THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2940, 28 November 1916, Page 6

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

BUSINESS DONE YESTERDAY

Tho General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand continued its session yesterday. Tho Moderator, the Rev. R. H. Ryburn, presided. Knox College. Tho report of ICnox College Council was adopted. It stated:—"The world war has called not a few of our students from the study to tho camp. Last year I wo reported that four Knoxonians had made the sacrifice of life itself in defence of our righteous cause; and this year four others have fallen ou the battlefield, while one is reported as missing.' To the relatives of these brave young soldiers the council offers its sympathy. It also commonds all our soldier-students to the keeping of our Heavenly Father. Through the generosity of Mr. Ross, tho college is now free of debt. The thanks of all are due to Mr. Ross, who has thus raised the total of his gifts to the college to the magnificent sum of .£20,000. The total at tho credit of the endowment fund was d£3521 2s. 3d. This fundehould bo speedily increased to not less than .£15,000, so that the college might be adequately staffed with much-needed tutors." Theological Committee's Report. The Theological Committee reported "The hall was opened by the Moderator of Assembly (Rev. AV. Scorgie) on March 7, and by tho delivery of a lecture on Jonathan Edwards. This was followed by the unveiling in Ross Chapel of a mural tablet in memory of Chap-lain-major Grant, who was an early alumnus "of the hall. AVe give thanks to God for His goodness during another year. Though the war has meant a certain amoiint of • restlessness, the work has progressed satisfactorily. Eight more of our students enlisted for the front either as or as Y.M.C.A. secretaries, making 15 in all. The instruction to the committee by the Assembly to give the men when they return every consideration will be observed. It is with great regret that we report,,that tho Church, in common with the community at large, has to mourn the loss while on activs service of a number of gallant young men who we hoped in years to come would have exercised their gifts and graces in the hidi calling of the Christian ministry. Ave cannot do more here than record the names of those known to us. Others there • were of the fallen, doubtless, though not officially connected with, tlio committee, whose faces "vrer© turned towards the ministry of tho Gospel. Of all thoso here mentioned we may say that they were men of high Christian character, and of fine promise of future usefulness. How ill they could be spared wo all know, and we trust that the fact that they have been called to a higher service will be a summons to others to fill their place here." Greetings from Ministers' Association. Tho Assembly was visited by a depu- ™ from the Ministers' Association, rlie Rev. J'. Reed Glasson, spokesman, said they had come to convey the hearty fraternal greetings <yf the AVellington Ministers' Association. Saying a word on Church union, he asked: "AVliy cannot we, tlie free churches, unite?" There was so much they held in common. Ho did not believe that dendminationalism was an unmitigated evil. Maybe it had appealed to various types, but maybe, also, it had accomplished its work. The times in which wo lived were drawing people closer together. He hoped some step forward would now be made, and that all would realise more than ever before that they all wore working for the one end. On the motion of Rev. Dr. Gibb, it was resolved: "That the Assembly.thanks tlie deputation from the AVellington Ministers' Association for their presence on this occasion; appreciates and reciprocates the sentiments of fraiernitv and esteem expressed by Mr.. Glasson. assures the deputation and. the Churches they represent of its realisation of the unity in faith and hope and ■ service which binds together all the Churches that hold the head Christ v Jesus; and prays that God's richest blessing may ever crown their common efforts for the promotion of the glory and the spread of His Kingdom." The Drink Question. Rev. John Dawson and Mrs. A. R. Atkinson waited on the Assembly as a deputation from the New Zealand Alliance. Rev. Mr. Dawson rgretted that tho New Zealand Government had not restricted the hours in which the hotels could sell liquor, and asked tho Assembly to assist in an effort to induce Parliament in its next session to make this restriction. Mrs. Atkinson urged further efforts against the liquor traffic, and also in the direction of early closing of hotels during the war. The Assembly expressed sympathy with the deputation, and with the New Zealand Alliance in its "work of freeing this land from flie liquor traffic." Recommendations Adopted. The following recommendations were adopted "That the Assembly, while expressing thankfulness for a better response to the appeal on behalf of the Theological College collection, regret that so many congregations have neglected to take up the collection, and anew enjoin Presbyteries to take stops to ensure an adequate respouse to the appeal from all the congregations." "Urge upon all ministers, Kirk Sessions, and leaders of Bible classes to do thoir utmost to impress upon the youths of our congregations the paramount claims of the Christian ministry as a lifecalling." "Adopt tho proposed curriculum of study for the preliminary year of the course for home missionaries in the hall; agree to tho recommendations of the committee in regard to Messrs. T. Twcedie and G. H. Crockett, home missionary students >in the preliminary year; leave the case of Mr. Jas. Fordyce in thn hands of the committee to deal with." "Appoint the exit examiners/for tho ensuing year in terms of the committee's recommendation." "Agree to tho proposed course of 6tudy to be taken by applicants tor work ill the Homo Mission field prior to appointment; enjoin Presbyteries to oxamino candidates for home missionary work in theso subjects prior to their appointment; and instruct tho committee to report on tho whole question of the home missionary students m the hall, and of the preparation and testing necessary prior to their admission thereto." "Admit Rev. F. A. Thompson as a minister in full standing." "Give the Theological Committee power to deal with students who have gone on active seivico on their return in view of their record in tho hall, and of all tho circumstances of each case." "Admit Messrs. AV. R: Milne, J. S. Pate, and R. J). Ewan, to tlie course of home missionaries in the hall, with the special proviso that they satisfy the committee at the end nf their preliminary year." St, Margaret's College. The following report by St. Margaret's College Council was presented:— "St. Margaret's, College Council have much pleasure in 'again reporting to the Assembly a year of successful operation. Their buildings have been fully occupied, <14 students having been in residence. There has not been a. case of serious sickness, highly satisfactory success in study has been shown by class results, and an excellent spirit has pervaded the institution. It was with deep regret that the council were compelled to decline admitting a large number of students whose applications were not received until all' available places had been allotted. Many of these have renewed their applications, and will bo admitted in 1917. Early in the year many other applications for admission in 1917 were received, but to .meet these, and those that in the ordinarv course would come in towards tho end of the vear it was manifest that extensive additions to the buildings would be necessary. AVith a debt of -C 5/50 already on thoir property, tho council hesitated to incur further liability. As pressure for admission became more and more urgent, ail appeal was made for

funds to liquidate tho debt and complete the buildings as originally planned. The time for such an appeal may to some have seemed inopportune, but a generous r nf/Gin nse , y r " l {oss with tt . a ' mos t. immediately made. Messrs. J. A. Johnstone and Thos. Brown joined Mr. Boss with £500 and £200 respectively, and a lady added a chcquo mnn H' Indy has followed with -1300. Several friends have sent in other donations, making, with cash and promises, a total of .£2638. The majority of tile students admitted were Presbyterians, but a large proportion belonged to other Christian denominations. Of tho 117 admitted only 17 came from within tho bounds of the Dttnedin Presbytery, 30 came from tho remainder of Otago, 23 froni Southland. 30 from Canterbury and Nelson, and 17 from tho North Island. In the light of theso figures tho council are fully justified in proceeding with the enlargement of the buildings in faith that the donations so generously given by the friends of education in Dunedin will be as generously supplemented by other friends throughout the Dominion. The success of the col lego is in a large measure due to. the wise administration of the Principal, Miss Callander. In the health, happiness, and progress of tho students she takes a whole-hearted interest." The Assembly resolved to adopt the report, express appreciation of the work of St. _ Margaret's Council, and commend their cause to the generosity of the friends of education in the Church. Columba College. The Board of Governors of Columba Girls' College, Dunedin, reported:—"The principal of the college, Miss Prances J. Koss, M.A., is assisted in the school by eight permanent mistresses and sixteen visiting masters and mistresses, and in the house the matron, with a resident form mistress and two resident governesses. Of the permanent mistresses one is a graduate with honours in arts; one adds to the degree in artg thaf also m science; two are certificated, under the Education Act, mistresses who have held important positions in public schools; two have special qualifications for the teaching of commercial and kindergarten subjects respectively, and tiro are teachers of. music. The matron, a'Scottish University woman, is a certificated teacher, with special qualifications in domestic science. The number of pupils has risen from 120 (of which 40 were boarders) at the opening of the college | last year, to 151 now (of whom 55 are boarders). The chief development s q£ this voar. has been the opening of a largo block of class-rooms. Bach of the six divisions of the school has now its owh spacious class-room, furnished with the latest improvements, while the principal's room and a retiring room complete tho whole. The gymnasium, fitted as, it 1 is with accordeon doors, provides such further accommodation as is necessary, while it acts .'also as a temporary assembly hall. The board are at present arranging the addition of a scientific laboratory, to give opportunity for individual practical instruction in science." The report' was adopted. lona and St. Cuthbert's Colleges. The report on lona College was adopted. It includes the following"ln November, it was decided to reverse the decision of the September meeting, and in view of the large number of new pupils wishing I to enter, to make a substantial addition | to the building, with tho res.ult -that 28 extra boarders could be accommodated— the numbers changing from 63 to 91. Not living in a town, we are unable to rent house after house as our numbers increase, and we were regretfully compelled in spite of our additions to refuse nearly "50 applications for admission. Judging by the number of entries already received in 1917, it would be quite safe to make an addition even larger than that of 1916; but financial conditions render this impossible. Our expenditure during the year has been very heavy, for besides the large addition, we have provided a swimming bath, a cottage for the domestic stafF, and many permanent improvements in the grounds; and have purchased an additional four acres of land for playing fields. This last purchase, like most of our gains, was due to the foresight of our indefatigable treasurer, whose dreams for our future know no bounds." . Tho Assembly adopted the report of St. Cuthbert's College, Auckland, which opened in 1915, with 18i pupils, and now has 200 day pupils and 92 boarders. Wellington Women's Students' Hostel. Regarding the Wellington Women's Students' Hostel, it was reported that, tho institution was this year, full, and about forty girls had to be refused Admission. The year had been a prosperous one. The Assembly adopted the report Solway College. Tho Presbytery of Wairarnpa reported that Solway" College for Girls was duly opened, and dedicated to the glory of God on February 8,-1916. "Solway House has been altered, renovated, and converted into an ideal home for college pur-, poses. Adjoining it has been erected a school containing four rooms, two of which liavo in the meantime to. be used as dormitories, while the other two are furnished .with individual desks for"class work. All these Tooms are spacious, light, and well ventilated. A capacious swimming bath lias been constructed, and the grounds are nicely laid out for. lawn tennis, croquet, and other games. The college opened: with a full complement of pupils, and already extensive additions are being planned to accommodate all who are seeking an entrance. The religious side of the college lifo is being kept in the forefront. The first halfhour of each school day is given up to the study of the Scripture and tho Shorter Catechism, and each day closes with united praise and prayer. For 10 minutes each morning before breakfast there is a time of quiet which the girls utilise for personal Bible study; and once a week, from 7 a.m. to 7.30 a.m., Bible circles, under the leadership of tho senior girls, are conducted. The leaders of these circles meet weekly .with the principal. A regular Biblo class is also held on Sunday afternoons undej? the leadership of tne principal. The fact that during the first six months 10 of the girls, which constitutes a large majority of the senior 6choolj made a beautiful confession of Christian faith, and camo forward to the' Table of the Lord for tho first time, speaks great things for the system of religious training in the college,'and for the fine personal influence of the devoted principal. The staff, though small in numbers, is gradually increasing with the developing needs of the institution, and care is always taken to secure none but the most efficient and suitable teachers. The Presbytery cannot express too highly its appreciation of tho principal, Mrs. L. Thompson, M.A., whose consecrated life, practical wisdom, and executive ability are the soul of the institution, and the surest guarantee of tho highest and best success. She is ably supported by her worthy husband, It-ev. L. Thompson, M.A. The recent appointment of Miss Ivy Jams, certificated teacher of the Education Department, to tho charge of the junior school, has been a very happy one, tho results of which are gratifying. In the capable hands of Miss Al'lntyre, the matron, tho house arrangements are working admirably. The college has from the beginning been exceedingly fortunate in the matter of health, escaping entirely the many epidemics that have been abroad. Only three cases of illness, fwo of which were slight, havo been reported. The affairs of the college are in tho hands of a committee of gentlemen ap-. pointed by the Presbytery, and incorporated as a board, of governors under the Unclassified Societies Act. These gentlemen aro generously acting as guarantors for the finance that was necessary for equipping the college and initiating the work. A scheme is at present under consideration for the floating of the concern as a limited liability company; and if this is. done it is to be hoped that tho whole Church will take tho opportunity of showing its practical interest in this most effective method of establising tho Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. The report was adopted. The Chaplains. The Chaplains Committee' reported that careful attention had been given to the interests of tho Church in connection with Dofence affairs, both in connection with territorial camps and the Expeditionary Forces. Uuder the care of the camp chaplains the welfare of the men had received constant attention. Tho authorities had expressed cordial ' approval of tho provision made, and tho

men had readily expressed appreciation of what had been done for tfleru. The chaplains in camp wore the Eev. D. I). Scott, at Trenthaln, and the ltev. H. G. Gilbert, at Featherston- The Church had liow 1'- chaplains with the Expeditionary Forces, two on hospital ships, and two in permanent camps. Those at the front in addition to the above-nuiueu were Hev. J. W. Boss, ltev. A. M'Donald, Eev. J. A. M'Keuzie, Hev. H. W. Burridge, H.A., 8.D., and Eev. W. il'Lean. Scots College. The following report on the first year's wort of Scots Couege was presented:— "The first year ot this institution has brought a measure of success outdistancing tlie most hopeful anticipations oi its i promoters. It was well understood that much greater difficulty would be experienced in making a success of a lioys' than of a girls' college, and tho buard would not have been surprised, or even disappointed, had the roll not exceeded SO soliolars. As it is, in the third term of the first year 70 pupils were enrolled, 23 of them lieing boarders; and the prospect of a largo accession of boys with the beginning of the new year is already bright. The expenditure at the outset of such a venture as this is necessarily large, and the capital of .CISOO has been fully used up; but, from the point of view of working expenses proper, income and expenditure have almost tallied. All financial anxiety will be relieved when from 10 to 20 more pupils, especially boarders, have been added to the roll. A heavy financial task, however, lies beforo the board, itho havo only a three years' lease of the building now occupied by the college, and must long before the lease expires (November, 1918), acquire a 1 suitable site and mouey for a building adequate to the needs ot' the institution and congruous with tho dignity of tho Church. It may be mentioned that the board have already visited several sites, and inquiries are being made with a view to the possible purchase of one of them. It is too soon, however, to say anything definite on this headj but it may be montioned that tne board are anxious to plant the coming college buildings in Wellington or one of its immediate suburbs, so that the exceedingly valuable day school connection may not be lost. If compelled to build at a distance from the city, there will be nothing for it but to maintain two schools —one in the country for boarders, and ono in the city for day scholars. The success of the school from a numerical point of view has been lucre than equalled by its suocess in the 'hold it has already taken of the pupls and their parents. The boys are enthusiastic about their college, and from parents a large iiumber of letters has been received expressing high appreciation _ of the' progress their eons have made in their studies, with the moral and religious ton? of the school, and with the care and kindness shown to their boys by Mr. and Mrs. Uttley, who almost from the commencement have had special charge of tho boardinsr deDartment. Tho college Vegan with tfto principals, Mr. S. E. Dickinson and Mr. G. H. Uttley. In the course of the year, however, it_ became evident that the maximum efficiency of the institution would be more surely achieved under one head than under two. Mr. Dickinson therefore tendered his resignation, and Mr. TJttley was appointed sole principal. . . . Under his rule, and with Mrs. Uttley supervising tho domestic side of the boarding establishment, a career of distinguished success is confidently anticipated for the college. It needs only to be added that, as set forth' in the preliminary prospectus, the boys are being very carefully instructed in the truths of Holy Scripture (unless their parents object), and generally are receiving a course of training designed as much to form their characters in tho love of all things honest, just and pure as to quicken their minds and- import secular knowledge." Eev. Dr. Gibb. chairman of the Board of Governors, who presented the Teport. moved that the report should be adopted, and that the Assembly should express gratification at the success of the first year's work. He predicted a great future for the institution. The motion, was adopted. Mr. G. H. Uttley,, M.A., M.Sc., principal", of the College, delivered aD address on the subject of ideals in education. Youth of the Church. The report of the Youth of the Church Committee was presented. It stated that despite the war and the large drain of male teachers and Bible Class members in connection therewith, the work amongst the youth of the Church had made decided progress. The year was started with three secretaries in the field—viz., Messrs. E. Blair. ,T. Mackenzie, and F. Wilkinson, all of whom during the year left the Dominion 'to minister to the men at the front, Mr. ,T. Mackenzie being sent by the Church and the others by the Young Men's Christian Association. At the present time Mr. J. Gray was the only travelling secretary in the field. The finance continued -buoyant, the balance in hand being .£53 in excess of that shown last year. Outstanding accounts for literature for the S.S. travelling secretary and S.S. examination accounts will, however, when paid, account for more than this additional balance. Congregations had increased their contribution during the year by .£sl, and Snnday schools by .£29. Bible Classes, on the other hand, showed a decrease. While this might have been expected from the' young men's classes, it was not looked for either from the young women's or the mixed classes. Mixed classes, in view of their large membership, should contribute more than Jll4 per annum. Such a sum did not do them credit. The Bible Class section of the committee reported:—"There is no section of

the Church that is being so seriously affected by the present war as the Bible Classes. "The young men of the senior classes, being mostly eligible for servics with the Expeditionary Forces, have willingly offered themselves in largo numbers. There is not a class now that has not been drained of many members, while some have lost the whole of the members entered on their rolls at the outbreak of the war. In a few cases only havo classes gone out of existence. The wonder is that more of them have not done to. In many instances classes have been so reduced that amalgamation with the women's classes has been - deemed advisable. la some of the sparsely populated districts of New Zealand it has" been difficult, even in normal times, to hold a class together. Yet now, despite the war, they hold on. Some faithful souls must be sparing no effort to "keep the flag flying, otherwise there would be a different story to tell. Eoughly speaking, the number of Bible Class men who havo enlisted is about 2100. Of this number about 10(10 have joined the Forces during the -past 12 months. Last year the number of senior men was 1567; this year there are 1225, a reduction 312. When it is remembered that a thousand have gone with the I'orces, it will be seen that there is a gain, and not any loss, in numbers. During the coming year still greater losses land sacrifices will have to be faced. Such is the price of war. We regret to lave to record that during the .year many of the best, the very flower, of the youth of the Church have fallen. They have died bravely contending for the cause of right, facing the foe on ths battlefield. Many gallant deeds have been done by Bible Class men, some of which have been recognised by the authorities, while many more have passed unnoticed. A Victoria Cross,, the only one 6o far awarded to any member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, was awarded to Corporal C. E. G. Bassett, of Auckland, who was a member of St. David's Class of that city; while many other distinctions have been ■ gained by others for bravery and distinguished service. "Membership.—lt is with a sense of wonder and gratitude that we have to record an increase, and not a falling-off, in membership during the year. Talcing the total membership of seniors and juniors, as was done last .year, there is an increase of 483. As already stated, there is a decrease of 842 in the men's senior classes recorded as such. It has, to be borne in mind that this decrease is more apparent than real." The following recommendations were adopted"That appreciation" be expressed of the work of Mr. and Mrs. E. Blair in Sunday school extension, and of Messrs. .T. Mackenzie, F. H. Wilkinson, and J. I/. Gray, Bible Class travelling secretaries; that the Eev. J. Aitken, editor of the 'Break of Day/ and Mr. G. F. Inglis, editor of the Sunday School Column in the 'Outlook,' be thanked for their services; thai: Mr. J. L. Gray be reappointed as Bible Class travelling" secretary; and that a Sunday school extension agent be appointed at a 6alary of <£175, with i£so travelling expenses, and ■i£sn allowance for literature." The Assembly will resume at 10 a.m. to-day.