FIFTH DAY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd.

Waiapu Church Times, Volume I, Issue 5, 1 November 1907, Page 16

FIFTH DAY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd.

dThe Synod met in S. John s Schoolroom at 4 p.m. The proceedings were opened with prayer. The minutes, of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Reports Select Committees.— The report of the select committee appointed to enquire into, and report upon what encouragement to • missionary effort is being given in the

various parishes and districts was brought up and read. The report of the select committee on returns and accounts was brought up and read. The report of the select committee re religious instruction was brought up and read. Church Conference Annual Session of Synod. — Mr J. Thornton to move, That, in view of the many vital and. pressing problems of life affecting the spiritual, moral and social well-being of the community, and the urgent call for combined Church action in regard to them, it is the opinion of this Synod that each annual session one or more such questions shall be brought forward with a view to demonstrate their importance and to devise . means for their solution ; that one evening at least in each session be devoted to the work : and that the subject be introduced by a paper and followed by a discussion. Ecv. H. P. Cowx moved, Ven. Archdeacon Ruddock seconded, as an amendment that the words " at a Church Conference " be inserted after the word " forward " and that all words after the word " solution" be deleted, was accepted by the mover, and the resolution as amended was carried. Erection of See House.— Mr Thos. Tanner moved, Mr <J. H. Sheath seconded, (1) That a committee be appointed to arrange for the erection of the See House for this diocese at such time as shall be deemed advisable, (2) the committee to consist of the Rev. Canon Mayne, Rev. Canon Tuke, Ven. Archdeacon Ruddock, Messrs C. H. Edwards, F. W. Williams and the mover, with power to add to their number. Carried. The Union of Churches.— Rev. F. W. Chatterton moved, that this Synod, recognising the evils that result from religious divisions, and the serious weakening thereby of the Christian Church in her efforts to cope with the widespread unbelief and indifference and the complex social perils that beset us, asks the clergy to use their utmost endeavors to secure a better understanding and, if possible, a closer union with other religious bodies." The Ven. Archdeacon Ruddock moved and the Rev. Canon Tuke seconded, . the following amendment, that this. Synod, recognising the evils that result from our religious divisions, and the serious weakening thereby of the Christian Church in her efforts to cope with the widespread unbelief and indifference, thankfully notes the efforts which are being made in different parts of the world towards bringing about closer union between Christian .bodies,- and . urges upon the members of the church in this diocese

the need for earnest prayer that the Divine blessing may rest upon the same. The amendment was accepted by the mover, and carried. Diocesan Church Paper. -Rev. Canon Mayne moved, and Eev. Canon Eccles seconded, that the Synod go into committee to consider the report of the committee appointed by Synod to report upon the management of the Church paper and to increase "its circulation. — Carried. The president left the chair. The Synod went into committee on the report. The chairman reported that the report had been considered and resolutions appended by the committee. The report of the committee was accepted, and the following resolutions appended to the report were put to the Synod and carried :— (1) That the paper having now been launched as a diocesan institution the busintss arrangements should for the future be in the hands of the Standing Committee of the diocese. (2) That the editorial arrangements continue in the hands of the Revs. Canons Mayne and Tuke, with power to appoint sub-editor for (a) parish intelligence, (b) English church news, (c) Missionary intelligence, and such other sub-sections as may from time to time be considered necessary. (3) That all papers when issued b>* forwarded in bulk to the clergy and be a charge on the respective parishes. Subscribers desiring their copies posted direct to be charged 2s per annum in advance. (4) In accordance with a desire expressed it is recommended that arrangements be made with the manager of the Te Rau Press to issue a leaflet in Maori each month to be distributed with copies for Maori subscribers. List of lay representatives Diocesan Synod.— The Synod went into committee to consider the table of election of Synodsme.n Diocesan Canon 111., Clause 1. The chairman reported the list as amended in committee. The Synod resumed. The list as, amended was accepted by the Synod. Reports Accepted. The reports of the Cathedral Chapter, Standing Committee, the Diocesan Trusts Board, the Waiapu Board of Diocesan Trustees Incorporated, and the Representatives on the Clerical Pension Board were accepted. Notices of motion having been given the Synod adjourned to 8 p.m., Thursday. October 3rd, 1907. Confirmed October 3rd, 1907. W. L. Waiapu, president.