PRESBYTERY MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10410, 7 April 1897, Page 5

PRESBYTERY MEETING.

The usual meeting of the Presbytery was held at St. Andrew's, last evening. There were present — The Revs. McKinuey

(moderator), S. Lowrie, R. F. Macnicol, G. B. Monro, J. Hill, T. F. Robertson, R. Ferguson, J. McKenzie, R. Scott West, J. M. Mitchell, It. Barr, W. Evans, A. McLean, S. V, Robie, R. Sommerville (clerk). Elders' commissions were called, and a large number were given in and sustained. The Revs. K. Edgar, S. F. Dickenson, J. \V. Comrie, and J. C. Tennant, visitors, were associated.

Moderatorship.—The Rev, R. Ferguson was appointed moderator for the ensuing six months, and took the chair accordingly. Obitoary. — The following obituary notice with reference to the decease of the late Rev. A. M. McCallum was, on the motion of tho Rev. G. B. Monro, seconded by the Rev. R. McKinney, submitted to the presbytery and unanimously agreed to:— "The Presbytery desires to put on record its sonso of tho loss sustained by the Church in the death of the Rev. A. M. ilc-

Calluui. For several years he laboured with great zeal, fidelity, and earnestness in connection with tho Free Church of Scotland, and for over 17 years in connection with our New Zealand Church at Dovonport, Christchnrch, and Mangere. Endowed with a highly cultured mind, Mr. AlcCallum's preaching was interesting and instructive. He continued to the end to take an intelligent interest in the general work of the Presbytery, and was always ready to assist his brethren in special evangelistic effort. The Presbytery while bowing to the providence of God, rejoices in the assurance that for our brother to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The Presbytery further desires to express deep sympathy with the bereaved family, and pray that the Great Head of the Church may comfort and bless them under their deep sorrow, and direct that a copy of this minute be sent to the friends."

St. Andrew's.— Rev. R. F. Macnicol gave in the report of the commission appointed to meet with the session and congregation of St. Andrew's, which, after discussion, it was agreed by a majority of one not to adopt.

The Tk Ahoiia Charge.—The clerk read tho finding of the General Assembly with regard to the proposed division of the To Arolin charge. On his motion, seconded by tho Rev. Robie, it was agreed that in accordance with tho Rev. Norrie's request the district be divided. This will be done according to the recommendation of the committee, Te Aroha to be the name of one portion of the charge, and Ohinemuri the

other; also tlmt in keeping with the decision of the Assembly that the Rev. T. A. Norrie take charge of Te Aroha on and after July 1. The Ohinemuri chargo is to be placed under the pastoral supervision of the minister and sossion of the Thames, and all the members of the old charge will in the meantime be members of the Te Aroha session, and will remain so until Paeroa has been erected into a regular charge.

Resignations.— Rev ( Robertson reported that) the Rev. 'J. Head rick had tendered his resignation of the Mangero charge, and that he himself had resigned the moderatorship of that district. The Rev. J. Steele was appointed to succeed to the latter office.

Ngaroawaiiia. — The commission appointed to visit Ngaruawahia reported that they met with the representatives of the charge at Huntly, and elicited all needful information with regard to the present position and future prospects of that district, and that they thought that circumstances rendered a change of ministry desirable. It was agreed to report to the Church Extension Committee accordingly. Book of Order.—A matter from St, Andrew's Session with regard to the interpretation of a clause in the Book of Order

concerning the election of elders was submitted for the consideration and decision of the Presbytery. In reply, the Presbytery informed the sescion that when steps were taken about two years ago to enlarge the session the gentlemen then regarded as having been elected were simply nominated and not elected according to the laws of the Church. The VVaipd Chaiiqb.— Rev. Macnicol

reported that the Rev. IV. Thompson, M.A., 8.D., had been appointed by the session to take charge of the church of Waipu North, and that since his appointment ho had met with great success; the people evincing great enthusiasm in regard to the future of their new charge. The Rev. Macnicol resigned his position as moderator of that charge, and it was agreed thab the Rev. G. Y. Robie be appointed to succeed him.