Diocese, there was one parish so-called, where the clergyman, otherwise single-handed, had no less than twelve places at which he had to minister, you will easily see that, without the free use of lay agency, the maintenance of even occasional services would have been impossible. Accordingly, lay-readers are allowed to do almost everything, except to celebrate the Holy Communion and to pronounce the Absolution. Of course, as far as possible, they work under the direction of the clergy, and always under the authority of the Bishop. They are mostly gratuitous helpers. Expenses, of course, are paid; and in some few instances there is a moderate stipend.”
“What is the strength of the Church in comparison with that of the other denominations combined?”
“It is difficult to tell. I should say, however, that the Church of England is far the most powerful body. In New South Wales it includes about 45 per cent, of the population; the proportion may be somewhat less in other Colonies. I found that the Primate of the English Church was practically considered as the leader (always provided he did not assume leadership), by all the denominations except the Roman Catholics, who were very bitterly hostile. But one effect of the absence of Establishment in Australia is that at public and national functions there is no minister of religion who would naturally, and, as a matter of course,
