AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 236, 3 October 1894, Page 5

AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY.

The usual meeting of the Auckland Presbytery was held yesterday evening in St. Andrew's Church, commencing at 6 o'clock, when there were present:—The Rev. D. J. Steele (Moderator), Revs. Carrick, Jvorrie, J. Hill, McKianey, McCallum, Evans, Jones, Macuicol, Hendry, Finlay, Robertson, Ferguson, Hedrick, McDonald .Sommerville (clerk), and a large number of elders. The Rev. T, IP. Robertson was appointed Moderator for the ensuing term.

Mangere.—The Rev. Mr Oeborne wrote declining to accept; charge of the Mangere church.

Tje Aroha. — The Moderator of thia charge, the Rev. Mr Ferguson, reported that tho Rev. Mr Norrie, junior, had been duly ordained, when Mr McDonald preached, and the Rev. Mr Norrie, senior, conducted the ordimabion. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Nome, it waß resolved that Mr McDonald and Captain Runciman be appointed assessors to this charge. SnNDAST School Examinations. — The following were appointed examiners:— Devon port, Rev. J. Hill; Sb. James's, Rev. Robertson ; St. Stephen's, Rev. Macnicol; Otahuhu, Rev. Steele; Waipu, Rev. Jones. Supervisors : The Revs. R. Sommerville, A. Carrick and Mr Ramsey were appointed to value the papers and arrange for prizes. Presbytekial Examinations. — The Roys. Robertson, Macnicol and Sfeeele were appointed to visit Remuern and Onahunga in connection with these examinations.

Associated.—The Revs. "Hondry, Hedrick and Mr Johnston were associated with the Presbytery for the meeting. Religion and Mokals.—The Rev. Mr Ferguson reported that all the ministers, with the exception of the Rev. Mr Worboys, had agreed to the exchange of pulpios proposed by the Committee appointed to go into the question of religion and morals. ' Druky.—The Rev. Nome submitted plans lor the proposed new church at Drury. He stated thab they had secured an excellenb corner site. The proposed building was estimated to seat 100 people and to cost about £100, of which £94 had already been either given or promised.—lt was decided to approve tha plane submitted.

Northcote. —The Moderator reported that the people at Northcote wished the services of a minister, but the question of finance had to be considered.—The clerk stated that ministers were somewhat scarce just now, but there was a chance of eomo students being sent out from Home.

Thames.—The moderator also reported j thab things were going on well afi the j Thames Church. Efforts had been made to secure the services of a minister, but ao far without success. In the meantime the pulpit was being supplied by ministers. — Mr Barrows said* chat the friends at Avondale were very much dissatisfied at the way they had been treated. For the paefc 18 months no other minister excepting Mr Soiamerville bad visited their churcb, and he was commissioned now to state thab unleßa something was done in the way of supplying a minister within the next three months, they would sever their connection with the Presbytery. Avondale. —Rev. Sommerville reported thab this church was being still looked after by laymen, and great credit wa3 due to Mr Burrows for the assistance he had rendered in the past.— The Avondala Church wanted to be treated in the same way as the Thames ■Church. They saw regular ministerial supply to the Thames and only laymen for Avondale. Therefore, the Avondale Preaby. terians thought they were unfairly treated. The Moderator said the people at the Thames paid for the ministerial supplies, and laymen could not afford the tinje to leave business in Auckland to go to preach at the Thames. —-Mr Burrows said that the Fresbyterians of Anmdalo. con-

sidered that the weaker charges ought to be helped or fostered. They looked upon the whole Church aa one, and nob aa a number of separate congregations, and if they were'nob treated bo aa to prove such was the case, then the, people at Avondale ' would sever their connection and, start) ( a congregation of their own.— Rer. Sommerville expressed hie sorrow at hearing an elder ot the Avoadale church give expression to auch sentiments. Ha thought the Avondale church should have' communicated with him aa Moderator before sending such a message.' He might point that the Thames people paid two guineas and expenses to the ministerial Supplies each Sunday, whereas the people of Avondale preferred to use their money to beautify the building, and renovate thft manae. A minister could be sent occasion' ally to Avondale, but there was the qoet* tion of payment. Aa soon as a minister could be got he would be senb to Avondale, bat ministers were really BCarce. —Mr Burrows explained that ha was personally against this idea of severing from the Presbytery, but he was commissioned by a meeting held last sight to deliver that message.—Mr Somerville : Will Avondale pay £2 2s if we send a ministerial supply J —Mr Burrows: Certainly; we can now offer £150 and a manse to a minister. -' ' '

Temperance.-—On the motion of the Rev. Finlay, the Revs. Norrie, Steele, and Monro were appointed a sub-committee to assist him in drawing up a report on tern* perance.

After some routine business had been transacted the Presbytery proceeded to hold a conference on the question of church extension.