DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 423, 20 October 1875, Page 3

DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Tuesday, October 19. The annual session of the Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch was opened at the College Library yesterday at noon, by the Primate. The following members were present: — Right Rev the Primate (presiding;. Clergy : Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch, Yen Archdeacon Harper (Westland), Yen Archdeacon Willock (Akaroa), Canons: Cotterill, Dudley, Revs H, E. G’avlyou, H. E. Bast, F. A. Hare, De Berdt Hovell, R. S, Jackson, G. J. Cholmondeley, F. Knowles, F. T. Opie, H. Glassou, H. G, Gould, E. A. Lingard, G. P. Mutu, 0. J. Merton. E. R. Ottway, W. B. Paige, J. W, Stack, H. Stocker, J. K. Willmer, and J. H. Wills. Laity—Messrs H, B. Gressou, F. de C, Malet, Hanmer, H. J. Taucred, H. W. Packer, W. P. Cowlishaw, G. L. Lee. G. L. Mellish, R. D. Thomas, J. E. March, F. G. Stedman, C. J, Bridge, G. Gordon, li. J. S. Harman, J. H. Twentyman, J. B. A. Acland, C. R. Blakiston, J. L. Hobden, W. Miles, jun, C. Tipping, H. Thomson, E. S. Bell, P. H. Russell, T. C. Reid, and Sir Thos Tancred. The roll of the Synod having been called by the clerical secretary (Rev E. A. Lingard), and those present having answered, The President declared the Synod duly opened for the despatch of business, and commenced the proceedings with prayer. THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. The President then proceeded to deliver his opening address, which a pressure on our space prevents us from publishing. VOTE OP THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT. The Yery Rev the Dean moved —“ That the thanks of the Synod be recorded to the President for his opening address, and that he be requested to allow it to be printed. Mr P. Hanmer seconded the motion, which was carried. PAPERS A number of papers were laid on the table by the Bishop’s secretary (Uev R. S. Jackson). CLERICAL SECRETARY. On the motion of the Rev Canon Cotteril^

seconded bv Rev Canon Dudley, the Rev E, A. Lingard was re-elected as clerical secretary to the Synod. LAY SECRETARY. Mr P. Hanmer moved—“ That Mr Reid of Tiraaru be appointed lay secretary to the Synod.’’ Mr Acland seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CHAIRMAN OP COMMITTEES. On the motion of Mr C. R. Blakiston, the Very Rev the Dean was appointed as chairman of committees for the session, REPORT OP STANDING COMMITTEE. The Rev Canon Cotterill laid on the table the report of the standing committee, which was read. REPORT OF COMMISSION. The Ven Archdeacon Willock brought up the report of the commission appointed to consider the position of the church funds from the defalcations of the late church steward, which was read. CHURCH WORK EXTENSION COMMITTEE. The Very Rev the Dean brought up the report of this committee, which was read. CATHEDRAL COMMISSION. The Very Rev the Dean brought up the report of the cathedral commission, which was read, as follows: — “ The Cat hedral Commission have the honor to report to the Synod as follows: That, owing to the further liberal grant of £SOOO made by the Church Property Trustees, on the recommendation of the last Synod, they have been enabled, with the assistance of private contributions, to continue the building of the Cathedral in accordance with the plans and designs of Sir Gilbert Scott. Shortly after the last annual report, Contract No 1, which carried the outer walls all round to the height of the window-sills, was concluded, and Contract No. 2 was entered into with Mr James Tait. This is now in so forward a state that within a few days from this date the work will be finished. The contract now, so to say, com pleted, has taken the aisle walls of the nave up to their full height, ready for the roof. The west end has been raised to include the ffiads of the west windows of the aisles and their discharging arches, and the west wall of the nave has been continued across up to the height of the string course below the blank arcade. The drawings for the further raising of the western wall to the top of tne blank arcade, also the aisle walls up to and including their copings, are now ready, and the Commission have authorised the architect to call for tenders. This will be Contract No 4, Contract No 3 has been entered into with Mr E. O. Latter, of Barry’s Bay, Akaroa, for the supply of black pine timber for the framing of the roof of the nave and aisles. This timber was all felled before the sap began to rise ; some of it is sawn, and Mr B. W. Mountfort will shortly visit Akaroa, with a view to iuspectingthe timber before shipment. Thiscontract is for the supply of 110,000 ft, at a cost of about £I3OO. The timber, when delivered, will have to remain on the site unused for a considerable time, so as to become thoroughly seasoned. The balance sheet submitted herewith will show receipts and expenditure since July, 1873, to date, also our present financial position. It is a subject of sincere regret that the numerous appeals which have been made from time to time to Churchmen throughout the diocese to assist by their contributions in the furtherance of this glorious work have not met with better results. At the sanje time it is with heartfelt thankfulness that the commission take this opportunity of acknowledging the liberal .donations of some members of the Church and others in aid of the building of the Cathedral, Your commissioners entertain the hope, however, that now the building is assuming fair proportions, and presenting an attractive appearance of architectural design, many will be induced to contribute cheer fully of their means towards the completion of this noble temple of worship now in course of erection to the honor of Almighty God. It is gratifying to be able to report that already three of the nave columns have been promised by private individuals, and that collections are being made in England for a fourth column. It is proposed to hold a special religious service within the walls of the Cathedral on 16th of December next, that being thought to be an occasion calling for more than ordinary prayer and praise, seeing that this settlement will on that day have attained in age a period of one quarter of a century, “ The commission cannot close this report without recording their sense of the zealous co operation of the Christchurch Cathedral Guild, to the efforts of whose members the beautiful western doorway of the Cathedral owes its existence, and upon which already more than £IOO of the Guild’s funds have been expended. £25 has been sent to England to pay for an appropriate piece of sculpture, intended to occupy the niche over the said doorway, being a further contribution by the Guild. By the last mail from England the Commission have received, through the Bishop, letters from Messrs Miles, Hassal and Co, and Mr Robert Heaton Rhodes, enclosing two orders, one for £SOO from the above-named firm, the other for £4OO from Mr Rhodes, being further sub scriptions to the Cathedral Building Fund, to be paid in annual sums of £IOO each, dating from the Ist January, 1876. “ H. J, C. Christchurch, Chairman. “October 14th, 1875.” OPENING SERVICES. Mr Harman said that he desired to make an explanation with regard to the non-per-formance of the 8 a.m service that day. It was owing to no fault of the church officers or incumbent of St Michael’s, a fact which he desired should be known. The Very Rev the Dean said he personally knew nothing of the matter .as he had that morning to conduct the service at the College Chapel. ’He had understood that the Primate intended to attend the early service at St Michael’s. HOURS OP MEETING. The Rev Canon Cotterill moved—“ That the Synod meet each day except Saturdays and Sundays, at 4 p.m, and adjourn at 6.20 to 7.30 p.m,” The Very Rev the Dean moved, as an amendment —“That the adjournment be from 7 p.m to 7.30 p.m instead of 6.30 p.m to 7.30 p.m. Mr J. B. A. Acland seconded the amendment, which was negatived on the voices. Mr Acland then moved that the Synod adjourn at 6.30 to 7 p.m., which was declared to be carried on the voices. A division took place as follows : Ayes—Clergy, 12 ; Laity, 8. Noes—Clergy, 12 ; Laity, 8. The amendment was lost, and the original motion carried. RESIGNATION OP SYNODSMAN. The Rev W. H. Copper handed in the resignation of Mr Thomas Dicken, as Synods-

man for Akaroa, and the President declared the seat vacant. ADJOURNMENT. The Synod, after notices of motion had been given, adjourned until 4 p.m. this day. NOTICES OF MOTION. Wednesday, October 20, I. Rev W. H. Cooper, to move—- “ That Benjamin W. Mountfort, Esq, heappointed by the Synod Synodsman for the parish of Akaroa.” 11. The Dean, to move—- “ That the President be requested (o lay on the table the following documents : “ 1. A copy of the form of licence given to officiating ministers in this diocese. “ 2. A copy of the form of licence given to incumbents. “3. A copy of the declarations required to be made by clergymen on being licensed as officiating ministers. “ 4. A copy of the declarations required to be made by clergymen on institution to the cure of parishes,” 111. Mr Malet, to move—- “ That whereas local reserves are situated in the several parishes into which the original parish of Christchurch is now or may hereafter be sub divided — “ 1. That a select committee be appointed to consider and report upon the extent of these reserves, the revenues derived therefrom. and to suggest special regulations for the administration of the funds accruing from these reserves. ‘•2. That the committee consist of the Very Rev the Dean of Christchurch, the Ven the Archdeacon of Akaroa, the Rev E. A. Lingard, Mr Bresson, Mr Hamilton, Mr Walker, and the mover.” IV. The Dean, to move—- “ 1. That a select committee be appointed to take into consideration the working of the existing statutes (general and diocesan) to provide for the appointment of pastors to parishes, and to recommend to the Synod any alterations they may deem expedient, with the view of their being recommended for adoption by the general Synod at its next session. “2. That the committee consist of the Ven Archdeacon Harper, the Rev Canon Cotterill, Mr Gresson, Mr C. R.;Blakiston, the Hon J. B. A. Acland, Mr W. C. Walker, and the mover.” V. Mr Mellish, to move—- “ I. That a select committee be appointed to examine into and report upon the position and management of the Church property trust estate. ”2. That the committee consist of the Ven the Archdeacon of Akaroa, Messrs F. dec. Malet, G. Leslie Lee, W. H. Lane, W. C. Walker, H. W. Packer, and the mover.” VI. The Dean, to move—- “ 1. That a select committee be appointed to consider the regulations in force in this diocese with reference to assistant curates (Synod report, 1874, p 52), and if they should think it necessary, to recommend any alterations in the same for adoption by the Synod. “ That the committee consist of the Revs E.’A. Lingard. H. C. M, Watson, H. J. Edwards, 0. J. Merton, Sir Thomas Tancred, Mr F. de c. Malet, and the mover.” VII. Rev G. Cotterill, to move—- “ 1, That a select committee be appointed to take into consideration the subject of registration, and to suggest such amendments in Diocesan Statute No 2 as may appear to them desirable, embodying in the amended statute the rules and regulations on registration contained in the statutes of the General Synod. “ 2. That the committee consist of Archdeacon Harper, Rev E. A, Lingard, Messrs Lee, Cowlishaw, Malet, and the mover.” VIII. The Dean, to move—- “ That leave be given to bring in a Bill to define the duties of Archdeacons and Rural Deans in the diocese of Christchurch ; and contingent on leave being given, that the Bill be read a first time.” IX. Rev G. J. Cholmondeley, to move—- “ 1. That a select committee be appointed, a. To consider the provisions and prospects of the Diocesan Clerical Pension Fund, with a view to suggesting such alterations as may seem necessary to give greater permanency to its arrangements, and to afford better security for its effective working. b. To collect information with reference to the working of any pension funds established in the various dioceses of the Colonial Church. c. To report upon the provisions of any scheme for a general pension fund, which may be proposed by the Pension Board appointed by the General Synod, and how far such scheme is likely to meet the requirements of this diocese. d. To report to the Synod at its next annual session. “2. Thatthecommitteeconsistof the Venerable Archdeacon Willock, Rev P. Knowles, Messrs Tancred, Harman, Malet, Hassal, and the mover, with power to add to their number,” X. The Dean, to move—- “ 1. That, inasmuch as it is required as a qualification for Synodsmen, and for several offices held under the Synod, that the holders of those offices should be Communicants, but no rule is laid down by the General Synod for ascertaining who are and who are not Communicants within the meaning of its Statutes, it is desirable, in the opinion of this Synod, that some means should be adopted for supplying this deficiency. “ 2. That, in the opinion of this Synod, in the absence of any satisfactory rule which can be laid down in this matter, it ought to be deemed sufficient that, in the event of a question being raised whether any individual is a Communicant or not, he should himself declare in writing that he is a Communicant, “ 3. In the event of the above being carried, that the President be requested to communicate these resolutions to the Bishops of the province, with a view to their being laid before their Diocesan Synods, and, if approved by them, to their being recommended to the General Synod for adoption.” Thursday, October 21. Archdeacon Harper, to move—- “ 1. That a select committee be appointed to consider and report on the draft Bill sent down by the General Synod for the consideration of Diocesan Synods, in reference to alteration of formularies, and other matters required by the altered circumstances of the Church. “2. That the committee consist of the Ven Archdeacon Willock, Rev E. A. Lingard, Rev W. E. Paige, Sir Thomas Tancred, Hon J. B. A. Acland, Mr Hanmer, and the mover.”

Mr Twentyman, to move—- “ 1. That a select committee of the Synod be appointed to inquire into the manner in which Divine Service is conducted in this Diocese, and to report, with recommendations, as to the means best adapted to secure uniformity of worship, and obedience to the prayer book. “2. That the committee consist of the Bishop, Revs J. Wilson and H. C. M. Watson, Messrs Cowlishaw, Lane, Harman, and the mover.”