DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6447, 11 October 1882, Page 2

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The first session of the sixth Synod of the Diocese of Dunedin was held yesterday in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall. There were present:—Clergy—Bishop Nevill (president), the Yen. Archdeacons Edwards and Fenton, Revs. C. J. Byng, W. Ronaldson, J. C. M. Wilson, A. R. Fitchett, R. A. Kerkham, F. J. Sotham, W. F. Knowles, W. Cruden T. F. Dodd, F. C. Platts, S. Grimes, J. L. Keating, and H. J. Davis. LaityMessrs James Smith, E. E. 0. Quick, A. D. Lubecki, G. E. Eliott, Thomas R. Seddon, W. Burnett, John Allan, W. H. S. Roberts, W. M. Hodgkins, James Allen, H. E. Williams, Edward Jones, R. H. Leary, T. S. Mackenzie, James Ashcroft, J. P. Harris. J. M. Ritchie, W. Fraser, H. J, Ainger, Wm. H. Churton, A. Hill Jack, S. Brent, and Captain R. A. E. Scott. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS.

The President's opening address was as follows:—

" Dear Brethren of the Clergy and Laity,— On the 17th of this month 14 years will have elapsed since the passing of the statute of the General Synod by which this diocese was constituted, but for nearly three years after that date it continued under the episcopal supervision of the Bishop of Christchurch, in accordance with the terms of the statute referred to. •

" This being the opening session of the newlyelected Synod, the sixth of the diocese, such a note of time is not out of place, nor without its practical value, because, while on the one hand it ought to incite us to an examination of how far we are fulfilling the responsibilities of our individual existence, and developing the requirements of a strong and well-ordered diocese, yet, on the other hand, the consideration that 14 years of time, however important a proportion of a human life, forms a very little space in the history of a church, should keep us from that over-anxiety for striking evidence or progress -ivlil^i.io _.o>.L«p_ «..,i_ri* o _ lujuiiouo than too little care. Sometimes the absence of institutions proper to a diocese, and the smallness of our diocesan funds, induces despondency and want of confidence among our own people, and disparaging remarks on the part of not very friendly critics outside ; but it should always be remembered that we started without extraneous aid, and that the birth of the diocese was amidst the strong winds of adverse circumstances of almost every kind, which have undoubtedly done much to retard our growth. And yet we are in no danger of being overwhelmed ; on the contrary, if only we be true to ourselves, our Church, and our Lord, wo shall emerge from these difficulties — the stronger, perhaps, for the hard discipline we have had to undergo. But, thank God, the 14 years have not gone idly by. Much, very miich there is to do, which may the Divine Spirit aid us to accomplish. But the diocese is now fairly overspread with parochial institutions, and in the promotion of these a very large sum of money has been contributed by but a small number of individuals. To God be all the praise.

" The Bishop's address to his Synod has from early times been regarded as the proper opportunity for considering all general and even political matters which have a bearing upon the welfare of the Church. Diocesan bynods have, indeed, been for a long time in abeyance in the mother Church, and yet the Bishop's address is still given periodically, and is still called his charge. In- like manner I have usually in the former part of my address made a somewhat wide discursus, hoping by the recognition of movements in other parts of the world and the study of the signs of the times, to enlarge our conceptions of our own position and mission. I trust the course pursued has not been entirely without advantage; but lest in looking at things afar off we should neglect to observe those'that are nigh, I purpose upon this occasion to invite you to regard, first, the position we occupy locally, the surroundings of our Church—there may be lessons that we should learn from these, —and then to examine the domestic affairs of our diocese, that we may ' set in order the things that are wanting,' and strengthen the works which are already in operation amoilgst us. , " In order to tiie full understanding of the problem which presents itself to us for solution, we should not be satisfied by a recapitu-lation-of those general needs which are common to the Church everywhere, but endeavour, by a closer study, to discover those circumstances which are in some measure peculiar to our case. And to arrive at this differentiation, it is needful to have regard to the character of our surroundings as well as to our own internal condition. Now the population, of which the members of our Church form a part, may be roughly divided into religionists, and those who either practically or overtly ignore the claims and duties of religion. So far, the division is a general ono, and offers no peculiarity ; but when we examine specifically the members of the first of these divisions— thank God, immeasurably the largest—we have to acknowledge not only that our communion is not a majority of tho population, but that it is not the largest denomination in the Provincial District of Otago and Southland. As is well known, that position belongs to the Presbyterians, an advantage which is very greatly increased to them by the value of their endowments. I allude to this not in any grudging spirit—a corresponding advantage is enjoyed by our own communion in Canterbury,—but because this is a factor in the full consideration of our case, and it operates in various ways upon us. It is not seldom that the actual position is exaggerated, to the discouragement of our own enterprises in various localities. Recollecting tha origin of this settlement, and impressed with the idea that we aro in a hopeless minority, people give way, and so induce failure where, with a little j more knowledge of the facts and faith in their work, success might be looked for. Tho relative numerical proportion, as revealed by the census of March, 1878—and which I do not think the last four years have made less favourable to us—is that for 48,000 Presbyterians (round numbers) there wero 32,000 of our communion. This majority of one-third is so much moro largely represented in tho country than in town, that I suppose that iv Dunedin there must bo an approach to oquality of numbers. Tho endowments possessed by the Presbyterians are largely used by them for the building of churchos. I humbly think that wo should bo on our guard lost we should overstrain oursolves in somothing like an effort to vio with our follow Christians in this kind of work. Having something liko a passion for architecture myself, and most of all for church architecture, it is a self-denial to me to write a sentence which in tho least degree discourages tho building of handsome churches on the part of our people. Yet, with overything to do, we should be very caroful not to exhaust our resources in one direction. Churches largo enough for the propor accommodation of our people wo must have. I would advocato that in most cases they should bo of an inexpensive and professedly temporary character, and that wo should rely upon an earnest clorgy, hearty sorvicosi, and tho blessing of Cod to onablo us to substitute more imposing structures in tlio future If in those respects our relation to a denomination which is locally more powerful than oursolvoa affects us in anywise injuriously. Let us bo ovor read}' to recognise tlio advantages which wo, in common with tlio whole community, derive from tho good points which aro characteristic of that denomination: thoir firm adhoronco to the obligations of religion, theivlovo of order, their rovorence for Holy Soripture, and their freedom from the proselytising spirit.

_or would we forget the kind help rendered i by individuals alilong them to our work. Our Wesleyan neighbours, including the six prin- i fcipal subdivisions of the Methodist body, : numbered 5207 of the total population of : Otago in the year 1878. The wonderful energy which characterises the members of that communion gives the impression of greater' numbers than they can really claim ; and the impression is strengthened by the efforts not unfrequently put forth to establish themselves even in districts which'contain few if any of their members. I make this remark not only of my own knowledge, but on the authority of Wesleyan ministers themselves, who have confessed this in their own conference, and that they could never have subsisted but for the support rendered them by those of our communion. These things are pretty generally acknowledged, but not often publicly alluded to on our part, very much from a fear of being thought uncharitable—as though it were any true charity to help others to do what we believe we can do better ourselves, or to enable two persons just to subsist where one only can be properly supported. But I touch upon this subject principally because the longer I live the more deeply I feel that there ought to be an honest and sincere examination of this question of the continuance of this Wesleyan separation, both on our side and on theirs. We may give up reproaching them with having sought to harden a church society into a church, for this was not the action of the present generation. We may readily acknowledge the piety and ability of many of their ministers, and. the wealth and importance attained by the denomination. Possibly these outward conditions would constitute the greatest difficulty in the way of reunion ; but they are not insuperable. Let those who smile at the suggestion even of reunion as being a visionary thing remember that the schismatic Donatists could bring forward very strong grounds in justification of their position; that they, too, had great possessions, and extended themselves far and wide over many countries, with a vast organisation, being ruled at one time by no less than 400 bishops; that they continued to increase for a period of near 300 years, and yet at the end of that time that they were brought back into the unity of the Church, very much by the exertions of Augustine of Hippo. It is not yet 100 years since Wesley died; still less since his followers departed from his earnest exhortation not to set up a separate ministry. I refuse to think that the lovers of our Lord can ever read unmoved his almost dying prayer. There are ; not all the difficulties -to be encountered on such a subject in the Colonies which find place at Home. Here at least we are free from the State complications which some there urge as an obstacle. We should not forget that most important precedent set by those Irish Wesleyans who, on the disestablishment of the Church in Ireland, came over in a body to out communion in that country. The Wesleyan Conference and our own General Synod might, one.would think, arrange together the terms of a reapprochement. If difficulties of trust deeds were the only hindrance, the Wesleyans might still be left to manage their own property as a distinct society. 'The Wesleyan Methodist Society' is, or was till very lately, their description- of themselves upon the cards of membership distributed at class meetings. I would say let them retain such features of their system as time has proved to be of value, but let their chief ministers receive an ordination none can doubt, and let corporate unity of action be established. Of course there must be first the willing mind— i.e., a tide of opinibn setting in i this direction. Ido not imagine this to exist > as yet, but neither will it ever be unless some j are willing to incur the risk of being misapprehended, and strive to set people thinking and ' praying and acting on this subject.l It is ' not enough to say 'Oh! no doubt the Wes . leyans do a great deal of good.' God forbid . that I should be 'thought to deny it; but the question is, howniuch more good might be done 1 and how much of the evil attending the pre- ' sent state of things might be escaped from if we could be one '! At the last meeting of the ' Conference in England it was found that there ' were many more candidates for their ministry ' than were needed by the Wesleyans at Home. ' Strange that our case is the opposite of this ! ' A decision was come to send out some of this 1 surplus to the Colonies.

" I am not without discernment as to the probable fate of these remarks, but I make them prayerfully. It is quite possible that corporate reunion may yet be distant. I quote the reply of Bishop Rheinkens to my advance— ' It is something even to have wished to come together,' and remembering that the General Synod has long recognised ' the restoration of the unity of the Christian Church' as one principal object to which its efforts should be directed, I will cast my bread upon the waters, though I should not find it till after many days.

Such thoughts as I have put forward are not unlikely to.be met by the safe retort, ' Physician, heal thyself,' and I may be advised to look at the infidelity which rears its head against all denominations of Christians alike, or at the laxity of too many of our own people with regard to religion, rather than at our coreligionists at all. I have, however, no intention of ignoring this subdivision of the more general part of my address; but there is a very strong connection between this and the foregoing. Infidelity has always used the divisions of Christendom as one of its most pointed shafts ; but not only does this state of things «ffo«T_ _. •w.R.pon ot ftttaolc, ir. is porhapo otlll more mischievous as a silently-working influence amongst our young people. These have for the most part neither taste nor opportunity for investigating the grounds, or the extent, either of our differences or agreements; that which presents itself to their minds is broadly—'Here is a different set of churches, ministers, and names, which is tantamount to so many religions who shall say,' they argue:' Which of them is correct?'and hence a potent cause of the disintegration of their faith. Every step towards the reunion of Christendom would be a step gained in the re-establishment of that wavering line of those halting between two opinions, of which, I think, the greater part of so-called infidels consists.

" But now to examine this part of my subject a little more closely, in order that we may the more clearly see our way to deal with it wisely and well. For convenience sake I spoke of these as non-religionists; but of course this includes every variety, from the professed Atheist to the more careless worldling. lam anxious neither to underrate the danger by which we are beset nor to over-esti-mate the power and influence of those who are either professedly or practically inimical to Christianity. I'think on the one hand that, the natural desire of the managers of newspapers to give prominence to whatever partakes of the character of novelty has led to the sayings and doings of so-called Freethinkers being more displayed to the public than either the originality or value of those sayings and doings demanded. At the same time, the spectacle of even a handful of persons arraying themselves deliberately against the truths of revelation is so shocking to the believer that he- is bound to pay serious attention to the subject, to see, if possible, how it comes about, and how others may be kept from drifting into such a position. As to how it comes about, I have hoard no explanation given more commonly by the Freethinkers themselves than that their reason and their whole nature revolted against the tenets of Calvinists and from the severity with which religion had been presented to them in their youth, and that in the strong reaction they had broken away from religion altogether. Now if we assume the practical correctness of the account, it has never seemed to, me . that the explanation reflects very highly upon the intelligence of those who make it. Surely they might stop by the way to inquire whether Calvinism was any fair representation of Christianity ? - How much of it, for example, would they find in the primitive creed 1 Then as to the conduct of others towards them, if Freethinkers would only think freely they would surely see that the mistakes of _ individuals are but a poor arraignment against the truth of a cause: possibly their own children will hereafter accuse them of the opposite fault of giving them no discipline at all.

" But the truth is, we must look deeper for the cause. The primary cause I take to be our natural enmity against God and His commandments ; but a very important secondary cause is the small number of our liviDg agents of religion to go in and out among the people and influence them for good. _ Speaking particularly of our larger towns, in which of course the problem of infidelity presents itself most prominently, it is not that I fail to appreciate the work of the parochial clergy when I repeat myself upon this point—it has been my theme in many Synod addresses, and I am always studying the problem afresh to see if any other solution can be found. Every fresh analysis of the case drives me back more and more forcibly upon the old conclusion. I very thankfully acknowledge that of late years the Divine Spirit has moved many more to take up some form of active work than was formerly the case. Several of our parishes enjoy the almost invaluable aid of a band of district visitors, who are, for the most part, exemplary in their work. The same may be said of Sunday-school teachers, some of whom have carried on their important work patiently and devotedly for many years; but these works are chiefly carried on by women, and amongst women or children, and what we want is work amongst men and by men. I most gratofully acknowledge the services of our lay readers, a larger staff of whom have helped us in and around Dunedin during the past year than ever before. They have not only relieved the clergy by reading the lessons in church, but have by self-denying exertions in all weathers, and I fear sometimes at some cost, maintained services in outlying parishes or districts, which must, without their aid, have boen relinquished. All this is good and most valuable, but it is by no means the whole of what is required. The wanderers are many, and it is not by ringing a church-bell and holding a service merely that these will be brought back. There is, humanly speaking, nothing for it but a sympathetic contact of mind with mind, and especially for the young men of the place. a confidential association with those near their own ago, with whom they aro not afraid to open their minds and exchange thoughts froely. I have seen this very clearly, and felt it very deeply for years past, and I have given the best of my ability to devise some way in which theso living agents cau be introduced among us. In the one or two parishes in which assistant curates might be supported I have encouraged that course; but thoso instances are fow, and though even ono or two such assistant clergy if wo can get whole-hearted and capable men to undertake tho work—would bo of great valuo, yot they could not moot tho whole case; they would, 'I doubt not, impart additional vigour and life to our presont machinery—they could hardly go outsido of it. I onco moro commend to tho candid and unprejudiced consideration of tho whole diocoso, and of tho city of Dunedin in particular, tho project of the Theological College, as offering, amongst other '

advantages, tha most considerable contribution I can think of towards meeting the case under discussion. The principal would probably from time to time give public lectures; calculated to help those who have real difficulties, and to dissipate the ignorance which is the strength ot most of the objections brought against religion. Admission to hia home evening lectures might be given oh easy terms to those who desired to attend them. I have been requested myself either to repeat public lectures already given, or to give fresh ones. Pressure of work renders this impossible, but I quote tho fact to show that subjects bearing on religion are not without interest. Then, again, assuming that three or four students could be found, there is much that they could do without making clergymen of them prematurely, which would be of the greatest Bervice to religion, while it was good training for themselves. I allude to such work as the visitation of the Hospital, assisting in the management of the Christian Knowledge Depdt, or the conduct of a diocesan newspaper, but still more important as bearing upon the point lam discussing—the promotion of parochial societies for youngs men, and taking classes of youths just at the age when they leave Sunday-school and are too often lost sight of. Thus, without speaking of those less definite yet powerful influences which such an institution would exercise, or of its importance in reference to the supply of elbrgy, I feelit to be nothing more than my duty to take advaill tage ef the public character of this address to appeal for a more careful weighing of this subject in all its surroundings than it has yet received. I abstain from adding anything as to the necessity of drawing our clergy more and more from the country itself, both because that is now almost pastthe region of argument, on the concurrent testimony of almost all Colonial bishops of experience, and becauseliritrbdrtefeil the subject of the Theological College as as once the most practical and practicable way of increasing: our living religious agencies; and I earnestly desire to enlist your hearty sympathy, as well as that . of non-members of the Synod, in this undertaking ; but Ido not propose to introduce ariy statute or resolution on the subject to the notice of the Synod. Legislation is not yet called for, but as a further assistance to your thoughts upon it, I will add that I look forward in the future to getting lectureships on various branches of theological . learning founded, to which the best-qualified of our clergy, whether resident in town or country, could be appointed; and this would prove a stimulus to continued study, and possibly enable some from a distance to spend a short time periodically in Dunedin, to our advantage equally with their own. BJ* such faeaha we might hope to obtain both a deeply-read clergy and an appreciative laity; While people know next to nothing of a subject it is almost certain to appear uninteresting; let them once get below the surface and discover how much there is to be known, and an intel ligent interest is awakened. The task to which I must ask the careful and patient attention of the Synod is still that. of the adjustment of our finances. The fact that there is no other subject of importance pressing for immediate solution makes me hopeful that some well-considered, measure may be devised which will be capable of ready application to the varying conditions arid capabilities of different parts of the diocese. Our thanks were due to the two gentlemen who last year brought forward motions which had for their object to effect changes in the manner of payment of the clergy, and it was doubtless hoped to thereby increase the amounts to be received as income. If by anything.l then Baid I discouraged the .adoption of.eitherof the plans then put forward, it was from no indifference to the subject, but, as I.then explained, because in each Of the plans proposed the whole argument appeared to rest on the assumption that more money.would, be; forthcoming on the new plan.than eh. the old one, and as it was only proposed to. legislate by resolution, I shrank from running the almost terrible risk involved of making silch great changes on a simple vote. I have since seen cause to be thankful that those propositions were rejected. But we have had a year in which to consider the whole' subject, and wa have recently had the advantage of having the result of Archdeacon Fenton's study, of it put before us in the shape/of two 'draft statutes which may well serve as a basis for action. Perhaps I shall be rendering you someassistance if I remind you of the several distinct branches of our financial, operations which ought to be taken into consideration and provided for. These are—(l),The support of the clergy; (2) the payment of "■ the "'diocesan expenses—hitherto attempted by making an assessment upon the parishes and parochial districts; (3) the provision of funds for the execution of such works as are contemplated by the Church Society, and for similar objects. It is worth while asking whethef- these .can all be included in one piece'of machinery, which which would then be the sole financial instrument of the diocese; or if this be not possible, which of the abovenamed divisions ought to be separately provided for ?.-, A financial scheme to be successful must combine and harmonise the apparently conflicting principles of simplicity and multiplicity. There should be sitnplicity of general plan, so that all may be able to understand and appreciate the design." Manifold operations are, however, needed, or a ; large proportion of our people will'be unreached, and so fail to contributo their share to the general need., We possess a most excellent machinery, for thfe care of funds _jn~our indefatigable trustees and their most efficient secretary, the diocesan treasurer. We have.in-the Standing Committee a body empowered by the statute which constitutes it to niake appropriations of funds not already designated to any particular object, and distribution or proportionate.application of such as are.. It remains that we should elaborate an equally distinct and equally authoritative instrument for the. collection of funds, aa we possess for theft care and distribution. Por these; and other reasons, I think it of the highest importance that we -should proceed to constitute the Church Society, or some similar organisation, by statute —of course defining therein its functions and mode of operations. One advantage of this course would be that it would then become the duty of the diocesan authorities to see that this statute was as fully applied to every part of the diocese as any other of our statutes, while under tho present system those parishes which have established branches of the Church Society within themselves are doing a disproportionate part of the Church's work. It hardly needs to be said that if the work of the Church Society were so universally carried on, a very large increase of its funds might be looked for. I must leave the details of this proposal for discussion in tbe course of our session; but there is one manifest and great difficulty upon which I desire to offer a few remarks. It is the old difficulty of the relation of diocesan to parochial finance. We must not build up one at the expense of the other. I do not think that the systematic collection of small sums from our people generally would,' in the case of the older parishes, hinder the work proper to the vestry. There is in such cases generally a very large aggregate of money which is scarcely represented in Church work at all, though this money is perhaps subdivided amongst a considerable number of people. It is by the ramifications of their system that the Wesleyans apply themselves in the main to the holders of this money and draw therefrom a large share of their support, though very many of these individuals belong to ourselves. But there are parishes which are already systematically canvassed on behalf of parochial revenue, and this is particularly the case in those instances in which the churches are.free to all comers. ' Two applications and two sets of collectors are out of the question. But it must never be forgotten that the surrender of seat .rents does not mean leaving so much money in the pockets of those who would otherwise be called upon to pay it away; it means only that in the maintenance of a high and truly Christian principle they are left to act before God rather than man, and trusted to act faithfully on the law of love and truth rather, than that of bargain and sale. Let this be done and the equivalent of the seat rent added to the contributions for other purposes, as the offertory, and the local needs would be at least, as well supplied as before, and generally I believe it would be found that the parochial collectors would have little difficulty, if their cards were r .iled in two columns, in obtaining a small sum for the diocese at the same time. that they collected for the parish. Special cases there will always be, and under any system we can hardly legislate for these, but ■ surely the Church Society, put upon a proper footing and universally applied, is fraught \ with great possibilities to our diocese. This plan, for instance, would render possible the transition from the parochial to a diocesan mode of payment of clergy, a change which was earnestly advocated last year, and which has much to recommend it. I do not see why we should not almost immediately be able to draw from the funds of the Society a small sum by way. of honorarium to each of the archdeacons until endowments can be built up. In the same way it might become possible to develop, the organisation of a Cathedral Chapter in process of time. I once thought we might draw upon such a bank for our diocesan. expenses, and be able to give up the very unsatisfactory plan of parochial assessments, but perhaps thia would be leaving too little for the vestries to do, nevertheless I will throw out the suggestion; I hope that the members of the existing Church Society will consider what I have advanced in a large-hearted way, and pass somo resolution at their meeting to-morrow evening, entrusting this Synod with the business, of reconstitution upon the basis indicated. Assuming that such action is taken by this Synod, and the statute passed, it will bB necessary for some arrangements to be made to secure the provisions of it being brought into operation as speedily as possible. No doubt the clergy will be able to accomplish much to this end in their respective parishes, but I am of opinion that it would be wise to lun.terially increase the salary of the diocesan secretary and to engage more of his time. . This is very desirable on other grounds. I am. quite sure that very few have any conception pf' the amount of work accomplished by the Rev. Mr Ronaldson for the diocese during the past year, and, under ordinary circumstances . even, this will increase every year"; but if the"correspondence connected with the Church Society is to fall upon the diocesan secretary 'under" the new scheme, there will be an immediate and very onerous increase of correspondence. I may add that in my opinion it is. highly desirable that the secretary should be at liberty to make personal visits to parishes and districts wherfe his aid was required to explain the principles of tho statute, and to foster its prompt application. I shall lay upon the table tho reports of tha archdeacons, being the answers to thoir visitation inquiries^ It war, my intention to have presented the information to be derived from these in a condensed and tabulated form. It has not been'found possible, however, for oome of the archdeacons to conclude their work until quite recently, so

that from, two of them the reports have not been in my hands long enough to enable this to be done. I suggest the appointment of a committee of Synod for this purpose, which, if at once elected, would enable statistical information to be supplied to the Synod in a convenient form. I also lay upon the table of Synod a protest from the Rev. Algernon Gifford, entitled ' Protest under which the incumbent of the parish of St. Luke the Evangelist, Oamaru, receives the visitation of Archdeacon Fonton. ' Mr Gifford requests that this protest be presented to this Synod at the same time with the answers to the inquiries of Archdeacon Fen ton's _visitation. I think there should also be a committee to consider the report of the diocesan trustees, and to present any matter to the Synod in a convenient form which appeared to demand attention. ' It might also be made a duty of this committee to go through the list of parishes and parochial districts with a view to ascertain from the clergy in charge of them whether there were any properties which aro held on insecure trusts, or respecting which proper trust deeds have never been completed. My exertions for years in this direction, as well as those of the Church steward, lead me to repeat the suggestion made to a former Synod, and I think that such a committee should be ap-

pointed at each session of Synod to prevent the loss of property by the falling through of arrangements. "It only now remains that I should alliide briefly to the more prominent events of our ecclesiastical history during the past year; and first I will mention the death of the Rev. W. P. Tanner, M.A.- late incumbent of St. John's, Invercargill, and a rural dean. This, event took place on the morning bf Easter Day, and although notices appeared in the paperlj of tbat date speaking appreciatively of Mr Tanner's many excellent qualities, yet it is fitting that I should remind the Synod that 'the calling away of Mr Tanner is the removal of one of that small group of clergy to whom the honour is due of being the first to represent our Church in the southernmost part of New Zealand. The 20 years of Mr Tanner's ministry takes us back to a. period not i only long anterior to the formation of this ! diocese, but even to the early history of that I of Christchurch—to days in which roads and bridges were not, and missionary journeys i meant long rides, often through marshy tracts I encumbered with high flax, which made travelling slow and in cold weather not free from suffering. These thoughts enhance the blessed Easter teaching of entry into reßt. The Board of Nominators held their meeting at Invercargill, and there made choice, from a considerable number of clergy who were known to be willing to be nominated, of the Rev. H. Stocker, 8.A., curate of Akaroa, in the diocese of Christchurch. I have since, by making suitable inquiries and by correspondence with Mr Stocker himself, satisfied myself of his canonical fitness, and hope to institute him to the care of St. John's early in' November. Other clerical changes and arrangements are the appointment of the Rev. J, C. M. Wilson to the charge of Tapanui and Roxburgh, the Rev. W. Cruden, 8.A., to the Peninsula, and the licensing of the Rev. J. Lloyd Keating, M.A., to be assistant curate in the parish of All Saints', Dunedin. I regret to say that the parish of St. Peter's, Queenstown, has continued vacant ever since the departure of the Rev. Mr Granger. The connected district of Arrowtowu is very injuriously affected by this state of things,.and lam moat sorry to have to say that the sole cause of the continued vacancy is the strong desire on the part of certain residents to effect the separation of Queenstown from Arrowton, which, nevertheless, have never been able to prove themselves capable of supporting a clergyman alone. I have a hope that the districts will shortly agree to provide jointly the stipend of one clergyman as beforo. I have frequently expressed my willingness to separate the districts so soon as it can be shown on satisfactory evidence that each is able to maintain a clergyman apart from the other. New churches have been opened for Divine service since my last account to the Synod at Ravensbourne, in the parish of All Saints', Dunedin ; at Otepopo, at Hampden, and a very important brick church for the suburban parish of St. Peter, Caversham. It is only right that I should single out for special mention the churches of St. Stephen, Hampden, and St. Mary, Otepopo, from the very unusual circumstance of two churches being built at tho same time within the one charge, and each being consecrated within a day of the other, as being in each case free of debt as soon as completed. The East-West district is probably the poorest in the diocese. I am thankful to be able to report that by the generosity of one or two individuals the balance of the debt upon the church at Shiel Hill, Anderson's Bay, has been paid off, and the property duly vested in the diocesan trustees. Services are regularly held at the Maori Kaik, Otakou, by the Rev. W. Cruden. The Rev. T. F. Dodd has also been able to do some good work among the Natives at Moeraki. My chaplain to the Native race—the Rev. W. Ronaldson—visited Moeraki Kaik a few Sundays ago. I very earnestly desire the attention of the clergy and vestries to the resolution on the support of missions, in the hope that funds will at least be forthcoming to enable Mr Ronaldson to make periodical visits with a view to the more systematic conduct of this work. The Rev. Mr Bannerman wrote to nic on behalf of the Presbyterian Synod last year to ask whether it was our purpose to maintain religious work among the Maoris.

"Tho ntta-bcr of -confirmations and confirmees is considerably greater for the past year than for the one preceding. They are as follow:— . ' -. Chnrches. • M. F. Tl. 1. St. Paul's, Dunedin .. .. 3 9— 12 2. All Saints', Dunedin .. .. 15 30 —45 3. St. Matthew's, Dunedin .. 9 25 —34 4. St. John's, Rotlyn .. ..10 10 —20 5. St. John's, Waikouaiti ... 9 7 •-16 6. Holy Trinity, Port Chalmers .. 1 12 —13 7. St. John's, Milton .. ..12 13 —25 ». Holy Trinity, Lawrence .. 14 29 —43 0. All Saints', Gladstone .. 9 21 —20 10. St. Stephcu's, Hampden .. 1 7—B 11. St. Stephen's, Bavensbourno .. 8 6—. 14

91 169 280 God grant that those who were being saved may ' continue in the faith grounded and settled,' and not be ' soon turned away from the hope set before them'! Finally, I place upon the table the returns of the late elections to Synod, together with a list of gentlemen appointed by the Standing Committee to fill vacancies, and a letter of objection which has been sent in bearing upon the election to Port Chalmers. No doubt a committee will be appointed to examine and report upon this objection. It might be well to have such a committee appointed by ballot. May God in His mercy endue us with strength, and give us a good will that we may abound more and more in knowledge, and in labours, and in love, for His Son's sake, and tbe manifesting of His glory.' At the conclusion of the address, which was warmly applauded, Yen. Archdeacon Edwards moved a vote of thank's to the President, which was-seconded by Mr Hodgkins, and carried unanimously.

FORMAL. The reports of tbe Diocesan Trustees and of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge were laid upon the table by the Secretary. On the motion of Yen. Archdeacon Edwards', the Rev, W. Ronaldson was elected clerical secretary, and Mr James Allen lay secretary, during the session of the Synod. Mr G. E. Eliott was elected chairman of committees. DISPUTED ELECTION. -

Mr Brent presented a petition signed by a number of residents at Port Chalmers, praying that the election of Mr De Longueville Graham as synodsman for that district might be declared informal. The grounds stated were that the churchwardens' book had been improperly manipulated, and- that the returningoffieer had exercised both a deliberative and a casting vote. The petition was received, and Mr Brent then moved the suspension of standing order No. 14, in order that a committee might be elected to consider tho matter. The gentlemen chosen by ballot were—Revs. Archdeacon Edwards, F.J. Sotham, Archdeacon Fenton, and Messrs Brent, Smith, and Lubecki. I NOTICES OF. MOTION,.

The following notices of motion were given : — , By Yen. Archdeacon Edwabds : " That as it does not appear probable that sufficient funds will be raised within a reasonable time to place the proposed Theological Hall for this diocese on a satisfactory footing, and there is an urgent demand for properly-trained ministers, this Synod is of opinion that a respectful address should be presented to his Lordship the Bishop, requesting his consent to the income of the Theological College Trust Fund being devoted to the maintenance of one or more students at the Christchurch Theological College until other arrangements can be made." By the Rev. R. 3D. Stanford :-"Thatit is desirable in the interests of the Church to have one newspaper specially devoted to her interests for the whole of this ecclesiastical pro- - ince, and that the General Synod be requested to take the matter into its favourable consideration at its next session."

By Archdeacon Fenton : "To move for leave to "bring in a bill to constitute the Church Society by statute." By Archdeacon Fenton : "To move for leave to briiif? in a bill to regulate the providing and distributing the General Clergy Maintenance Fund."

By Mr T. G. Downes : " That it is desirable that the accounts, showing the receipts and expenditure in detail for the purchase of land at Port Chalmers, and the erection of a parsonage thereon, be laid on the table of this Synod." By Yen. Archdeacon Edwards—" That the Diocesan Secretary obtain specimen copies of the several printed books supplied to parishes and parochial districts in the diocese of Christchurch, for the purpose of keeping the returns, &c. required by the Synod, and for the registration of Church members, and that the said specimen copies be laid on the table of this Synod." By Mr H. J. Ainger—"That the time for calculating assessments on parishes and parochial districts be altered from 30th September to 31st December in each year ; and it be an instruction to all parish officers to furnish to the Diocesan Treasurer on or before lst February in each year a copy of their parochial accounts made up to 31st December last year." By Mr George S. Brodrick—" That this Synod approve of the salo of the site of St. Peter's (old) Church, Caversham, provided that tho money received by the sale of the land be not paid over to the trustees of the new church until the new site is ready to be conveyed to the diocesan trustees. That the money so received be devoted to the purchase of the site on which the new church is built, tho surplus, if any, to be devoted to tlio Church Building Fund. And that the Standing Committee be authorised to deal with the samo in the tenor of thia resolution, as may be necessary." By Mr Allen—"For leav6 to bring in an

amendment to statute 4, clause 9—'Provided that in the event of no election of churchwardens and vestrymen being made within i this period, then the Standing Committee shall appoint such officers.'" ■ THE CHURCH SOCIETY. The President gave notice that the meeting of the Church Society would be held in'that room at half-past 8 this evening, the business of the Synod being adjourned for that purpose.