THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY'S COMMISSION TO WAIPU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8705, 23 October 1891, Page 6

THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY'S COMMISSION TO WAIPU.

The Revs. J. llill, R. F. Macnicol, and R. Sominerville, who were appointed a commission of Presbytery to settle some difficulties that had arisen in the congregation at Wairiu, returned by the s.s. Welliugton last night, having successfully accomplished the object of their mission. They met on Wednesday morning with the office-bearers, when, after consfUerable discussion, it was resolved to ask the congregation to agree to the appojtitmoent of a Gaelic-speaking student as assist-, ant to the minister, the Rev. G. Jones. They met with Mr. McLennan at two p.m., and asked an explanation of his conduct in conducting services in a public hall without Presbyterial sanction or recognition. After hearing Mr. McLennan's statement the commission informed him that they could have nothing further to say to him until lie had withdrawn from the unconstitutional position lie had taken up, and submitted himself without reserve to the direction of the Presbytery. To this he agreed, and expressed regret for what had taken place. The commission then met with representatives of the Gaelic congregation, explained to them that Mr. McLennan had withdrawn from his position of opposition to the Presbytery, and asked them to fall in with the arrangements for re-union that were being made. To this they agreed, and at three p.m. a meeting of the congregation was held, when there was a large gathering. Mr Hill explained what had been agreed to by the respective parties when the commission met with them, and it was unanimously agreed that Mr. McLennan be appointed assistant to the Rev. G. Jones; that he preach occasionally in Gaelic, and that he outlying districts be supplied with services, according to details to be arranged by the Presbytery. At 7.30, the last of a series of evangelistic services, conducted in the church by the Rev. R. Sommerville since Sunday, was held, when, in addition to addresses from Revs. J. Hill and R. F. Macnicol, Mr. McLennan offered prayer and gave an address in Gaelic, and thus began an era of unity and harmony that it is hoped will bo lasting. Many were the expressions of delight that the recently created divisions in this prosperous settlement had so happily terminated, and little sympathy will be shown with anyone who will say or do anything to weaken the spirit of re-established amity.