ST ANDREW'S CONGREGATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6837, 26 January 1883, Page 5

ST ANDREW'S CONGREGATION.

The member* of St Andrew’s congregation met a deputation from the Christchurch Presbytery last evening, in the Oddfellows' Chambers.

The Bev T» B. Cairns presided, and having opened the proceeding* with prayer, explained the object of the meeting, which was to pat before the congregation of St Andrew's the position the Presbytery had taken up with regard to the Bev 0. Fraser. The evidence on which the deposition of Mr Fraser from the ministry waa decided upon was open to the meeting, and the deputation waa prepared to answer any questions. On the previous evening the deputation had met the lirk -Trim ami the Finance Committee, whose desire was that services should be j* connection with the Presbytery. At the meeting last night it was understood that none but member* and adherents of the Church should be present, and that, the representatives of the Press should not notee of the evidence. Some of the evidence was of a very unpleasant nature to be read in a mixed audience. Several ladles here left the hall, but not a few remained.

The Bev J. Hill then read the evidence of one witness, and on coming to of another, gave a strong hint to the ladles, upon which those who had hitherto rammed left. At the conclusion of the evidence the Bev Mr Hill commented upon it at considerable length. He concluded by stating n»»* the Presbytery deeply regretted that Mr Fraser had neglected to defend himself, as he would have received ample justice. Personally he felt grief at the unfortunate circumstances, as for many year* he had been on moat intimate terms of friendship with Mr Fraser.

Mr M'Hafie asked if any of that evidence had been given in the absence of Hr Fraser. The Chairman replied in the negative. Mr Fraser had been present and had heard everything said, ample opportunity having been given him to cross-examine the witnesses, make explanations, and call rebutting evidence.

Ur Lusk was under the impression the Presbytery could sot go bock to charges of offences occurring previous to fire years beck.

The Chairman said that by the Victorias rules, which had been adopted by thePrasbytery, a charge previous to five yean could be gone into. The Bev J. Hill explained that a charge beyond fire years could not be taken up, on* less it was a nerions one.

_ Mr D. Craig asked whether persons men* tloned by one of the witnesses had been examined.

The Chairman replied that these had corroborated the evidence referred to. Mr John Deans asked if the evidence been taken on oath.

The Chairman replied that the witnessee had made affirmations, and had been assured that their statements would be regarded as if made on oath.

Mr D. Craig considered nothing had been actually proved. The only weak point was Ur Frasers withdrawing from the Presbytery ] had ha not done so ho would, without doubt, have been acquitted. Several of those present animadverted am the manner in which some ef the evidence had been obtained.

Mr Paxton enquired if Mr Fraser had asked for the enquiry. The Chairman replied in the affirmative. Mr D. Craig moved a vote of thanks to the deputation far the explanation they had given. The more they had been questioned the worse the matter appeared to be tor Mr Fraser. The congregation would be glad to hear what course should be adopted for meeting on Sundays now that the congregation was shut out. He suggested that a Committee «H«nid meet the deputation from the Presbytery. Mr John Deans seconded the vote of thanks and supported the suggestion of Mr <*««♦

Ur M'Haffie suggested that the Financial Committee should meet the deputation. The Chairman said that he would like to conduct the tint service, but it would not be eoovenient for him to do so next Sabbath. If the Committee consented he would be very glad to attend on the following Sabbath. After some further discussion it was resolved that tho Moderator be invited to meet the Kirk Session and Financial Committee on Tuesday evening at half-past seven, the meeting to take piece in the vestry of the Sydenham church.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs Craig, Deans, Lusk, and Boag, was appointed to wait on Mr Fraser as soon as possible ** to ask from him the keys and possess ion of St Andrew’s.**

A vote of thanks to the deputation concluded the business.