PRESBYTERIAN CITY MISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11005, 8 March 1899, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN CITY MISSION.

The 14th annual gathering in connection with this useful organisation was held last night at Devonport. The retiring president. Rev. B. Ferguson, occupied the chair, and was supported by the Eight Rev. the Moderator of Assembly (the Rev. D. J. Steele, M.A.I, and the Rev. J. Milne, M.A. There was a good attendance of members of the different congregations. Helpful and inspiring addresses, bearing on different phases of mission work, were delivered by the Revs. Steele and Milne, both speakers emphasising the importance of this branch of the Church's work. The report of the committee, presented by Mr. W. J. Jlunro (lion, sec.) stated that no departure of an unusual kind had been made in the methods of the mission, and though there wore no new feaures in connection with the work calling for special attention, there were many evidences of useful services of a solid and lasting nature, rendered by the missionary during the year. Reference was made to the house-to-house visitation amongst non-churchgoers and the sick. The average number of visits per month was stated as 120. A sum of £12 had been spent in relieving extreme and necessitous cases, chiefly for food, medicine, and funeral expenses. Weekly visits had beon made by the missionary to the hospital and Costley Home, and regular services had been sustained in the prison and asylum. Mr. McPherson read an outline of his duties throughout the year, emphasising his efforts amongst the lapsed and indifferent of the Church. As a result, he is satisfied that few Presbyterians do not attend a place of worship sometimes. Reference was made to his work in the hospital and Costley Home, whore there arc some 28 Presbyterians living, and the many difficulties and discouragements met with in connection with the prison work. The missionary's thanks were accorded to the governor of the prison and the officers for their uniform courtesy. The week evening duties were outlined, and mention m;:de of the various cottage meetings and mission services held throughout the year. Reference was made to the work amongst the sailors and men-o'-warßinen when in harbour. In thjs connection Mr. H. Doull. of St. Stephen's Church, was specially thanked for his helpfulness in that work. Mr. McPherson believed there is less poverty in the city than in former years. He referred to the great number of agencies in oxistence tc help men spiritually and physically. He believed there was a good deal of imposition in the matter of giving relief, and much care had to be exercised. Ho never had to beg for his benevolent fund, and, owing to generosity of friends, his purse was never quite empty. The statement of accounts was presented by tho lion, treasurer (Mr. M. A. Clarke), showing a credit balance of Is 6d. On the motion of the Rev. H. Kelly, M.A., seconded by Mr. Thos. Knight, the reports and balance-sheet were adopted. The following office-bearers were elected for 1899, on the motion of Mr. J. P. Haiinan: — President, Rev. J. Milne. M.A.; hon. treasurer, Mr. M. A. Clarke; hon. secretary, Mr. W. J. Munro; committee. Revs. R. Ferguson, 0. B. Mcnlro, R. F. Macnicol, R. Wylie, Hugh Kelly, M.A., R. Scott West, T. F. Robertson, R. Sommerville, Messrs. T. Knight, J. 0. Brown, Jas. Patterson, R. Entrican, G. Carter, Leslie Stewart. G. Herd. John Reid, Mrs. Young, 1 Misses Fraser and Brigham. I The following musical items were rendered during the evening;— Anthems, "Arise, Shine," " Lead Kindly Light." Devonport chcir; sclo, "The Last Muster," Mr. Young; solo, "Calvary," Miss Chapman; quartette. Misses Hume and Murohie and Messrs. McMurtrie and Skeates. Mr. Lees conducted and Sir*. Ferguson accompanied very acceptably. .