DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10862, 31 October 1903, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

The Diocesan Synod reassembled at three. o'clock yesterday afternoon, the Bishop of Nelson in the chair, prayers, the minutes were confirmed. Mr. John White, of Blenheim, took his seat. Archdeacon Grace brought the report of the Committee on Trusts, which was received and read. In the absence of Mr Maignnity, Mr Livesey moved— That a Committee be appointed to look into the state) of the stipends of the clergy, and report to the Synod. Such Committee to consist of ths ' x Ven. Archdeacon "Wright, the Yen. Archx deacon Grace, Eev. .Edwin Allanson, and Messrs F. H. Richmond, A. W. Barnetfc, R. I. Kingaley, and Mr A. T. Maginnity. Archdeacon _ Grace, in a speech which clearly showed the necessity of investigation and action in the! matter, seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr J. H.w Fox moved—That this Synod deplores the continued absence from the curriculum of the State schools of the Colony of selected lessons from Holy Scripture, being convinced that lamentable results ' to "the * spiritual and' * moral welfare of our children must ensue from such absence. Dr. Mackie seconded, the motion. Archdeacon Wright moved the addition of the following words — "and urgently requests the General Synod to take such action as may lead to th© matter being referred to the people'for decision.*' Rev. J. P. Keinpthorne seconded the addition. 9 The mover of the motion accepted the addition, and the amended motion'was carried unanimously. pMr R. I. Kingsley moved— That resolution 6 "Instruction to Ministers and Church Officers''be amended by striking out the word "July" and inserting "April," and the words "30th June" to insert the words "31st March." Seconded by the Rev. Mr Heron, and carried. The Synod went into Committee on the Report of the Standing Committee, Mr Tarrant in the chair. j A long debate ensued on the portion of the report which referred to Maori Missions. Resolved on the motion of the Rev. J. P. Kempthorne that the Synod te requested to adopt the following suggestions: — ' "That where the parochial authorities think it advisable a box be placed at the church door to receive j offertories for Maori Mission work. | "That an envelope be forwarded | annually to each communicant with a request for an insertion therein of a contribution of not less than 2s, and for its return through the offertory." \ Resolved on the motion of Mr R. . I. Kingsley — That it be a recommen- ; dation tb the Synod that the firsts Sunday in December be substituted; for the first Sunday in November for I taking -the- surplus offertory for ? the | Maori Mission, Rafter the current! year. , . . > A long and interesting discussion i took place on the excellent work j being done by Deaconesses in other i dioceses; notably Duhedi'n and Christchurch, the Revs. Allanson and York speaking of what they had : personally seen. : At the item in the report "Dior cesan Gazette" the Committee reported progress, end? a ked leave to si* again. On the Synod resuming, Archdeacon Wright brought up the Report of the Committee on Diocesan Returns, which was received, and read. The Synod adjourned at 6 p.m. until 7.30. -