N.Z. CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 37, 12 February 1910, Page 10

N.Z. CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The Council of the Congregational Church of New Zealand resumed sitting at 3 pjn. yesterday. Mr. Lewis presiding. Maungaturoto.—The Reference Committee recommended with regard to the Rev. T. G. Butler's notice of motion that the Union pledge itself to aid the MaungatuTOto Church in providing for the social and spiritual welfare of the workers on the North Auckland Railway; that while expressing sympathy with the arm of mover, the Committee regrets that , ill the present state of the Home Mission Fund it cannot recommend that this be placed on the agenda. Rev. Butler said the Committee misunderstood his object. He did not want money, but reading matter for a social room, such as magazines, newspapers. His idea was to have a tent which would not cost much more than £5, and could be shifted as the work progressed. Mr. Kirk pointed out that there were some 400 or S'JO men there with absolutely no provision for their social or spiritual •welfare —men who never heard the name of God excepting in the way of blasphemy. Mr. W. H. Lyons objected to the last statement. He did not like to hear that class of men, who were doing a grand work for the country, referred to as if they knew nothing of God. Anyone going down "the wharf might hear objectionaible expressions from some of the workers, but if he chose to listen he woidd also he-ax serious discussion on religious matters. Ultimately the matter was referred to the Auckland District Committee, the Council signifying its hearty approval of the good work eorrtemplated by the Rev. Butler. Home Mission Work.—The Reference Committee recommended that circulars Ibe printed and distributed, setting forth the objects of the Home Mission, and the manner in which the money was expended, and Mr. S. Smeeton said the queMion was what should be put on the circulars. If it was stated .what went to aid city churches, then the people would not give, although money was forthcoming for the back blocks. Mr. W. H. Lyons said they must make the circular an honest one. He asked were they justified in making the back block work a stalking horse? Their churches must learn that there were ■town churches that also required assistance. Church extension in towns must be carried on as well as new causes in the back blocks. The Council approved the issue of the circulars. Sit. Oafr Church.—The Reference Committee reported in favour of St. Clair starting a New Zealand fund to liquidate the debt on the church property. The Rev. W. Saunders explained this ■was unusual. There was £700 debt I upon the building, for which they had ( nothing but a small section of land. They wanted -the sanction of the Union to make an appeal throughout the Dominion. The recommendation was adopted. Ministers' Association.—lt w.is decided to receive a deputation from the Auckland Ministers' Association at noon next Monday. Wellington District Be-port.—This was submitted by Mr. G. B. Gregory. It referred to the fimme'ral depression, and the heavy losses sustained by some churches. Mastexton and Napier were proving most successful, and Nelson under the Rev. B. L. Thomas was also making progress. Registrar's Report.—Mr. F. Meadowem ft read the report of the Registrar. The membership of the churches shows a net increase of 13S, although five churches closed the year with a reduced roll. AHhouffh three new Sunday Schools were started during the year, still they had (to face a decrease of four in the total number of scholars. The report stated that it was impossible to ignore the fact, that with work firmly established they had to face a decrease in the number of scholars. The value of church property was £02.293. a net increase for the year of £2440. irprm which the total indebtedness was £62SS 0/. During the year £200 14/ had been paid off certain church properties, but on the other fraud there bac' been an increase of £400 in the debt of Sydenham. The report was adopted. Sabbnit'i Obscrv-airc".—A communication .from the Rev. Inglis was read re Sabbath observance. The writer stated that the time had come when , there should be vigilance committees from all the churches to keep an eye upon proper observance of the Sabbath. The letter was sent to the Reference Committee. The Home Mission meeting, held in the Mount Eden Church last eveninc, was ■well attended, and the addresses given by the Rev. T. Wilson Pobts (Te Kuiti), Mrs. 0. B. AshfoTd (Kawhia). and the Rev. A. M. Aspland (Weninrrfon) were listened to with great interest. A new church -will be opened at New Lynn to-morrow afternoon, and a number of the visiting ministers will occupy local and suburhan pulpits.