AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume x, Issue 2781, 2 April 1879, Page 3

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

The usual quarterly meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was Jlield this morning at S. Andrew's Church, Alton Koad, at 10 o'clock. Present : 'i'lie Moderator (Key K. Souiorvillc), and the Kcvs Mucnicol, Carrick, Neill, Nome, Monro, Mucky, Drown (secretary), McKinny, and ■ McCallum. Elders : Messis A. Thompson, J. Chalmers. The meeting was opened with prayers aud the reading of a portion of Scriptures. CIIUKCII EXTENSION SCHEMK. The collections for this scheme were announced to have been made at a number of churches in the district. KESICJNATION OF MR MCCKAK. The question of the Key Mr McCrne's rosignation was next considered. The secretary read a resolution from tho Church at Waiapu stating that they were sorry that such a state of matters should have happened, but they were desirous that Mr McCrae should continue as their minister,

Mr A. T. Campbell, a deputation from Waiapu, who was present, stated that the residents of Waiapu wished this Presbytery to make up the balance of about £30 of the stipend of Mr McCrae. Mr Campbell stated the reason of Mr McCrae'a absence.

Mr McCallum moved, "That Mr McCrac's resignation lie on the table till the next meeting of the Presbytery."

Key. Mr Monro moved " That the matter be disposed of ut once, and Mr McCrac's resignation be taken as withdrawn. Mr llunciman seconded tlie motion. Mr lionro withdrew his motion of the amendment.

It was agreed that the resignation should lie on the table until next meeting, unless an intimation should, in the meantime, be received from Mr McCrae.

The question of the appointment by the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, of Mr McCrae, to another church in the colony, was also considered.

Mr Macnicol asked to witdraw the resolution which he proposed at last meeting of Presbytery, in regard to this matter.

The seconder also wished the withdrawal of the resolution.

The withdrawal was permitted by the members of the Presbytery.

WAIKATO iWEST.

A letter was read from residents in Waikato West, asking the Presbytery to endeavour to obtain for them a suitable minister, Mr Wright having been removed from that district.

Mr Macky, who had recently visited the district, gave the Presbytery full particulars iv regard to this matter. Mr McCallum said he had consented to visit Waikato, but as an arrangemeut had been made with Mr Bruce, he thought that gentleman should preach iv the district first. Mr McCallum "was willing to visit the district after Mr Bruce.

gJJMr James Bruce was appointed to visit Waikato on the three following Suudays, and Messrs Macky, Evans, and Macnicol were appointed a commission to arrange for the regular supply of the district. Mr Itiiuciman was appointed to moderate on a call at Whaugarei, and Mr McCallum lills his pulpit at Ponsonby in the mean: while. Mr Kunciman was also appointed Moderator for Maugere district vice. Mr Brown resigned, aud Mr Peacock' was added to the assessors of that district.

The Key Mr Macnicol and Mr Sibbin were appointed to act with the moderator^ Mr Carrick, as assessors of the North Shore Church.

The Key Messrs Macnicol and Munro, the Aucklaud representatives at the General As-embly, held at Chiistchurch, gave an account of Ihe proceedings, which has already been published, and received the thanks of the Presbytery. ■MM.r Macky reported on behalf of the College Commiltee that the students were making favourable progress. A long discussion took place on the question of supporting students while in Auckland, but no decision was come to. *

LICENSING TO .TOKACH.

The Presbytery then proceeded to license Mr James Bruce.

Mr Bruce having answered the (jue^tions prepared by Iho Uourch for this purpose, was declared by the Moderator to lie licensed and set apart to preach the Gospel as a minister of the Presbyterian Church. The Moderator and the ministers present then gave the Rev. Mr Bruce the rij,'ht hand of fellowship. TITLE OF REV. The question of students assuming the title of " itev," came before the Presbytery. It wan the general opinion that the students should be content with the title of " Mr " until they had been licensed as ministers. After remarks on the subject had been niado by several ministers present, the Moderator said he had no doubt tlmt tho students, after hearing what hud been said, would conform with their wishes, aud rectiliy the matter.

It was agreed to request Mr Brnce to give the Inaugural address before the xatninati on of the students commences, The public will be invited to be present. On the motion of Mr McOallum, seconded by Mr Monro, it was agreed "That the Chnvch Extension Committed be recommended to increase the salary of the students." i