PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 4292, 23 February 1884, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

Wellixcton, yesterday. On resuming this morning, Rev. Mr Cairn* said he believed it would be wise to increase the number of the Church Extension Committee by having one representative member from all the presbyteries for the purpose of considering the various cases that come before it, as this wo aid interest the whole Church. The motion was lost.—Key. Mr McKenzie Fraser read a report on the new hymn-book called " Church Praise." Mr Fraser spoke highly as to the excellence of the work, and strongly recommended the Assembly to adopt it. The motion was seconded by Rev. J. Patterson, who also spoke in admiration of the hymn book. After a lengthened conversation on the subject, the Assembly came to the following finding:— "The Assembly receives the report, thanks the Committee, and especially the Rev. Mr McKenzie Fraser, who prepared the report and adopts the edition of psalma and hymns styled/ Church Praise,"[which gives a full number of psalms and hymns as suitable for use in the service of praise in the church, and as a great improvement in every respect on the book now in use, cordially recommends its introduction whenever practicable, and enjoins congregations to be careful in introducing the book so as to combine harmony and avoid pressing unduly on the circumstances of individuals and congregations. The Assembly further instructs the clerk to ask Messrs Wisher and Co., publishers, to issu3 a complete edition, having a title page suitable to this church."

There was a general increase of Sabbath schools reported as compared with last year, there being 86 schools, 742 teachers (322 males, and 420 females), and (j,ooi scholars, with an average attendance of 5,140. Snbbath school libraries contain 1,248 volumes. 683 schorl? attend the week-night Bible class, and there are 4 preparation classes for teachers.