PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 37, 13 February 1892, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

TO-DAY'S PROCEEDINGS,

The Presbyterian Assembly resumed at St. James's Hall at 10 a.m. to-day, tho Rev. C. S. Ogg, ex-Moderator, presiding.

Foreign Missions.-The Commibtoe appointed to consider tho financial bearing of the foreign mission report before its adoption reported thab the matter had been carefully considered. They recommended that the church should agree to the appointment of a third missionary, and urged upon congregations increased liberality in view of increased responsibility.—Rev. Mr Sidey, who had strongly urged the appointment of this committee, now expressed himself exceedingly gratified at tho result of tho investigation made by the Committee. His views on the financial position of the Mission had been completely changed. Previously he hod an impression tha : 3 bheir accumulabod fund would gradually fritter away. Now he was satisfied that, with careful administration and with an exercise of the same zeal as hitherto in making the most of their resources, there was nob bhe slightesb doubb as to the safety of appointing a third missionary. (Applause). He moved bhab the report of tho Committee be adopted. Rev. J. Paterson who had seconded the motion for appointment of the Committee, said he was now perfectly satisfied that bhoy would be safe in going forward. (Applause) He seconded the mobion, which was agreed bo unanimously. The recommendations of the Foreign Mission Committee were then adopted, in terms of bhe resolution moved by the Rev. Scott'- Wcsb yesterDay, with an additional clause providing that, in event of tho Rev. Mr Fairlie being unable to proceed to the Islands, the Committee after consulting with all parties, and being satisfied that it would nob involve the church in any greater expense, and that it is desirable in the interests of the Mission to appoint lay Missionaries, they bo empowered to do so." An Irregularity Rectified.—On the motion of the Rev. J. PatersQn, ib was agreed to homologato tho action of the Auckland Presbytery in tho transaction of ordinary business introduced by deputation from Mangero and Onohunga at a meeting convened spocially for tho examination of Sb. Andrew's congregation.

Thanks. —On tho motion of bhe Rev. Stewart, seconded by Rev. Norrie, a very hearty voto of thanks was accoided to the ox-Moderator for his excellent sermon at the opening of tho Assembly. Temperance.—The report by the Temperance Committee, a summary of which has already been publishod, was read by Rev. Wood, in absence of the convener, Rev. J. K. Elliott. In course of tho discussion that took place on this subject, the Rev. Gordon expressed the opinion that a man who drank in moderation was more injurious as an example to weaker brethren than tha man who was seen staggering along the otreot.—Rev. Ogg, interrupting tho speaker from the chair, urged him to bo more careful in the use of his language, as he was attacking respected gentlemen. —Rev. Gordon, continuing, said ho knew what ho was talking about, He knew "that younjr men, when asked to join the church, had pointed to others within tho fold who were taking too much drink. It was tiino that ministers, elders, and church members should take their stand upon temperance. —The report was adopted, with thanks to the Committee and the convener. Ciidkcii Pro^ert'?:'— The report of the Church Property Board abated thab the trustees found much difficulby in obtaining satisfactory 'securities, and for the present preferred bo take bank interest for a portion of the funds. It was nobed with satisfaction that there was a considerable increase from year to year in tho provident funds of the Church.—The reporb was adopbed. Hamilton.—Application was made by bho Auckland Presbytery bo give bhe Rev. John Hendry, of Hamilton, a seat at the Presbytery. —Rev. Mr Sommerville stated that four "years ago Mr Hendry was commissioned by the United Presbyterian Church, and for many years he was a missionary in India. He was now labouring ab Hamilton and was most efficiently discharging all the duties of the pastorate.—Rev. Mr West objected to the application on the ground that they had already too many ministers emeritus. —Rev. Mr Gillies moved that the application be not granted, saying that the request mode was outside of Presbyterial practice, Mr Hendry never having been in any charge.—The motion was carried.

Sydenham.—Rev. J. Hill stated that a telegram had been received from tho Sydenham congregation, Christchurch, stating that £800 had been raised towards wiping out the church debt. (Applause). Pan-Presbyterian Council.—The Committee appointed to consider the desirability of appointing a delegabe bo the PanPresbyterian Council ab Toronto recommended "Thab the Assembly grant permission bo Dr. Elmslie provided he sees his way bo go." Ib was resolved on bhe motion of Rev. Mr Gillies "Thab bhis assembly expresses ibs sympabhy wibh bhe aims of the Alliance of Reformed Churches, and its gratification at bhe results already gained by its means, and appoints the Moderator as our representative ab the approaching meeting ab the pan-Presbyterian Council, the necessary expenses to be provided by private 1 effort, and failing this, authorises the Moderator and clerk to grant a commission to any minister or elder of this church who may find it possible to go to this Council, and cordially agrees to

the recommendation to join in the work of special prayer for foreign missions, beginning in November." Invitations.—lnvitations were received from the Auckland Bowling Club, offering use of the Bowling Green, and from Mr Hanna, photographer, offering to photograph members of the Assembly. Tim Assembly adjourned at 12.30 p.m., till 10 a.m. on Monday.