CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume XLII, Issue 6304, 2 December 1885, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE.

TIMABU, November 25. The third annual Conference of the Congregational Union opened to-day. The following representatives were present:— Beys. Adams, Miller, Closs, Captain Daldy Milne (Secretary), Wood (Treasurer), from Auckland; Beys. W. Best, 8.A., E. Cecil, W. J. Habene, 8.A., Mr J. E. Baker, from Wellington; Bey. H. J. Lewis, from Nelson; Beys. J. Hoatson (Chairman), T. Taylor, B. A., Mesers Beath, Forbes andMarsball, from Christehurch; Mr Barnett, from Akaroa ; Bey. J. Foster, Messrs Haggett, Jones and Tennent, from Timaru; Bey. W. M. Grant, from Port Chalmers; Beys. Kelly, Beckenham, Young, and Messrs Jago, Chad wick, aud. Dyaon, from Dunedin; and Bey. Bobinß, from Lawrence It was reported that sites for future churches bad been obtained at New Plymouth, Marton, Palmerston North, Blenheim, Wanganui, Gisborne, Westport, aud Ashburton, and that new churcho, had been formed at Mount Edecs Devonport, Gisborne,- and Petone; also, that schools bad been commenced at Parnell, Auckland, and St Clair, Dunedin, and at Dunedin a lay. preachers' association had been formed. The Colonial Missionary Society had granted £130 to supplement and aid the work of the Union. The following were elected to seats on the Council, viz, Bey. J. Kelly, Bey. J. Williams, Beys. J. Boberts, Tbnkinson, MacDonald, T. Hamer, J. F. Mandend, W. J. Habens, E. Walker, G. Jones, S. Bpbins, E. D. Cecil. At the. evening sitting an address from Dr Hereby the retiring President, was read by Mr Hoatson, of Chriatchurch. The Conference passed a resolution expressing approval of the address, and regretticg Drßoseby's aeverance of his connection with New Zealand.