Thursday 30 May 1912

[398-413] Preliminaries, preconization andbishop's charge.

[414] At the close of the charge, the hymn ‘Come thou holy paraclete’ was sung kneeling, and the bishop closed the service with the benediction. The clergy then adjourned to the hall for the purpose of transacting the usual business of convocation, the lord bishop presiding. The chairman explained the reason why Canon Moore did not assist in the administering of the holy communion. He was sure they were all very glad to see Canon Moore amongst them.

A constitutional point: membership of the convocation and voting rights

The secretary (the Reverend Canon Kewley) was about to read the minutes of the last convocation when Canon Quine asked that the secretary should write down in the minute book the names of the clergy present who had the status or locus standi to take part in convocation. At that moment a number of clergy were incompetent. He was not raising this matter as a controversial question, but purely as a matter of business.

The chairman: With regard to those who were present, the simplest matter would be to write down the names on paper. Do you object to anyone being present?

Rev. Canon Quine: No, I think it is desirable they should be present.

[415] The chairman: Canon Quine is quite right. We must have the names of those who are present.

The secretary was about to read the minutes when Canon Quine objected to the procedure.

The chairman: It is for me to say whether it is in order or not.

Rev. Canon Quine said his object was to strengthen his lordship's hands.

The chairman: Thank you.

Canon Quine said he was doing his duty in every respect and loyalty to his lordship.

The chairman: It has been already passed by convocation. It is an expression of opinion.

Rev. Canon Quine: I accept that.

The chairman: I will now have the minutes.

On the motion of the Rev. T. R. Kneale, seconded by the Rev. C. H. Leece, the minutes were adopted.

Rev. Canon Quine: If these minutes are supposed to be passed by persons on the list, I shall certainly challenge names as not being able to vote.