PAY OF THE CLERGY

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9091, 9 July 1915, Page 2

PAY OF THE CLERGY

AN EFFORT TOWARDS EARLY IMPROVEMENT.

The question of'clergymen’s stipends occupied" some part of the Diocesan Synod’s time last evening, when Hr E. P. Mountfort moved —“That, in view of the increased cost of living, this syn*d devise means of supplementing th'e stipends of all clergy now below £250: (a) By an’ increased number of special offertories;- (h) such other means as synod may devise.” Tin mover pointed out that the present minimum, which was generally recognised as £2OO, was in many cases apt to he the maximum, and that it was not sufficient in the country where a clergyman had to keep a horse, or perhaps two horses, owing to the large amount of ground which he -had to cover.

A lengthy discussion ensued, in which members of the laity were prominent, and the general trend of their views was in favour of the better remuneration of the lower-paid clergy. Eventually the : motion was withdrawn in favour of the following moved by Mr .T. W. Henderson:—“That, in view of the inadequacy of-the stipends paid to the clergy, it be an instruction to the finance committee to keep steadily in view the desirability of making £250 the minimum stipend, and that the churchwardens be written to informing them that next year the assessments of their districts will be increased.”. Mr G. Shirtcliffe moved, as an amendment. “That this synod reaffirms tho resolutions passed during last session having reference to the stipends of vicars, and urges all synodsmen, churchwardens, and vestrymen of each district to devise the best means of giving effect to them with a view to substantial increases in all stipends that are at present below £250 being made next year.” The amendment by Mr Sbirtcllffe was carried on the voices. -