AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 63, 14 March 1894, Page 2

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

THAMES CHURCH DECLARED

VACANT.

A special meeting of the Presbytery was held last nighb in Sb. Andrew's Church, when the Rev. A. Carrick officiated as moderator. There were also present: Revs. R. Somerville (clerk), R. F. Macnicol, J. Hill, T. F. Robertson. Scolt West, T Norrie and Ferguson, Elders Brownlie and Garriock.

The Rev. R. Somerville stated the reason why tbe meeting had been called. As soon as the decision of the General Assembly was known regarding the case of the Rev. M. Neill, of the Thames, ib was resolved by the Auckland membera that a pro re nata meeting of the Presbytery should be called as soon as possible afber they returned from the South. After their Brrival he promptly issued the notices calling this meeting, in order thab effecb might) bo given to the finding of the General Assembly. The meeting approved of the acbion of bhe Clerk in this matter.

Tho Clerk then read the finding of tho General Assembly (already published), and then moved, " That bhe Court instruct the Clerk to write to the Rev. Mr Neill, enclosing the finding of the General Assembly, and also forward intimation thab bhe Presbytery will tako the necessary steps to have tho charge ab the' Thames declared vacant on Sabbath next."

The Rev. Mr Macnicol suggested thab R_r Neill might be allowed longer timo in order to say farewell to his congregation.

The clerk eaid Mr Neill had already done thab, having received a copy of the finding of tho General Assembly a fortnight ago.

Tho motion was then agreed to.

The Rev. Norrio moved and the clork seconded that the Rev. R. F. Macnicol be sent to tho Thames to declare the charge vacant.

Rev*. Macnicol desired to be excused as ho thought some person who had not beon on ■ the Commission should be sent. He suggested thab Rev. Scotb West was bho man for bho posibion. Mr Wesb declined. Obher names were suggestad but they all with ono consanb began bo make oxcuses. Ulbimately Mr Macnicol was prevailed upon to accept the task. It was then moved by the clerk that Mr Macnicoi should also be appointed moderator of bhe Thames session during bhe vacancy. Thia was posibively declined by Mr Macnicol and also by one or bwo obher minisbers, and at last the Rev. T. F. Robertson consented to act.