PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 November 1925, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

CHURCH AFFAIRS DISCUSSED. C (.BY XELJSGEAPH —PEESS ASSOCIATION.) DUNEDIN, Nov. 12. The Presbyterian Assembly continued its sessions this morning and this evening. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee it was decided to take out a policy of £IO,OOO protecting the whole church against common law; claims by voluntary workers and worshippers. . •.■■■■ The Assembly resolved to re-establish a previous committee on Sabbath observance, and to set up, a new presbytery, to be known as the North Island Presbytery. ' 7 The Rev. W. J, Comrie, church, treasurer for the past 20 years, who has been failing in health, was appointed: to continue in 'office at a salary of £4OO, with, , a house allowance of £IOO, and was given six months’ leave of absence. 1 ■ ... ......

The report oh. the Theological College was presented at the evening session by the Rev. Hector; McLean,. who stressed the grave shortage of men. for the ministry. His committee was authorised, to make a special appeal for £IO,OOO for scholarship funds in connection with the jubilee of the. college: next year. The home mission report,- presented by the Rev. I). D. -Scott, stated that in view of the grave.shortage of ministers and the growing needs of the church, the * Home Mission Committee was charged with the duty of adequately and continuously presenting the claims of the ministry upon "the youth of. the church. It was estimated that 13 men annually were required to keep up the strength of the ministry, and only eight were coming forward. ; , The matter of securing suitable settlers for sparsely populated areas was referred to the Immigration Committee to negotiate with the Home ehurehes with a view to nominating selected immigrants. 1 : The Governor-General will attend the session of the Assembly at 11 a.m. tomorrow.