THE SYNOD.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 25, Issue 11, 1 November 1935, Page 3

THE SYNOD.

Synod concluded m almost record time, when the Session ended on Monday evening, after a sitting of only three days. There were some important questions discussed, and, for the benefit of readers, we reprint the reports of some of the debate. The Synod was notable for the number of "full-dress" debates, very interesting speeches being made by clergy and laity on various subjects. The laymen were surprisingly vocal this year, and a mere spectator must have been

impressed with, thjeir contributions). Mr. Andrews, of Gisborne, made a good impression by his "maiden" speech on the use of the Revised Prayer Book. He had a difficult subject, but he dealt with it tactfully, and it was no fault of his that the motion was eventually withdrawn. The veteran Archdeacon Chatter ton was more successful m having the question of the establishment of a Maori Church Board referred back to Standing Committee for further investigation. His speech m support of the proposal was admirable, and although the prospects of its being adopted by the Church of the Province seem exceedingly dim, it was nearly impossible for Synod not to accede to the Archdeacon's request. The Diocesan Organiser, the Rev. N. F. Benham, is launching out m a new direction, and made the best speech we have heard from him m advocacy of the use of the "movies" m Christian work. It is true that the President requested him to amend his motion, causing "with the aid of cinematography" — "that dreadful word" — to read "with the aid of the cinema." No mention was made of introducing the "talkies," perhaps for the reason that they are already m the Churches. The social side of Synod was well catered for, and the local Churches supplied bountifully for the afternoon teas. The garden party at Bishopscourt was largely attended, and the guests enjoyed the hospitality of the Bishop and Mrs. Williams under Napier's best conditions — a glorious day m delightful grounds. The Synod services were well attended, the preachers being the Rev. C. G. G. Salt, Vicar of Opotiki, and the Rev. Rupert Hall, M.A., Vicar of Otane. STANDING COMMITTEE. It will be noticed that there are numerous changes m the personnel of the Standing Committee amongst the clergy. The following were elected: — Clergy: Archdeacon Butterfield, Canon A. F. Hall, Canon C. Mortimer Jones, Rev. W. T. Drake, Rev. R. Hodgson, Rev. B. R. Brierley; laity: Messrs H. R. Clark, H. Holderness, G. F. Gardiner, E. G. Loten, H. P. Wilder, H. J. Bull, P. F. Hunter.