Thursday 24 May 1888

[139-41] Preliminaries and preconization. Absent: Robert Airey, though illness; John James Davis, on account of parochial duties. [142] The proceedings began with prayer.

Reporters

The president said that reporters were present waiting to be admitted, but according to the rules of convocation, the admission of strangers could be sanctioned only by resolution to that effect. He therefore left the matter entirely with convocation to decide. No resolution being moved to admit them, word was sent to the reporters that it was the unanimous wish of convocation to conduct the proceedings in private.

Minutes

The minutes of the preceding session (1886) were read by the secretary, Reverend W. Kermode, and affirmed.

Resignation of the secretary and appointment of his successor

Reverend W. Kermode having resigned the secretaryship, the venerable the archdeacon spoke warmly of the regret that all the members felt at losing Mr Kermode's services as secretary, and on his motion, seconded by Reverend W. Hawley, the following resolution was unanimously passed:’ That the hearty and best thanks of this convocation be given to the Reverend William Kermode for his able and sufficient services during the last ten years as its secretary.’ On the motion of Reverend A. A. Bridgman, seconded by Reverend J. E. B. George, Reverend Ernest B. Savage was elected secretary.

Membership of con vocation

Reverend G. Paton raised the question as to who were members of convocation, and whether all members have the right to vote at all times. The minutes [143] of convocation for 1879 were referred to, and considerable discussion followed. The archdeacon said that although the archbishop held that only beneficed clergy could vote for a proctor, his own opinion was that in this diocese all priests holding the bishop's licence were full members. The following were appointed a committee to enquire into the matter and report: the venerable the archdeacon, Revs. B. P. Clarke, H. S. Gill, W. Kermode, E. W. Kissack, G. Paton, E. B. Savage. Mr Clarke to be convener.