AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 82, 8 April 1891, Page 5

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

The Auckland Presbytery met ab St. Andrew's Church last evening. There were presenb : The Revs. G. Jones (Moderator), Sommerville, Steele, Carrick, Macnicol, Norrie, Monro, West, Hill, Worboys, Finn, Comrie, and Robertson. Elders.—Communications were received from St. James's appointing Mr James Ramsay to represent that congregation ab the Presbytery ; St. Andrew's, Mr J. Reid; Onehunga, Mr 8. M. Osborne ; St. David's, Mr John Patterson ; St. Luke's, Mr Geo. Head ; St. Peter's, Mr Garriock ; Mahurangi, Mr L. Thompson ; Otahuhu, Mr W. P. Hunter ; Waiuku, Mr James Brownlee; St. Stephen's, Mr F. J. Bennett. Moderator.—On the motion of the Rev. R. Somemrville, seconded by Rev. Mr Carrick, Mr G. B. Monro was appointed Moderator for tho ensuing six months, and took tho chair vacated by the Rev. G. Jones. Onehunga.—A letter was read from Mr Burr, Secretary of tho Onehunga Church Committee, complaining that the period for leave of absence grantod to Mr Adams had not been stated in tho resolution, and that they had been unable to obtain supply. After some discussion it was ascertained that supply had now been obtained and that the congregation were satisfied. Examination op Sabbath Schools.—Mr Doull, convener of the Assembly examination of Sabbath schools, wrote stating that he hoped to have the examination papers ready by April 13th, and drawing attention to regulations concerning the examination. —The Moderator stated that bhe Sundayschool Union would hold an examination aboub thice months honco, for which most of tho schools were preparing. It was gonerally agreod that the time given tor preparation was too short, whilo soma of the clergy had 10 ceived no notice at all.—Roy. Mr West said the Sunday-school Union examination was very good, but it was undesirable to regard it as equivalent to an examination held by their own church. He suggested a postponement of the examination. — Rev. J. Hill opposed tho proposal for postponement, and suggested that the examination should be allowed to proceed, so that those schools which wero prepared might take advantage oi it.—On tho motion of the Rev. West ib was agreod thab bhe examination tako place on Thursday, 30th April, and the following were appointed a Comuiittae for tho purpose of conducting tho examination : —The Revs. West, Macnicol, and Carrick.

Northoote.—The copy of a resolution was forwarded from tho Northoote Presbyterian Church requesting the Presbytery to make such arrangements as would ensure thorn more frequent visits from ministers in bho future.—Rev. A. Carrick said he would do whab he could in the interests of the congregation. — Rev. R. Sommerville said it was true Northoote was promised more frequent supply, but they were in a difliculby in obtaining supply for Whangarei. Under the circumstances Northoote had been pretty well provided for.— Rev. R. F. Alacnicol said this matter was brought up at the annual church meeting ab which he was presenb, and it was there stated chat they had promised ministerial visits once a month. It was agreed to sympathise with tho Northoote people in their wishes, and to inform thorn that tho Moderator would endeavour to give effect thereto.

Kuaotunu.—The Rev. R Sommervilla stated thab there was a large hall at Kuaotunu available for service on the Kuaotunu gol'ifiold, and also mentioned that Coromandel was unprovided for. The Revs. Robertson, Macnicol, nnd Mason and Mr Ramsay (elder) wero appointed a Committee to secnro supply for these districts.

Wiianiiauki.—Rev. Sommerville said Afr Russell, who had been conducting service at Whangarei, had jusb heard of the doatli of his sister, and intended to return Home. He had been in communication with the convener of the Church Extension Committee, and hoped a successor would be provided ore long. Tha Kov. Air Findley agreed to provide supply on Sunday next. — Rev. Mr Steele referred to tho popularity and success of Mr Russell at Whangarei, and ib was agreed that the Clerk should give him a certificate as to tho character of his work at Whangarei.

Lay Preachers.—ltov. Mr Sommerville moved the following resolution : —"That in addition to the examination in Scripturo knowledge and the shorter catechism required by the Act of Assembly, ISGtI, candidates for the position of lay preacher bo required to conduct a service in presence of the Presbytery's Committee, in order that thoy may have an opportunity of judging of the fitness of such candidate for the position to which he aspires."—Mr Ramsay seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Presbyterian Assembly.—Rev. Norrie gave an oral reporb of the recent session of the General Assembly. The Assembly was very largely attended, and was on tho whole very satisfactory. He expressed regret, however, thab more attention was nob given to church extension work. The question of lowering the ministerial standard was fully discussed, and, in his opinion, a proper conclusion was arrived ab. In the work of foreign missions they took considerable responsibility. — Rev. West, another of the delegates, referred to the Assembly as a mosb successful one, and testified to tho ability shown by the Rev. Ogg as Moderator. There was a grand debate on the proposed lowering of the curriculum, and tho speech of the Assembly waa mado on that occasion by tho Rev. R. Irwin.—Tho Roy. J. Hill, third delegate, also spoke of the ability displayed and of the good feeling that characterised the wholo of the proceedings. Tho question of lowering the curriculum had been referred to a Wellington Committee, and it was hoped a right decision would bo arrived ab. A feature of the Assembly was the prominent part taken by the elders, and the clerical members wero highly delighted thereat. Air Hill also testified to the hospitality of the Christchurch people.—The Rev. Air Alonro expressed himself in similar terms. Religion and. Morals.—The Aloderator stated thab the Presbytery was required to make arrangements in connection with resolutions arrived at on the subject of " Religion and AJorals," and the following wore appointed a Committee to carry out the Assembly's instructions on the subject: —The Revs. Alonro, Macnicol, Worboys, Sommerville, and Elders Osborne and Hunter.

Alaoic Lantern.—The Moderator said it had been suggested thab ib would be a very good thing for the Presbytery to purchase a magic lantern for general use amongst the Sunday-schools with the object of interesting tha young people and instructing them in mission work.—Rev. Sommerville said, however desirable thia might be. Ib did not come within the scope of tho Presbytery, and suggested thab bhe mabter wag one for private enberprise. The matter was then allowed to drop. This concluded tbe business.