CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5584, 17 January 1879, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Christchurch mot on Thursday, Jan. 9, in St. Andrew’s Church schoolroom, Christchurch, and was duly constituted with devotional exercises. Sederunt—The Revs. M'Callum (Moderator), Horner, Brunnett, Fraser, Hill, Douglas, Waddell, Mclntosh, Ilauxwell, and (Clerk). Mr M'Callum, the retiring Moderator, thanked the Presbytery for their forbearance and kindness to him during his tenure of office. He nominated Mr Hill as his successor, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr Hill then took the Moderator’s chair. The Clerk read the Treasurer’s account, which was adopted. It was resolved that the congregation be rated for 1878 as last year, and that the Clerk notify the same to the Treasurers of the congregation; also, that the Clerk intimate to Treasurers of Sefton, Akaroa, Waiau, Oust, and Lyttelton, that they had not paid their Presbytery expenses for 1877, and that Ashburton had not paid their Presbytery expenses for three years Extracts from the minutes of Synod were read on Sabbath schools, representative elders, church extension, and on church property and title deeds. The syllabus of lessons prepared by Committee of Synod for

tho use of tho Sabbath schools was laid on the table. , . , In order to carry out the six-monthly system of catechising as appointed in tne resolution of Synod, tlie following wore appointed a board of examiners to draw up examination questions from tho syllabus: The Revs Fraser, Waddell, M Callum, M'lntosh and Douglas, tho latter Convener. Mr Elmslie’s report of the Rakaia district was postponed owing to his absence. Mr Fraser gave an interim report on suburban charges :—l. That Mr Alexander continued his work with much success_ at Sydenham, and that about seventy-eight families promised to join tho new charge, and that a largo Financial Committee had boon elected. 55. That no arrangement for service as yet had been made for tho north town belt, as there was no one at present at the disposal of tho Committee. Mr M'Gregor moved—“ That the report of the convener on tho suburban charges bo adopted with much satisfaction.” Mr Douglas seconded, and it was agreed to. Mr Hill, Convener of Presbyterian ClmreH Extension Fund Committee, reported Umt be had called on several gentlemen, who bad promised hearty co-operation- Owing to tbe holidays ho had not been able to get the Committee formed, but lie would do so forthwith. It was resolved—“ That tin report bo adopted.” „ . . , Mr Hauxwell requested thi Iresbytery to appoint him assessor, to enable him to form a communion-roll and a kirk-.-cssion. It was resolved that Mr Waddell’s kirk-session be appointed his assessors. Mr M'Callum also requested tholrosbjtery to appoint him assessors to enable him to form a communion-roll and a kirk-session. It was resolved that two elders from Rangiora be appointed assessors. Letters from Mr Munro and the Secretary of Rangiora district were read. It was resolved that Mr Munro’s previous engagement to Halkett and Kimberley be rescinded. On the motion of Mr Waddell, seconded by Mr Fraser, Mr Munro was appointed for six months to Kaiapoi and Rangiora district, as requested. Extract of resolutions of meeting held at Kimberley on Jan. 3 Were read, and Mr Douglas moved —“ That considering the large extent of the Malvern district, and the necessities or Halkett aid Kimberley, the Presbytery cannot entertain the proposal to join Kimberley to Malvern,” which was seconded by Mr M'Callum and agreed to. Mr Horner stated that tho people of Papanui had acted on the advice given him at last meeting of the Presbytery, and the morning and evening services were satisfactory. The resolutions of the Synod Temperance Committee were considered seri dim.

The first was departed from on the vote of the Presbytery. The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth were proposed, seconded and carried. After the discussion on these resolutions, tho Rev Waddell mentioned that some persons had expressed surprise that at the public luncheon after Mr Hauxwell’s ordination, healths had been drunk, although the President and some other members of the Temperance League were present. The Rev. C. Frazer said that after he had with Irawn from the table ; for they all know there had to be relays—[By an unfortunate mistake the Secretary has omitted to forward one slip of his report of the proceedings of (he Synod, which brings Mr Frazer’s remarks to a rather abrupt conclusion.] The Clerk intimated that he had received a letter from Mr Elmslie, acknowledging receipt of a minute of condolence. The Moderator reminded the brethren that the collections for special purposes, appointed by the Assembly, should be forwarded to the Treasurer, Auckland : also, that statistic schedules should be forwarded forthwith to Assistant Clerk of Assembly. The Moderator said that it was anticipated to hold the next meeting of the Assembly in the last week of February. The meeting was closed with the Benediction.