CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19309, 22 October 1924, Page 5

CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

DIOCESE OP DUNEDIN. PROCEEDINGS OF SYNOD. The first session of the twentieth Synod ■ o e diocese of Dunedin was continued in St. Ruths Schoolroom yesterday. Bishop Richards presided, and there was a good attendance. Ihe Otago Women’s Club wrote inviting the wives of the visiting members of the Synod to become honorary members of the club during their stay in Dunedin. The Secretary of the Athenaeum Com-, mittee wrote inviting visiting members to make use of the reading room during the sittings of tho Synod. Bishop Richards mentioned that in his presidential address on Monday he had inadvertently described the Rev. J. E. Holloway as a master of science instead of as a doctor of science. On the motion of the Rev. Y. G. B. King it was decided to send fraternal greetings to the Auckland and Christchurch Synods, SOCIAL WORK. The Rev. D. L. Freer moved—‘‘That a Select Committee bo appointed to go into the question of co-ordinating the social work of the diocese, and report to this session of Synod, and that the committee consist °f Rev. J. H. Rogers, Rev. B. King, Dr Williams, Messrs L. D. Ritchie, A. A. Finch, and the mover.” In prox>osing the motion Mr Freer said he was sure they had the welfare of the social work very much at heart, and it would seem that progress was being made. Perhaps the rime had arrived for a better co-ordination of the present work, and it was with the object of considering that phase that he brought the motion forward. The motion was seconded by Mr E. Laley. Mr L. D. Ritchie moved as an amendment that his name bo struck out and the name of Mr G. R. Ritchie substituted. He thought that St. Mary’s oongTegation should bo represented on tho committee. The Rev. S. J. Cooper said that in 1922, the Bishop was asked to appoint an Advisory Committee. That committee was appointed, but it held only one meeting. He was not quite clear as to tho meaning of the motion. Was it meant simply to have another resolution on tho books and allow the committee to go to sleep again for another three years? The committee that had been appointed might have done something. On the motion of Mr Freer, the name of Mr G. R. Ritchie was added to the committee. The motion as amended was then adopted, and it was decided that the committee should report to Synod this, afternoon. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. The Sessional Committee on Sunday Schools reported that the Diocesan Sunday School Teachers’ Association had again had to contend with a great amount of apathy on the part of the general body of the clergy, but it welcomed cordially the accession of St. Matthew’s. Port Chalmers. tho a Holy Innocents, and acknowledged its indebtedness of the counsels of the vicars of these cures. The association had taken * forward step in arranging a permanent syllabus, providing for a six years’ course, which should enable all scholars passing through its schools to obtain a good knowledge of the Cathechim, the book of common prayer, the life of Our Lord, and' the early history of the Church, together with many part 3 of tho Old Testament, used as illustrations to the Catechism. This syllabus had been submitted to the chairman of the Christchurch Association, who considered that it might form a basis for a provincial scheme which would secure continuity of teaching, even though scholars moved from place to place. This result would be scoured in the diocese if all clergy acceded to the Bishop’s wish and adopted, it. Tho association was indebted to Miss Myra Forbes for some valuable advice, especially in connection with kindergarten work. Lack of expected funds had prevented the committee from entering into a definite engagement with Miss Forbes. .Most valuable assistance had been given to the Dunedin schools by members of the Teachers’ Guild (professional), who had been visiting the schools and had given the teachers the priceless benefit of their own experience and training. The association had done something, but it could do a great deal more if it got the support which it had a right to ask from the clergy of tho diocese. The association desired to acknowledge its indebtedness to the schools which had been formed under the auspices of the Otago School of Religious Education, and realised that great help might bo afforded to the teachers who attended these schools. DATES AND TIMES OF SITTING. The Rev. J. A. Lush moved—‘‘That a Select Committee be set up to inquire into tho matter of date and times of sitting of Synod, and that the same committee inquire as to the necessity of so much printing for Synod. The proposed committee was Archdeacon Fitchetfc, Revs. D. L. Freer, V. Fisher, J. N. Thompson, Messrs G. Featherstone and L. D. Ritchie.” The mover said ho brought the proposal forward in the hope that a decision would bo reached cn the question of town v. country, which came up at every sitting. This appeal was made on behalf of the country members, who suffered considerable inconvenience under the present arrangements. He believed that the farmers were very busy just now, and that it was very difficult for the country laymen to get away. These people were not so bus v in July. Ho believed that a change might be tried for a couple of years. He also believed that if the Synod went hard at it it could get through the business in two days. He also questioned the advisability of having so much printing, and he thought that, money could be saved in this direction and devoted to rural church work. The Rev. J. N. Thompson seconded the motion. The Kcv. W. A. Hamblett supported the motion, stating that if they could expedite the business it would be of benefit to everyone. It should be possible for the committees to meet early, and get the business before the Synod with as little delay is possible. The Rev. Mr Fisher said they should (to all they could in an endeavour to make some alteration. The Rev. H. Parata said he was heartily in favour of the motion. He advocated the starting of the afternoon sessions at 2.50. Mr Newman (Gore) stressed the difficultown on committees when country repretatives under present conditions. The Ven. Archdeacon Fitchett said he would like to support the motion with reference to the appointment of a committee, but he had grave doubts about a selcet committee to discuss the date. That was the prerogative of the bishop, and he felt very much that ho could not support a motion which brought that question into discussion. Regarding the question of printing, he said that possibly if they spent a little more on printing they could meet earlier. That could be done by paying the printers overtime to do the work at. night. He believed that, the real solution of the difficulty in regard to laymen was that they should be given committee work to do. He believed they were making a mistake in putting laymen from the town on committees when country representatives were available. Bishop Richards said the real discussion on the proposal could take place on tho presentation of the report of the committee if it was appointed. At the request of Archdeacon Fitchett, who said his hands were full, his name was removed from the proposed committee. The motion was carried after the personnel of the committee hud been altered to the following;—The Revs. D. L. Freer, V. Fisher, J. N. Thompson, and J. A. Lush, Messrs G. Featherstone, L. I). Ritchie, Day. Newman, and Smyth. The committee will present its report this afternoon. NOMINATIONS TO A CURE. The Rev. J. H. Rogers moved —“That it be a respectful recommendation to General Synod that a clause be added to Canon 11., S, Title A, rendering it unlawful for a vestry, in their conference with the nominators, actually to submit to tho latter tho name of an individual whom they desire to be appointed to the cure.” Mr Rogers said he believed that there were many people who were not satisfied with the working of the present statute, and that if this recommendation went before tho General Synod and was adopted it would remove one of the difficulties that existed now. The statute was intended to bring together in the fullest possible way the needs of the parish and the resources of the Church. A vestry set out fully and clearly the needs of a parish, and sketched as clearly as it could the kind of man required. The duty of the Board of Nominators was to search the resources of the Church, 'and especially the resources of its own diocese for a man personally qualified, and qualified by length and excellence of service. The last word rested with a vestry, and it would seem that the privilege granted was of a very high order. Some vestries had actually submitted a name to the Board of Nominators. The Standing Committee jiad ruled that there was nothing in the

Statutes to prevent this, .but was it a good thing to have? He did not think it carried out the 'lntentions of the nomination statute. A vestry might select an excellent man and put his name before the nominators in all good faith, but the Board of Nominators might know men in the diocese who were even more qualified and who deserved recognition when a parish cure was vacant. A vestry oould not be expected to take this view of the matter. The Beard of Nominators might have knowledge of some deterrent in the case of the man named, and be unable to put that knowledge before a vestry. In many dioceses there were certain unwritten laws which were not always known by vestries He would point out the importance of no definite name being put before the nominators which might infringe a/n unwritten law of tho diocese. There should bo nothing to prevent the Board of Nominators from exercising its sacred charge so that a cure might be filled suitably and wisely. The Rev. Mr Freer seconded the motion.

Mr Whitcornbo gaid he thought tho majority of the vestries would consider that an attempt was being made to gag them. A vestry was responsible for finding the funds, and he thought it was pnly reasonable that it should have a say in this matter. He quite recognised that if the Board of Nominators and a vestry clashed a mao who was nominated to a cure in opposition to tho vestry might have a bad time, but he thought that position would not often arise. He thought a vestry should be allowed to name a man who was desired.

Mr Smyth said he did not think the proposal would tend to produce harmony. A vestry would regard itself capable of judging whether a man was suitable for a parish, and if it expressed a desire for a certain man it would be in the interests of the church that he should he appointed. He thought that vestries should be allowed to retain the little power which they now possessed. If the Synod took away from the vestries everything except the right to see that the church was clean it would find that their interest would decline very considerably. Dean Fitchett expressed the view that Mr Rogers had put the case before them very fairly. It should be understood that it was not the principle of the church in this province for a congregation to elect its minister. The Board of Nominators was appointed to deal with the question, and a vestry was not entitled to elect its own minister. The board had to look at all the clergy in the diocese at a given time. If they tried to send a clergyman into a pariah which did not want him it would be a very dangerous experiment, and it would be difficult to get a , man to go under those conditions. He felt that there was a good deal of disquiet amongst the clergy with reference to the board, The board carried tho weight of the Synod in making appointments, and he thought that parishes should not bo encouraged to make their own appointments. >. The Rev. Mr Parata expressed approval of the motion. There had probably been a certain amount of uneasiness amongst the clergy in regard to appointments in this diocese. He thought this was the result of the Board of Nominators not having tho freedom which it should have enjoyed. If anything could be done to remove tho board from any pressure by a vestry it was the duty of the Synod to do it. There was just a possibility of vestries taking a local view of the Church and its work, whereas the Board of Nominators had to take a far larger view. If the motion would tend in the direction of ensuring that the scales were held with equal poise in the matter of appointments he would support it. The Rev. Canon Small said that the appointment of clergy must rest with the Bishop, but surely tney could trust a vestry to submit a name to the Board of Nominators without it being unlawful. If the motion were carried the sympathy ' of the vestrymen would be alienated, as one of the few privileges which they held would be taken away from them. Ho sincerely hoped that tho motion would not be adopted. Mr L. D. Ritchie said he could not support the motion. If a man was fit to hold the Bishop’s license surely he was fit to hold any position to which he might bo appointed. If they took away the local interest they would nave a church empty and its funds depleted. . ■ Mr J. Ash said he agreed with Canon Small and Mr Ritchie. If the motion were carried it would, bo a direct attack on the rights and privileges of vestries. As a member of the Board of Nominators he thought that the conferences between the board and representatives of tho parishes had been most successful and most satisfactory in every way. There had been no attempt to force the hand of the board. He thought they would make a great mistake if they carried the motion. In reply Mr Rogers thanked his opponents for the splendid way in which they had supported the motion. They had proved all his points up to tho hilt. Tho motion was lost on a division 21 clergy and six laity voting for it and 10 clergy and 23 laity voting against it.

BOARD OF NOMINATION. Dean Fitchett moved tho second reading of a bill providing for an increase m the number oi clerical and lay members of the Board of Nomination. The proposal was that two clerical and two lay members be elected to the board at the first annual session of synod after each general election ton of synedsmon. The mover said he believed that the change proposed had already been made in one northern diocese, and he understood that the wish of the clergy was that tho Dunedin Synod should take the same step. He believed the board was all right as it was, but he thought it would be well to pass the bill and so meet the wishes of the clergy. , The motoin, which was seconded by the Rev Mr Parata, was carried. The bill was then put through committee. read a third time, and passed. _ The following members were nominated for the Board of Nomination Dean Fit-c-hott. Archdeacon Fitchett. the Rev. Mr Parata, the Rev. Mr Button, Messrs J Ash. R. B. 'Williams, and L. D. Ritchie. ' Two clerical and two lay representatives will be elected to the board today. PENSIONS.

The second reading of a bill to amend the clergv, "widows’, and orphans statute was moved by tho Ven Archdeacon Fitchett, who said ho had brought tiie bill forward at the request of the Pensions Board, which had considered the matter and had come to the conclusion that it was very desirable that they should find some means of obviating the necessity of taking from the districts the Christmas offertory. Tho principal clauses in the bill were as follows : ■ “There shall be a Pension Augmentation Fund from which the Clergy Pension Trust Board may make at its discretion grants to augment the pensions to which retiring clergymen of the age of 70 years or more are entitled under clause 6. Hie income of the Pension Augmentation Fund shall bo derived from (a) Subscriptions, donations, and legacies. (b) Interest from funds capitalised as' hereinafter provided, (c) Annual payments of £1 each from all parishes, pairochial districts, and institutions that are required to pay to the principal fund under clause 4. (d) The sum of £IOO per annum from the Assessment .Fund.” Statute X, clause 3, is hereby amended by the addition of “(11) The Pension Augmentation Fund £100.” Archdeacon Fitchett said that within the last few years an addition had been made to the pensions statute to provide an augmentation fund to deal with the cases of old clergymen who, it was thought, should retire, and who would receive a mere pittance from the pension fund. That provision was hastily drawn and the only way they saw at the' moment of dealing with the position was to take tho Christmas offertories as tho main source of revenue for tile fund. He thought that most people agreed that it was not a good thing to take these offertories. There wore people who went to church on Christmas Day and not, nt any other time, and the country parishes must find the Christmas offertories a very important source of revenue._ the money now obtained from tho Christmas offertories would have to bo got from some other source. . Mr D. H. Hastings said he was very pleased to think that there was going to be some alteration. In the suburbs they found the same difficulties a.s existed in the country. The second reading was agreed l to. In committee the bill was amended by the deletion of clause c, and by providing that £l5O per annum be raised from tho Assessment Fund and altering the sum of £IOO referred to in connection with the Pension Augmentation Fund to £l5O. Tho bill was reported from committee with amendments, and the third reading was made an order of the day for Thursday. BOUNDARIES OF ALL SAINTS’ Archdeacon Fitchett moved the second reading of a bill providing for a clearer definition of the boundaries of All Saints’ Parish. The mover stated that in view of the raising of North-East Valley to the status of a parish it was necessary to define the boundaries. He briefly explained tho effect of tho bill. Tho second reading was agreed to. The bill was put through committee, and the third reading was made an order of the day for Thursday. STANDING COMMITTEE. The following nominations were received for the Standing Committee;—Dean

Fitchett, Archdeacon Fitchett, Archdeacon Russell, Canon Small, tho Revs. Lush, Hanihlett,' Wingfield, Parata, Button, and Cooper, Messrs E. Price, R. B. Williams, J. Ash. L. D. Ritchie. A. A. Finch, and J. F Scandrott. Tho election will take place this evening. REPRESENTATIVES FOR GENERAL SYNOD. The following clergy were nominated, as representatives of the diocese at. the sittings of the General Synod; —Dean Fitchett, Archdeacon Fitchett, the Revs. Parata, Button, Lush, and Hamblett. The election of three representatives will take place this evening. The following lay members were nominated : —Messrs A. F. Newman, R. B. 'Williams, and L. D. Ritchie. There is still one lay representative required, and he will be elected by the {Standing Committee. MISSIONARY COMMITTEE. On the motion of the Rev. W. A. Hamblett it was decided that consideration of the report of the Diocesan Missionary Committee bo an order of tho day for Thursday. A QUESTION OF BOUNDARIES. Mr D. Harris Hastings moved: —“(a) That a commission bo set up to consider during tho recess the question of whether or not the boundaries of the parishes cf Caversham and St. Kilda should be readjusted, and to report to the meeting of Synod, 1925. If in the opinion of tho commission, after taking evidence, an alteration of the boundaries is desirable, a bill bo introduced to give effect to the recommendation that is made, (b) Said commission to consist of the Archdeacon of Dunedin, Revs. Canon Nevill and W. H. Hamblett, Mr L. D. Ritchie, and the mover.” Mr Hustings said he thought the motion would settle a burning question, and he was surprised to hear that it was going to be opposed. After dealing with the history of the St. Kilda Parish in regard to boundaries the sjieaker said they were asking that the whole of St. Kilda Borough should be the St. Kilda Parish. He thought it would be in the interests cf the church if St. Kilda were given a larger area. , Mr R. G. V. Parker seconded the motion. A letter from St. Peter’s Church, Caversham, took strong exception to any interference with the present, boundaries on the grounds that the vestry regarded as improper any action tending towards an alteration during the absence of the vicar; that the vestry had not been consulted on the matter, and, having regard to the finances of the parish, would strongly oppose reduction in the parochial area, and that when the matter was brought before the Synod a few years ago that body showed its disapproval of the bill by proceeding to the next, business. Mr L. D. Ritchie contended strongly that it was to the detriment of the Church that this question should be bandied about on the floor of tho Synod, and referred to a commission. The principle involved in the motion was, he said, a vicious one. He suggested that it was only fair, decent, just, and Christian that these matters should lie discussed by the parishes concerned before they were brought before the Synod. He moved that the Synod proceed to the next business. The amendment, which was seconded by Mr R. B. Williams, was carried. PROPOSED ORGANISER. Mr S. Dnnklcy moved—“ That this Synod instruct the Standing Committee at its first meeting to ajipoint a priest as organiser for diocesan and foreign mission funds, at a salary of not leas than £4OO per annum.” Tho mover said there were many works which the Church wanted to undertake, but it could not go on with them for want of money. The people were willing to give more than they had ever done before if the Church put, forward that it really wanted it and went out to work for it. He had proved that to a large extent in the work connected with the children’s rest home. People of means had asked him why the Church did not organise some means whereby the clergy could get a docent living. That was mentioned to him a month or two ago, and he felt that they should try to do something. The large districts which some of tho clergy had to cover to preach were appalling, and how (hey did it he could not understand. He sincerely hoped that the motion would be passed. Mr F. W. Knight, who seconded the motion, stated that outside the require-, ments for parochial matters St. Matthew's Church had raised within a few pounds of £SOO per annum for three and a-half years. If similar steps wore taken all over the diocese probably six times that sum could be raised. Mr L. D. Ritchie moved as an amendment that the Standing Committee be instructed to try to evolve some method for augmenting the capital of the general church fund. This was seconded by Mr Scandrctt. The Rev. Mr Parata said that every member of the Standing Committee was in sympathy with tho principle of the motion. If some fund could he raised to provide -the money it would he a good thing. The debate was adjourned.