This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE RIGHT REV. ALFRED BARRY, D.D.
71

for independence, are somewhat slow to take Holy Orders. Although probably the average income of the clergy in the Diocese of Sydney in Bishop Barry's time was quite up to the average of English Dioceses, there were very few men of independent means in the ranks of the clergy, and the disadvantage of this condition of things may be better understood, when regard is had to the number of livings attached to the Church at home which could not possibly be worked but for the readiness of men with private means to serve them. In Australia, the outlying parishes are generally helped from a Central Church Fund, and in that case the appointments are made by the Bishop. But where parishes are independent and self-supporting they can, if they like, have what is termed a Board of Nominators, partly parochial and partly appointed by the Synod, who can select and present to the Bishop.

Notwithstanding the many difficulties which have to be overcome, Bishop Barry regards the prospects of the Church in Australia as very hopeful. When he left, the average Church contribution in the Diocese of Sydney alone amounted to about £80,000 per annum. This, no doubt, has increased since, and will go on increasing, and the many interesting phases of the work may be confidently expected to yield still happier results.

The work of the Colonial Churches for the Evangelisation of the world may not have about it