EVENING SITTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4165, 26 August 1881, Page 4

EVENING SITTING.

The Synod resumed at 7.45 p.m. OUEE3 IK BOBOUGH OF SYDENHAM.

The Bey H. B. Cocks moved — " That a Select Committee be appointed to take evidence and report on the boundaries and populations of the several Cures comprising the Borough of Sydenham." He explained that his motion was brought forward in consequence of certain remarks in the Bishop's opening address, which seemed to show that the situation of the various Cures in Sydenham was not clearly understood. He (Mr Cocks) fancied that it was proposed to divide the Borough into two districts, north and south Sydenham. He explained the difficulty in the way of this course, and stated that he moved for the appointment of a Committee of enquiry, as he wished Synod to have the fullest information on the subject. The Rev £. Or. Penny seconded the motion.

Mr C. B. Blakißton was of opinion that it was undesirable to appoint the Committee asked for, as action could not possibly be taken for about 14 months. He moved an amendment to the effect — " That the Standing Committee should be requested to take evidence and report to Synod at its next session on the boundaries and population of the cures in the Borough of Sydenbam with a view to its division."

The Very Bey the Dean supported the original motion. It might not be necessary to take action on the report of the Select Committee.

The Bey E. A. Lingard said that according to the rules made by the General Synod, the Diocesan Synod had power to alter parochial boundaries without consulting the parishes affected. After some further discussion the amendment was negatived, and the original motion carried.

The following gentlemen were appointed as the Select Committee :— The Beys H. B Cocks, ii: G. Penny, H. E. East, G. J. Oholmondeley, Messrs Tanored, Harman, Hobden, and Holdemese. PENSION BOABD. Mr F. De 0. Malet brought up the report of the Pension Board, and moved that it be read.

The report was read accordingly. CONOBATULATIONB TO THE PBBSIDBNT.

The Dean moved — "That this Synod respectfully congratulates the Most JRev the President on the recent completion of the twenty-fifth year of his episcopate, desiring at the same time to acknowledge, with thankfulness, the many blessings which this Diocese has enjoyed under His Lordship's kindly rule, and heartily prays that a long continuance of health and strength may be granted to him for the discharge of his important duties as Bishop of this Diocese and Primata of this ecclesiastical Province." He remarked that the tenth of the present month was the twenty-fifth anniversary of His Lordship's consecration to the See of Christchurch at Lambeth Palaco. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the episcopate might be known as the "silver jubilee" of the Bishop. He bad hoped that

the Cathedral might have beon consecrated on the anniversary, but from various reasons that could not be. He did not wish to enter into any elaborate encomium of his Lordship's character and rule, but he must allude to the spirit of fatherly kindness in which he ruled. Another point was the Bishop's great willingness to help his clergy. It had been truly said that if any one wanted to find the Bishop, he had to go out to some country parish where the clergyman was ill, or wanted assistance. (Applause.) His Lordehip also had thoroughly recognised the true position of a primitive and constitutional bishop. Much of the success of the Synodicul system in New Zealand wab due to him. There had not been the least approach to an autocracy in his Lordship's rule. He felt sure that it would be referred to in the future in terms of admiration and respect. He suggested that when the resolution was put, all those voting fo? it should stand up. The Hon H. B. Gresson seconded the motion. He said he could fully endorse all that had fallen from the Dean. He contrasted the present state of the Diocese, with its 41 Cures and 83 churches, with its state when the Frimate first came among them, when there was in Ohristchurch only one small wooden church, at ono time known as the pro-cathedral. He saw in all this cause for thankfulness and congratulation.

The motion was then put and carried unanimously, all the members standing. The Primate thanked the Synod in feeling terms for the manner in which they had regarded his services. When he looked at the Colonial Churches, he saw that there were 66 bishopß .connected with them, and that he stoud sixth on the list. There were only five whose consecrations dated previously to his own. Out of the clergy whom he met on hiß arrival, only three were now engaged in work in the Diocese— the Dean, Archdeacon Dudley, and Canon Cotterill. He owed much of the success of hiß ministry to the assistance he had received from these, and from others, including the laity. He spoke feelingly of the sympathy, help and encouragement he had received from all. He could not help looking on the Dioceso as a church home, when he considered his long connection with it. He referred to the late Bishop Selwyn, whose place he had been called to fill, and ho could say with the Psalmist, " Truly my lines have fallen in pleasant places." He begged them to accept his heartfelt thanks for the expression of opinion they had so kindly made, and his congratulations on the favourable state of things in the Diocese. He hoped that the good feeling which had prevailed hitherto would continue to prevail amoiig them. (Applause.)

The Yen Archdeacon Dudley requested all present to join in singing the doxology. The doxology was then sung, all the members standing. ■ ENLAEQEMBNT 07 OHUBOHBS, &C. Archdeacon Harper moved — " That it be a recommendation to the Church Property Trustees to raise, in suoh manner as may seem most desirable, a sum not exceeding £2000, to be distributed in such manner as the Standing Committee may direct in assistance of the erection and enlargement of churches, schools, and parsonages throughout the Diocese." He was of opinion that the Church estate was able to bear a much larger burden than it carried at present, as it only had a lien of it now of about £50,000, and was no doubt worth £120,000. He supposed that none would deny the worthiness of the object to which it was intended to apply the proposed loan. He thought there must be some way of increasing their income, so as to provide for the necessary interest and sinking fund. For one item, he might mention that several of the loans made out of their funds to parishes were coming in. They could also raise money by the help of the proceeds of the sale of their valuable cemetery reserve.

The Rev T. Flavell seconded the motion,

The Very Rev the Dean suggotited that the Archdeacon should consent to postpono his motion till after the report of the Committee on the matter of the disposal of the Cemetery Reserve. Ha sympathized with the object of tho motion, but thought the Church property could not bear any further burden.

The Rev E. G. Penny agreed with the last speaker. Mr F. de C. Malet thought it was not much use debating the subjeot, as the money was not to be got. The church property could not possibly bear any more burdens. The Rev H. C. M. Watson asked whether it would not be possible to borrow on the security of the money coming in from the various parishes, in the shape of the repayment of loans.

The Rev F. Knowles stated that the money returned by parishes did not come to the Church Property Truat, but to the Permanent Building Society. He thought it would be better to help parishes by way of more extended loans rather than by free grants. It appeared to him that there was no way of paying the interest of the proposed loan. The Rev E. A. Lingard spoke in favour of the motion. He was sure that the parishcu would find the interest, if the Church Property Trustees found security. He thought £2000 was not enough, £5000 was wanted. He noticed that for some years past they had been told year after year that they could not raise more money, and yet they had raised more money each year. He would ask the mover to change his figures to £5000. The parishioners would have to give personal security. He would say that if his parish received a loan at once, he would be able to get guarantees for the interest in a day. Mr Malet explained that his remarks were intended to refer only to grants, and not to loans.

The Yen Archdeacon Dudley supported the motion, on the grounds mentioned by the Rev E. A. Lingard. Mr Hargreaves did not see any difficulty in the way of granting further loans on the same terms as those already granted, but did not think the church property could bear any more direct burdens.

The Yen Archdeacon Harper would insert the words " by way of loan " in his resolution. He had no objection to increase the amount to be raised to £5000.

Mr C. B. Blakiston thought a scramble would ensue for the money.

The Yen Archdeacon Harper was of opinion that a scramble could be prevented.

Mr M'lntyre suggested that the amount of loan to each parish Bhould be limited. He felt sure parishes could not bear heavy loans. The terms of the resolution should be made more precise. Mr Tancred pointed out that the proposal to increase the sum to be raised from £2000 to £5000 could not be taken without notice.

After further discussion, the Yen Archdeacon Harper obtained leave to withdraw his motion, on tho understanding that it was to be brought up again in an amended form. OHXTBOH ACCOMMODATION. The Bey H. 0. M. Watson moved — " That a Committee of nine persons be appointed to consider and report upon that portion of the Bishop's address referring to the necessity of increased church accommodation in certain cases." He felt sure that his Lordship's remarks were adequate to the occasion. He also thought that the necessity for increased accommodation was a serious matter.

Mr J. Qrigg seconded the motion,

The Very Bey the Dean suggested that the words should be added — " and that the Bishop be requested to assist tho Committee."

The Rev H. 0. M. Watson would gladly do so.

The Rev E. G. Penny thought that some words referring to the need for a further supply of clergy should be added. The Rev H. 0. M. Watson obtained leave to add to the motion a clause referring to the need of a further supply of clergy, and the motion, as altered, was carried.

It was then resolved—" That the Committee shall consist of the following persons : The Yen Archdeacon Harper, the Beys E. A. Lingard, E. G. Penny, J. Townaend, Meiisrs 0. B. Blakiston, Grigg, Malefc, Webb, and the mover." CA.THBDRAL SCHOOL. Mr Malot moved— "That the Synod approves of the purohaße of land in Ohester street for the purpose of a site for the Cathedral school and the erection of the school buildings thereon." He gave a brief outline of tho circumstances attending the purchase of tho land in question, stating that tho Chapter had found it absolutely neoessary to act as they had done. Mr W. P. Oowlißhaw seconded the motion. After some discußßion the Bey G. J. Oholmondoloy pointed out that tho motion wa9 directly antagonistic to a resolution passed last year, which stated that no further loan waa to be raisod on the Dean and Chapter Estate.

Mr Malet having replied, the motion was carriod on the voices.

It was further resolved, on the motion of

Mr Malet— "That the Church Property Trustees be requested to provide the necessary funds for defraying (he cost, of the site, school buildings, and other incidental expenses. That the Church Property Truateos be further requested to provide tho sum of £62 10s towards the stipend of the precentor from the 25th of June, and £75 for tho salsry of the organist from the date of his appointment to the 27th day of October, the date upon which the Cathedral is to be opened. That the Church Property Trustees are hereby authorised to appropriate the balunce to the credit of the income account of the Dean and Chapter Estate, or to raise a loan of £! 200, to bo charged to the above estate, as may be considered most desirable after conferring wilL tho Chapter, to provide the funds for the above purposes." AI/TEBATION OV PAHOCHIAIi BOUNDAEIBB. The Rev E. A. Lingard moved — "That a Select Committee be appointed to take into consideration the expediency or otherwise of altoring the boundaries of the parishes | of St Mttry's, Merivale, and of 8t Luke's, Ohristchurch, respectively." He would inform the Synod that tho object of the motion was to create a parochial district for St Matthew's. The Synod was the only body which had the power to alter the boundaries of parishes in order to form a paroohial district. He read a resolution passed at a meeting of persons interested in the matter, to tho effect that it was needful that a parochial district should be formed. The vestry of St Luke's had agreed to take over the whole debt of the parish, and let 8t Matthew's go free. The i> cumbent of Merivale was aho in favour of the change, and had assured the meeting at which the resolution he had read was passed, that a portion, at all events, of his parishioners were not opposed to it. Were the boundaries altered, St Matthew's could, and no doubt would, apply to the Standing Committee to be formed into a parochial district.

The Rev '111.1.I 1 . Fkveli seconded the motion. He stated that three members of the vestry of Mori vale would confer with fcho Select Committee, if appointed. He believed an adjustment of the boundaries was necessary. Mr J. Grigg thought the proceeding was most irregular. These changes should only take place by the will of the poople. The legal course did not seem to have been followed in thia case. The 14 days' notice required had not been given. The Rev Canon Cotterill believed that the Synod had power to alter the boundaries of parishes. (No.)

Alter a somewhat confused discussion, the Very Rev the Dc-au objected to the motion as being contrary to the clause 16 statutes of tho Synod. He thought it was extremely objectionable to try and drive a coach and six through their statutes.

A lengthened diacueaion ensued, in which Messrs M'lntyre, Acland, 0. R. Blakiston, the 2<eva W. A. Pascoe and Chaffers- Welsh took part, after which the Rev E. A. Lingard replied. He contended that as the subject had been before the two parisb.es interested for two years, the formal notice of fourteen days could very well be dispensed with. !it Luke's Parish did not want to cast off St Matthew's, but it simply could not afford to maintain St Matthew's. That part of the parish contributed about £100 a year to tho Parochial Funds and received £300. If St Matthew's were not cut off, it would have to lose the services of their present curate, and would have instead a deaconcurate. He believed the objection was limited to one or two. (No.) The motion was then put and lost on the voices.

Notices of motion having been given, tho Synod adjourned at 11.15 p.m. to 4. p.m. today.