AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 16, 20 January 1892, Page 2

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

A special meeting of the Auckland Presbytery w ; as held in St. Andrew's Church last evening. Present:—The Revs. G. E. Jlonro (presiding), D. J. Steele, Sommerville, Norrie, West, McG'allum, Robertson, and a number of elders. An apology was received from the Rev. James Hill, who was unable to attend owing to the annual meeting of the Devon[jort congregation being held on the same evening.

Introduction-.—The Rev. Mr Sommerville said it was his pleasing duty to introduce the Rev. James Macky, recently arrived, and read credentials from the Presbytery of Berwick, which were of a most Satisfactory character. He also read Mr Macky's commission from the United Presbyterian Church, and moved "That the credentials of Mr Macky bo sustained, and that the Presbytery extend to him a cordial welcome," Rev. Mr _Torrie seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Tli6 Rev. Mr Sommerville said the Rev. Thos. Scott, M.A., at present ministering at Tauranga, was thoroughly qualified, but, owing to an error, Mr Scott had not his commission from the United Presbyterian Church. He intended to send for the commission, and that would save nine months' probation.

Tauranga.—Theßev. J. Berry wrote suggesting tbe desirability of some friendly arrangement between the Wesleyan and Presbyterian bodies in respect of their ministrations at Tauranga, there not being room for both.—lt was agreed that the moderator, the clerk, and the Rev. Mr "West be a Committee to confer with the Wesleyan Committee and report to next meeting. Wiungarei.— On the motion of the Rev. Mr Sommerville ib was agreed " That the General Assembly be asked to empower Mr Osborne, of Whangarei, to solomnise marriages and baptisms." Students.—Certain recommendations re, the training of studeuts forwarded by the Rev. Jas. Patterson of Wellington were received, and it was agreed to reply that the Auckland Presbytery had no suggestions to olier.

Opotiki.—Tho Rev. Mr Gow, of Opotiki, having expressed a desire to resign thi3 charge, owing to advanced age, stating that he wished to remain minister emerijis without salary, and to be placed on the infirm ministers' fund, it was resolved that tho clerk should communicate with tho Rev. Mr Gow to ascertain further particulars as to revenue, etc., and that the matter be deferred until next meeting.

Papakura.—The commission appointed to visit Papakura reported that the church work was eminently satisfactory, and bore high testimony to the faithful and untiring services'of the Rev. Thomas Norrie. —The report was received, and the Rev. Mr Finlay was appointed to read the commission to the congregation. Religion and Morals.—Tho Rev. G. B. Monro read a report of the Committee appointed to draw up a report on "Religion and Morals," to b£< submitted to tho General Assembly, which'was dealt with in committee.