ECCLESIASTICAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 8034, 6 December 1886, Page 5

ECCLESIASTICAL.

CONGREGATIONAL ONION OP NEW ZEALAND. The Council assembled a few minutes past ten on Saturday morning, and was opened by prayer, the Chairman praying especially on behalf of the church where the meetings were being held, and for the Y.M.C.A. of this town. Mr Milne was called upon for the report of the Reference Committee. Arising out of it, the Rev H. M. Livens was elected on the Council, under Clause VII. Resolved —“ That the Registrar's report be printed in the yearbook in extenso,” The next ■ business was the election of officers as per Section IX. of Constitution. The Secretary announced Mr Laishley's unfavourable reply to the offer of the chair for 1888. He then proposed Mr J. W. Jago, of Dunedin, barring Mr Jesse Firth, who could not be prevailed upon to accept. The Rev E. Walker seconded this, but seeing that Dunedin is the place of meeting next year, though there was a manifest desire that* Mr Jago should be Chairman in the near future, it was deemed best to invite Captain Daldy, of Auckland. It should also be stated that Mr John Knowles, of Wellington, was nominated, but was obliged to decline on account of illhealth. The following officers were elected: —Treasurer, Mr Noah Wood ; Secretary, Mr John Milne; Registrar, Mr W, W. Knowles; Executive Committee—Auckland : Revs W. L. Closs, T. Adams, H. W. J. Miller and Messrs Elkin, Dando, Ellyett, Potts and Captain Daldy; Wellington : Revs W. H. West, 8.A., LL.B., J. H. Lewis and Mr J. E. Baker; Canterbury : Revs J. Hoatson, T. Taylor, 8.A., and Mr A. W. Beavenj Otago: Revs J. E. Kelly, John Beckenham, F. Seth-Smith, E. Walker, W. M. Grant and Mr J. W. Jago. After some debate it was resolved unanimously to take the trust properties of Emmanuel Church under the Incorporation Act. A sum of money was set apart for purchase of a site at Ormond, near Gisborne. A telegram was here received from Captain Daldy expressive cf hia appreciation of the honour done him, but respectfully declining. The Rev W. H. Lewis was subsequently elected unanimously. A Committee was appointed to consider the question of Pastors' Retiring Fond, to report at next annual meeting. Mr Beckenham moved —“That we acknowledge the kindly greeting of the Secretary on behalf of the Dauntless Lodge, No. 7, 1.0.G.T., and wish them every success in their temperance work."

The Eev R. J. Williams then read his paper on “ The Prayer Meeting as Conducive to the Spiritual Life of the Churches," and the usual votes of thanks were passed. After this the Chairman closed the business session of the Council with prayer. The final proceedings in the evening were reported in our last issue.