GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20111, 23 November 1928, Page 15

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

MISSIONS TO THE MAORIS.

RESIGNATION OF COMMITTEE.

REVISION OF PRAYER BOOK. The communion servico with which tho proceedings of tho Presbyterian General Assembly opened in St. David's Church yesterday was attended by about 750, largely delegates to tho assembly and to tho Women's Missionary Union Conference. Tho moderator, tho Right Rev. Professor W. Howilson, presided and preached on tho subject of "Fellowship and Service." In lino with his address on church unity, on lho previous evening, (ho moderator had with him taking part in tho servico tho Rev. Dr. C. If. Laws, of tho Methodist Church, and the Rev. Dr. J. <T. North, of tho Baptist Church. The hymns wore specially chosen as having been written by representative leaders of different churches. Tho Maori Mission Committee reported Mie staff remained very much what it was 12 months ago. Tho outstanding event of tho year had been tho opening of tho new Mnori Girls' Collego at Marton, whero thoro were 38 girls in residenco. Tho total cost, was £14,976, of which £4194 remained still to bo raised. The general fund ended the year with a credit balance of £Bl9. Tho committee, which has been located for the past eight years in Napier, under tho convcnership of tho liov. J. A. Aslior, tendered its resignation. Tributes to Staff in Field. In presenting tho report, of tho committee Mr. Asher referred to tho recent visit paid to several of tho mission stations by Lady Alico Fergusson, who had expressed much appreciation of tho work being carried on there. In referring to tho resignation of tho committee he expressed tho opinion that such work should not remain in the samo hands for more than eight years. They were handing back their trust to tho assembly at a timo when prospects had never before been so bright and happy. 110 detailed tho progress that had been made in tho purchase of lands and tho erection of buildings at the various mission stations. Tho motion for tho adoption of tho report was seconded by tho llev. T. 11. Rosoveare, of Papatoetoe, who paid a high tribute to tho character of tho staff in the field. Tho tune seemed to bo at hand when tho church should do something toward equipping Maori girls as well as boys for life. Welcome from the Mayor. The report, with its recommendations, was adopted, and it was agreed to ordain Mr. John Mann as missionary to tho Maoris. Two elders of tho Maori Presbyterian Church, Mr. William Bell and Mr. Timu Tirmij wore introduced to the moderator, and wero welcomed by tho assembly.

A cordial welcome to the delegates to the City of Auckland was extended by the Mayor, Mr. 0. Baildon, and the Pev. W. E. Lush, representing tho Council of Christian Congregations, at the assembly's luncheon. Tho Mayor's concise summary of tho activities of the Presbyterian Church caused tho moderator to remark that at tho closo of the Mayor's term of office he would proposo him as convener of the assembly's statistical committee. The thanks of visiting delegates wero expressed by Mr. Walter Gow, of Dunedin.

Yesterday was tho 84th birthday of the veteran Presbyterian city missionary, Mr. Duncan Macpherson, and to him the assembly resolved to extend its heartiest greetings. A cordial greeting from the Methodist Synod of the Auckland district was received and reciprocated. A cabled greeting also was received from the Rev. G. 11. McNeur, of Canton, an ex moderator of Assembly. Church and Prayer Book.

The Protestant principles report presented by the Rev. A. S. Morrison contained tho following reference to the Prayer Rook controversy: —"Wo feel tho present conflict over tho Anglican Prayer Book is a question that cannot bo viewed as tho private business of that Church. It concerns tho purity and progress of tho Gospel itself. The new Prayer Book Jias been twice rejected by the House of Commons, because of its markedly Romanising tone, especially in relation to tho reservation of the Sacrament and the assimilation of tho Holy Communion to tho Roman Mass. Among tho evangelicals of the Church of England and among the Protestants of tho world there lias been much thanksgiving to Almighty God for the result in the House of Commons. That result proved that a largo and vigorous body of opinion, both in and out of Parliament, was still strongly Protestant, still devoutly attached to tho Gospel in its simplicity, still strongly averse to tho insidious efforts of Rornanisors. It is surely fitting that in this great crisis, one of the greatest since the Reformation itself, wo should express our sympathy arid unite our prayers on behalf of the evangelicals who are seeking to thwart an insidious and determined saciamentarian propaganda." Mr. Morrison said tho principles of the Reformation wero being gravely threatened by an undermining process going on in certain churches named Protestant

Tim report was adopted, and ministers. Sunday school teachers. and Bible-class leaders were enjoined to employ fitting opportunities of teaching principle* of Protestantism. " Beggarly " Salaries. Tho annual report on home missions was presented l>y the Ilev. D. I). Scot I, of Oriehuriga. Tho report of tho homo mission superintendent, the liev. G. liudd, stated the work was running smoothly ami the field was well manned 'lho throb of growth and extension stirred tho heart, and tho sense of opportunity quickened faith and imagination. In seconding tho motion for adoption *>f tho report Mr. 11. B. Burnett said tho salaries they were paying their agents was still a beggarly one—£l6s for singlo men and for married men. Young men had been offering themselves for service in unusual numbers, and they now had a morn efficient, staff than aver before. A proposal to license certain home misMonaries as ministers roused prolonged discussion on the principle* involved [Eventually it was agreed to license Messrs -V 11. Nonio. W. Kearney, T. Knight, N J. Havn, 11. B. Hill, J. C. Hark Jiess and James f'arlane. The report of tho Theological Collego < Vminiitteo and tho appointment of a candidate to the vacant chair of Hebrew •will he. taken this morning. The chief I usiness at tho evening session will be a young people's demonstration.