ANGLICAN DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 45

ANGLICAN DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The opening service of the seventeenth Svnod of the Diocese of Dunedin was held on the 19th at 8 a.m. The Primate, Dean on Monday at 8 p.m. Tho Primate, Dean .Fitchett, Archdeacons Richards and Woodthorpe, Canons Fynes-Clinton and Small, with the preacher (Canon Curzon-Siggers) and the Rev. V. G. Bryan Kin- (cnaplain), had scat? in the sacranum, while tiie rest of the clergy were placed in the front seats. Evensong was taken by the vicar (Rev. E. R. Nevill), and the lessons were read by tho Rev. H. S. Bishop (Kurow) and the Rev. 11. S. L. Goldthorpe (Wyndham). Despite tho wet night, there was a good congregation. Mho Rev. Canon Curzon-Siggers preached a most eloquent sermon on the theme of Imperial and spiritual revival from the tremendous events of the present war. Ike musical portion of tho service was beautifully rendered by the choir, under Mr E. Heyvvood. SECOND DAY. The second session of the Synod opened in the "i'.M.C.A. Assembly Hall at 4 p.m. on the 20th. Bishop Nevill presided, and alter the roll had been called he declared the Synod constituted, and read the opening- prayers. The Primate then delivered his presidential address. He reviewed tho enactments •which affected the Church at large that were passed by the General Synod. lie saiu he regarded the constitution of a Provincial Board of Missions as by far the most spiritually important act. After dealing with other enactments, he turned to diocesan affairs generally, which ho said they were happy in having almost all their cures, filled. He referred to the splendid work being done by Church of England chaplains,. ..and urged that they should be supplied with all proper facilities. On the motion of Dean Fitchett the Primate was thanked for his address. SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANISATION. Mr W. R. Smyth, of Tuapeka, moved—- " That this Synod make provision for and appoint an organising secretary for the Sunday schools of the dioceses." After discussion, in wliich the question of the funds to pay for the organiser assumed prominence, the mover altered his motion to one referring the matter to the Institutional Committee, snd in that form it was carried.. DIOCESAN REPORTS. The report of the Standing Committee of the diocese included the following clauses: —The Military Affairs Committee at Wellington having called upon this diocese for £3OO as its proportion of the cost of erecting suitable Church of England buildings at Trentham, a Special Committee .was set up to raise the amount, but the £3OO was not collected by some £69. Since then, a further appeal has been made from Wellington for £2OO for the purpose of erecting buildings at Rotorua, and Eeatherston, at an estimated cost of £1550, and the committee refers the matter to Synod for consideration. The report of tho diocesan treasurci contained the following clauses:—General church fund: The income for the year was £823 15s 3d, as against £773 13s Bd. Thirty clergymen received grants from the fourfifths account. Tho one-fifth account is in credit £24- 0s 4d, and tho four-fifths account is in credit £lO6 18s lCd. Bishopric endowment fund: The December offertory did not cover the interest on debentures by £2l 13s 6d. The debentures having been re-issued at 5g per cent., £l2B will have to bo provided annually for interest, etc. In spite of a heavy charge for drainage, £540 was paid to the bishop. Missions: The amounts received for missions, etc., are as follow: —Jerusalem mission, £9 18s 9d ; New Guinea Mission, £2 2s : Maori Mission, £ls 19s 3d; Melanesian Mission. £246 Is 4d;—total. £374 Is 4d, as against £449 14s Id last year. The sum of £244 19s Sd was also subscribed for the Trentham Camp fund. No grants to our own clergy have been made from the Maori Mission fund for 12 months. Debentures: The diocesan debentures dun on January 1, 1916 (£2500), have been re-issued for five years at 5i per cent. Would it not bo possible to create a sinking fund for redemption of a portion at least of these debentures? Assessment: I estimate my requirements to March 31, 1917, at £271. The report was adopted with _ the addition of £25 to tho assessment, bringing it up to £296. and with the addition of tho following clause: —''That the Standing Committee bo directed to consider tho question of the see house liability with a view of reducing it, the committee to report to next Synod." Tho Diocesan Ti ust Board _ submitted a report in which the following are the salient clauses: -Capital accounts; Tho following capital accounts have been increased during tho year:— Theological trust, to £2336 2s; general church fund, to £4511 Is 4d The bishopric endowment has been decreased to £9591 3s 2d. Nevill township: As authorised by Synod, the board has disposed of most of the sections in the Nevill township, and it is expected that when the whole of (lie land is sold tho net result will be about £BOOO. Boss on investment: The board regrets that it has to report the first loss in investments which if h-is made since its incorporation. A sum of £9OO was advanced on the security of a farm in Southland which the board's valuer, who was one of the most competent judges of property, valued at £I3BO. The owner threw (he farm on the board's hinds, and, after vainly endeavouring to find a pur-

chaser privately, the property was sold by auction under an order oi the Supremo Court at a price showing a net loss oi £239 9s lid.-The report was adopted without amendment. THIRD DAY. The Anglican Synod resumed its annual sitting on Wednesday afternoon, the Primate (Bishop Nevis!) presiding. APPOINTMENT OF COin ITTEES Among several committees appointed was a Military Affairs Committee, consisting of the Revs. J. Morlund, A. J. Pctrie, C. H. Statham, Messrs J. Marl in, 11. P. Harvey, and Dr Marshall. COST OK LIVING. Mr J. Crawford Anderson moved—" (a) That a committee, consisting of the following :—Archdeacon Richards, Rev. C. i- ; . Statham, Mr W. T. Talboys, Mr J. Day, and the mover,—be appointed to take into consideration the increased cost of living and its effects on the welfare of the clergy of the diocese of Dunedin; (b) to .make such recommendations as may be deemed necessary, etc.. the committee to bring up its report prior to close of present session of Synod. The motion was carried without dissent. A motion by Archdeacon Fitchett, declaring that the insertion of a new clause in Title 3, Canon-Y, was interference with the inherent right of each diocese to manage, its own affairs, was carried after sonic discussion. The Rev. J. R. Perkins moved—" That the Primate bo respectfully asked to inform tho Prime Mil ister that this Synod is of opinion that tho Government should introduce legislation during 1 the pi-•"sent session to further reduce the number of racing clays in New Zealand during the war." The motion was seconded by Archdeacon Fitchett. and carried.. APPRECIATION AND SYMPATHY. The Ven. Archdeacon Richards moved—- " That the Synod express ils appreciation of the untiring work of the late Mrs CurzonSiggers on behalf of the Church; and its sympathy with the Rev. Oanon CurzonSiggers in the bereavement that he has suffered." The speaker said Airs CurzonSiggers had really given up her life for the Church to which she was devoted. Mr W. T. Talboys seconded the motion, which was carried by members standing. Mr D. Harris Hastings moved—" That this Synod espressos its deep sympathy with those members of tho Synod who have lost members of their family in the greet war since wo last met." He hoped that that time next year there would be no occasion to pass a similar resolution. Canon Small seconded the motion, which was carried in the usual manner. FOURTH DAY. Tho Sjmod resumed its sittings on Thursday afternoon, the Primate presiding, and there being- a large attendance of members. REPORTS RECEIVE™. The Assessment Committee recommended that the assessment of parishes and parochial districts to March 31 next be as follows:- St. Paul's Cathedral. £26; All Saints £3l 10s, St. Matthew's £23, Roslyn £lB, Mornington £l2 10s, Cavcrsham £2l 10s, Port Chalmers £5, Oamaru £26, Maniototo £5 ss, Wakatipu £6, Tuapeka £7, Milton £5, Gore £9 9s, Invercargill £23 10s, Gladstone £5, Binff £5. Tho other amounts were small, the aggregate amounting to £3OO Is 6d. The committee recommended that the amount bo levied annually.—Received. The committee appointed to consider the increased cost of living in relation to the welfare of tho clergy of the diocese, reported that the increased cost must fall very heavily on all clergy, and particularly on those whoso stipends did not exceed £2OO a year. The committee recommended tho Synod to urge archdeacons to put this matter forcibly before all vestries, and church committees, with a view to increasing the stipends to at least £250, and that every effort should be made to' increase the General Church Fund; further, that the Standing Committee be instructed to consider the best means of carrying this into effect. —Received. THE LATE MB C. C. GRAHAM. Dean Fitchett. moved : "That tho Synod record with deep regret the death of Charles Christie Graham, who as Chancellor of the Diocese, Synodsman, lay reader, and in other offices served the Church faithfully during' many years T\i(i Synod sends assurances of sympathy to Mrs Graham and her family " —The mover briefly referred to the late gentleman's long cervices to the Church, and to his public career It was with sentiments of affection as well as esteem they all thought of Mr Graham. The motion was seconded by Canon J. C. Small, and silently adopted, members standing. THE BEV. WJI. RONALDSON. Dean Fitchett moved: "That the Synod sends a message of affectionate greeting to tho Rev. Win. Ronaldson, now in his ninety-third year, gratefully acknowledging his services to the Church in this diocese, and commending him to the sustaining grace of God." Tho motion was carried. STANDING COMMITTEE. The election of the Standing Committee was proceeded■ with. The clergy nominated were : Dean Fitchett, Archdeacons Richards, Woodthorpe, Fitohett. Russell, the Rev. Canon Fynes-Clinton, and the Rev. J. L. Mortimer; and the laity—Captain Easther, Messrs S. Brent. W. T. Talboys, G. R. Ritchie, S. T. Mirams, R. B. Williams, J. Day, and Dr Marshall Of the laity nominated Dr Marshall, and Messrs R. B. Williams and J. Day went to the ballot, the other gentlemen having been nominated within the prescribed time. The whole of the clergy who had been nominated went to the ballot. The ballot resulted in the election of the clergy just mentioned, with the exception of Canon Fynes-Clinton, and. the laity set out with the exception of Mr Day. ST. MAP.Y'S ORPHANAOE. The following are tho principal clauses in the report: —"Wo arc 1 prepared 'to do our bit ' in bearing the anxiety of depleted funds, and to feel as others are feeling the changed condition of things financial, but we have been spared; the current expenses have been met each month, p.nd, on account oftheniany generous gifts in kind, our very small housekecpin<T allowance has proved ample. On August 31 Mr Walker, of the Education Department, Wellington, inspected the house and its inmates. His report concluded with the following sentences: 'The Home is an excellent one. The management of tho institution by Sister Ernestine and her assistants is all that could be -Ivr-h-rd.' During the last 18 months many improvements have been effected withinand without. With reference to tho Christmas Treat Fund, wo

wish to say a \ovy big 'thank you' to our many unknown country friends—many of thorn children—who contribute so generously to the Christmas Treat Fund. _ We have boon very free from sickness, with the ox- . ce];fcion of the im vitabic epidemic of measles just before Christmas." The report concluded with expressions of gratitude to those who had given assistance in various directions; a;:d feeling reference to the deaths of Mr C. 0. Graham, Mr T. W. Ecnipthorne. and Mrs Lo Kccng. Satisfaction was expressed with the report, and som n discussion took place as to the boys being left to the care of the State. '■'his. broughi the remark from Dean Fitehctt that they did not desire to hand over the boys of the church to the State. They wanted a boys' orphanage us well as a girls' orphanage. The motion was carried and the report was adopted. A motion was added that the Sy.'jod expressed its appreciation of the loyal services rendered by Sister Ernestine. FIFTH DAY. The Synod resumed its sitting on Friday afternoon, the Primate presiding. MTSSIOXS. Archdeacon Tliohards moved: "(a) That the diocese should raise at least £SOO a year for the Melancsian Mission and £IOO a year for Maori work in ndd'tion to the amounts raised by St. Matthew's; (b) that in order lo effect this the Standing Committee snggesi to each parish nn<] parochial district the amount it i - expected to raise." This was substantially the report of the committee to consider missions, received the previous d;\y. RELTIiIOTJS TXSTTiXTOTIOX IX SCHOOLS. The R:v. G. Fynes-Clinton moved—" That this Synod reaffirms the resolution that what is known as the ' New South Wales System' is the solution of the difficulty respecting the religious instruction of the children in the State schools of the dominion." Speaking to the motion, he said he believed they all agreed that iho New South Wales system was the solution of the difficulty of imparting religious instruction to the children. Hut they were apt for the moment to let it slip out of their minds. Mr G Foatherst.one seconded the motion. The Rev. E. R. Ne-vill said that while they contended for the admission of the clergy into the day schools teey should secure the qualit;, of the teaching in their Sunday schools also. The' motion was carried, with one dissentient, CHAPLAINS AT THE FK.IXT. It wa.« resolved that the Synod ex lend its warm welcome to Chaplain captain Roberts on his n turn from the front, and send a hearty message o r Godspeed and prayerful remembrance to Chaplains C. J. Bush-Kin? and G Stubbs in their work among our soldiers and sailors ashore and afloat.