CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6827, 4 October 1883, Page 5

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

A lakoely-attended and influential meeting in connection with the Congrogational Union of New Zealand was held last evening in the schoolroom adjacent to the Beresfordstreet Church. It is necessary to explain that at half-past three p.m., a conference woe held, at which about thirty gentlemen, including ministers, members of conference, and othere, were present. At this meeting I the following subjects were taken into consideration :—" Our Union and its work here," " Proposod amalgamation of Unions, which would give one Congregational Union for the colony," and "Our property and trusts, and the need'of applying to Parliament to put denominations such as this in a position to be able to deal with their pro-

iierties." At the evening meeting there were on tne jlatfiamthe Rev. J. Robertson, M.A., Preiident of the Union (in the chair), the Reve. k. Ridings, T. Adamß, R. J. Roberta, H. W. Miller, and others. The Rev. Chairman detailed the result ot khe afternoon conference in an interesting address, in which* he fully explained the objects and purposes of the union, and the itsire to establish a newspaper in connection with it. The Rev. A. Ridings proposed, " That in view of the possibilities of Jhurch extension in this part of New Zealand, this meeting rejoices in the opportunity for thus assembling to stimulate the work of the Auckland Congregational Union and Home Mission, and trusts that in reviving these annual meetings our Churcheß may find encouragement and strength." Mr. J. Rout seconded the resolution, and it was carried unanimously. Captain Daldt then proposed, _" That this meeting receives with great satisfaction the information of the proposed amaluamation of the Auckland Congregational Union and Congregational Union of New Zealand South, and prays that God will open up the way for such amalgamation, and give His blessing to the efforts of our Churches to come closer to one another for sympathy and work." The Rev. Mr. Adams seconded this resolution, and it was carried with applause. The Rev. Mr. Roberts proposed, "That the following be the officers and committee for the ensuing year:—Chairman, Rev. J. Robertson; Treasurer, W. C. Daldy; Secretary, J. Milne ; committee, Revs. T. Adams, A. Riding, T. Hamer, A. Macdonald, Messrs. J. Potter, J. Moginie, H. N. Warner, S. Dahdo, Ellyett, and J. C. Firth, with power to add to their number,"

The Eev. Mr. MriAER seconded thia resolution, which waa also carried.' The proceedings were of a most interesting character, each proposer and seconder of the resolutions giving addresses. At the close Dr. Macdonald, on the invitation of the Chairman, gave a brief address, and concluded the proceedings by pronouncing the Benediction.