-appointed secretary, treasurer, and librarian, and Mr. Temple was appointed assistant secretary, with a view to arranging for the establishment of a Lay Readers' Club and meeting place in town, so that country members could meet there and hold quarterly conferences. Essays were read by Messrs. Kensington and Luke. The former was on the work of lay readers, and Mr. Luke's essay was on questions of the day, embracing Socialism, and the best way of dealing with doubters. An animated discussion took place, and Bishop Williams complimented both gentlemen on their essays. The meeting closed with a cordial vote of thanks to Mrs. Cowie for her hospitality. It was remarked that in no other place in the colony were there so many lay readers as in the Auckland diocese, nor such meetings held as those which had been brought about by the Most Rev. Primate.