PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 40, 16 February 1889, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

The session of the Assembly was resumed this morning.

CHURCH EXTENSION.

Rev. Mr McLennan gave notice of motion "That a committee be appointed to see what steps can be taken to increase the revenue of the Church Extension Fund."

MAORI MISSION

The Maori Mission Report, previously published, was read by Rev. J. Doull. He stated that there was still a large number of their congregation who did not contribute to this fund, and that there was a necessity for sending forth another labourer.

Rev. Mr Fraaer moved the adoption of the report, and urged that greater attention should be paid to the Maoris. At present more importance seemed to be attached to the natives abroad than to the heathen at our own doors.

Rev. Mr Duncan, ex-Moderator, seconded the motion.

Rev. Mr Monro (Remuero) suggested that arrangements should be made lor the presence of the Maori missionaries at the Assembly.

Rev. Mr Treadwell urged that the Presbyterian Church should do more on behalf ot the Maoris. Ke said there were some 2,000 Muoris in the Wanganui District, and that the Roman Catholic priests did nearly all the mission work amongst them. The report was adopted, and it was further agreed that an earnest effort be made next year to increase the Maori mission collection.

CHINESE MISSION.

The Chinese Mission Report, previously published, was read by Mr Ramsay, who stated that the chief thing therein was that the Committee had failed to secure a Chinese missionary.

Rev. Mr Erwin moved the adoption of the report, and "That tho Committee bo instructed to prosecute their efforts to obtain a catechist at the earliest possible opportunity."

Rev. Mr Sidey pointed out that any largo expenditure on the Chinese mission would cause the Maori mission to suffer tc a corresponding degree, lie stated that the cost of training a catechist would be £60 per annum for two years, and that ho would be paid at the rate of £140 or £150 a year aiterwards. The number of the Chinese on the West Coast, he added (in answer tc a question) was 1,000.

Rev. Mr Fulton seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

SABBATH SCHOOLS,

Tho Sabbath Schools report, already published, was read by Rev. Mr Doull, and supplemented by time gentleman with the following figures : —The number of Sabbath Schools connected with this Church is 184 ; roll number, 13,346 ; average attendance, 9,943 ; number of teachers, 577 male, and 854 female; of these teachers 994 are members of tho communion rolls. Tho number of Bible-classes is 98, and they are attended by 953 males and 1,425 females. The number of volumes in libraries is 24,347, 2,020 volumes having been added during the past year. Tho total amount contributed by Sabbath scholars for all objr-cts is £1,588, of which £232 3s lOd was for missions, and £1,356 for libraries and other purposes.

Rev. R. F. Macnicol moved the adoption of tho report, which he referred to as full and very satisfactory ; and also urged the importance of young men's- Christian fellow ship classe-i on Sabbath mornings for the benefit of those who have outgrown tho Babbath school. He suggested the formation of a young men's guild by the young men belonging to the various denominations.

Rev. Thompson seconded tho motion,

Rev. Mr Patterson said that he felt sure that the secular system of education had a most hurtful effect op. the young, and urged special attention to this difficulty. Rev. B. Hutson moved as an amendment to the report " That the International series of Lessons be adopted by the Church, and that the notes be published in the ' Preaby-

tery.'" Rev. Mr Treadwell pointed oub that, occasionally heresy was taught in the series of lasscms referred to, and urged that implicit trust ehould not be placed in them. The report; was adopted with recommendations in the direction indicated by the Rev. R. F. Macnicol. MESSRS FELL AND MEIKLEJOIIN". The Committee on applications of Mr Fell and Mr Meiklejohn for admission to the ministry reported that it was unanimously agreed to admit Mr Meiklejohn as a probationer of* the Church. With reference to Mr Fell the Committee were divided, and eventually resolved, "That Mr Fell be admitted to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand on condition that it be found that the applicant entertains views thoroughly in accordance with the Church in doctrine and polity. Further investigation to be made*as to this matter, and the Presbytery of Wellington empowered to admit the applicant if This views are satisfactory." Rev. Mr Monro (Remuera), moved "That Mr Fell be i-eceived."

Inquiry was made as to why the committee were divided re Mr Fell's application, and the Rev. Mr Gillies stated that ha was prepared to state his objections now. The objections were in the documents forwarded, and what was wanting in those documents. He thought that applications for admission from those who had been ministers of other churches should come to them with satisfactory documents, that applications should be made on the ground of conviction, and not on the grounds of commerce. Mr Fell had stated in his documents that he believed in Congregationalism in the country and Preabyterianism in towns. (Laughter). Rev. Mr Ogg said that this assertion was a misrepresentation. Rev. Mr Gillies proceeded to read the documents, and in doing so, stated that some testimonials referred to were not atfj tached. Rev. Mr Ogg entered into an explanation, and a somewhat warm discussion enRev. MrGiUies insisted that the Assembly had only to do with documentary and not hearsay evidence. . Rev. Mr Ogg retorted: Mr Fell is as well-known in Wellington as you are. Rev. Mr Gillies: Perhaps so; be too well-known for all I know. Rev. Mr Ogg objected to any such implication made. Rev. Mr Calder asked-that Mr Gillies be called to order, as he was showing temper. Rev. Mr Gillies : I am showing no temper but I will not be interrupted by Mr Ogg. If I have ebown temper I apolog Rev. Mr Sidey [said that .it was not Mr

Gillies, but- other members that had shown temper, Rev. Mr Gillies finished the reading of the documents, and a proposition was made that the vote should be taken without discusion. Voting wa s pretty even, and there being a large majority in favour of proceeding with the discussion, that course was adopted.

Rev. Mr Gillies stated that Mr Fell never applied for admission to the Presbyterian Church until the opening occurred at the Hutt.

Rev. Mr Ogg denied that this was the case.

Rev. Mr Gillies went on to urge that they should not admit any man to be a minister of the Church simply because he desired a larger sphere oi usefulness, and because there was no moral blot on his character, The day must; come when they must take a stand on some case, and this was a fitting case. Mr Fell was 54 years of age ; he had given the strength of hia days to another church, and hs was now anxious tc come over to the Presbyterians to get a nice little settlement at the Hutt. He mo\'ed that this application be not granted.

Rev. Mr Jack said that Mr Fell had expressed frequently his conviction in the Presbyterian government, and that he was entirely ad one with them. The real objection in thia case was the putting obstacles in the way of young men attending churhes. but, as a matter of fact, the Hutt congregation said they would be very well pleased with Mr Fell.

The discussion on this question lasted altogether for about two hours, and Mr Gillies'smotion was eventually carried by 18 against 14, viz., "That the application be not entertained."

Some argument ensued as to whether Rev.MrSommervillehad moved a resolution that Mr Fell's application be granted, conditionally that the Hutt Church was kept open to all ministers for a twelve month.

Rev. Mr Runciman eventually pave notice of motion "That this subject be reconsidered" and the Assembly adjourned,