RELIGIOUS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1095, 24 February 1893, Page 39

RELIGIOUS.

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY. +

The Assembly met at 10 a.m. yesterday Week. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. It was decided that a small Advisory Committee should bo appointed to confer with the Proporty Board Committee before tho latter presented their report to the Assembly. CHURCH EXTENSION. The Rev R, Erwin presented the report Of the committee appointed to consider the ■uggeßtions made by the Churoh Extension Committee, and ho moved that the following be the decision of the assembly on the ■abject:—Adopt the report, with thanks to the committee, especially the convener and treasurer, and resolve that the committee be authorised to give special grants, not exoeeding £SO a year for two years, to new charges in growing districts where there are good prospeots of the charge, soon becoming self-sustaining, the speoial grant being conditional on the districts them■elves raising a certain amount, say £l5O, also the grant to be gradually reduced after the first two years; that in future the pro posed grants to the old and sanctioned charges be drawn up by a committee to be appointed by the Assembly, the committee thus appointed to report at a subsequent sederunt of the Assembly, and that the members of this oommittee be considered corresponding members of the Church Ex tension Committee, with instructions to make every effort within the bounds of their own presbytery in the interests of the fund. Mr T. W. MoKenzie seoonded the motion, which was agteed to. A committee was appointed to carry out the deoision of the oommittee for this year. THANKS. A letter was received from the Rev T. SpurgeoD, acknowledging the letter sent by the Assembly last year, condoling with him on the death of his fathor. . CHURCH JUBILEE. A letter was received from tho Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland ■tating that it was probable that a day would be set apart to commemorate God’s goodness during the last 50 ysars. A committee was appointed to prepare a suitable reply. EXPRESSION OP SYMPATHY. A letter was received from the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the convener of the Colonial Committee, conveying the deep sympathy of the Churoh of Scotland with the Church of New Zealand. It was decided to refer the communication to the oommittee appointed to deal with the letter from the Free Churoh to prepare a reply. STATISTICS. The report of the Committee of Statistics wa» presented. The committeo drew attention to the fact that a considerable number of congregations sent in no returns at all, while a few cent theirs of suoh a fragmentary character that they were of no prsotical ■ervioe. The committee had supplemented the information obtaiued by quoting from previous returns, and they believed that tho following might be accepted as giving, approximately, tho real strength of the Churoh Cbaroh buildings, 153; sittings in the ohurohes, 26,865; attendants in the churches, 20 600; other places where servioes were held, 173; attendants at these, 6813 ; ministers in charges, 15; ministers without charges, 7 ; student missionaries in charges, 15; elders, 370 ; members of committees, 1162; communicants, 9364; accessions by examination, 471 ; accessions by certificate, 375 ; removals by death, 85 ; removals by disjunction, 423 ; attendance at weekly prayer meetings, 2358 ; sittings let or allocated, 9215; Sabbath schools, 202 ; teachers, 1501 ; scholars, 14,653 ; attending Bible classes,2o29. From the last census they learnt that 141,445 persons avowed themselves as being of the Presbyterian faith—74,4s2 belonging to the Churoh of Zealand, and 65,994 to the Churoh of

Otago There were 246 Presbyterian Churohes In New Zealand, and 124 other places at which Presbyterian services were held. After giving statistics of tho persona belonging to all denominations, and the number not attending the churohes, the report says that, looked at from the most favourable point of view, there are 266,488 persons who are living outside tbe Churches of every name. Many attempts had beon made to cast the responsibility of this state of things upon tho Churches. It could not be ignored that a considerable proportion of that 266,488 parsons, from their modes of thinking and living, find nothing in the Churohes which they care for; while of a considerable number it Is to be feared that they are severed from tho Churches by alienation of mind to the things with whioh the Churohes are entrusted. J ho Churches could not be held reponsible for those who will not accept their provision. A great many suggestions also were being made as to the means by which this lamentable state of things may be correoted, Somo would institute what is called pleasant Sabbath afternoons, some would substitute social questions for Christian doctrines for discussion in the pulpit, and others suggest other remedies of every hue. As citizens the members of Churchos might do muoh to ameliorate social diso dors, but tbe Church itself could do very little, directly, if she be faithful to her calling. In conclusion the report says that there is very much land to be possessed, and that the Church as a whole requires to arise and shine, and let her light he felt. Tho refleotion applied to every Church organisation in the country, acoordiug to the statements contained in the oensus, and to the larger denominations in a much greater degree than to the smaller. On the motion of tbe P.ev G. Webster, seoonded by the Rev J. K. Elliott, the report was adopted, with a direction that the attention of ministers should be called to the importance of sending iu omplete returns. a HE DEPUTY FROM OTAGO. The Rov Dr Elmslie reported that he had attended the Synod of Otago and Southland, and had been kindly received. The Rev J. M. McKerrow was then introduced as the deputy from the Synod of Otago and Southland, and he delivered a short address. He thanked them for the cordial reception they had given him, and he hoped,that the two Churohes would continue to run a parallel course of usefulness, and that before long they would be united. The Presbyterian Churoh had a great future in this Colony, for it was more adapted to tha circumstances of the people than these little sects, who strive to see how many people they could convert to their own views. He was not referring, of course, to the Urge denominations. A voto of thanks was awarded the Rev Mr McKerrow for his interesting, able and hope-inspiring address. A VISIT JR FROM QUEENSLAND. At tbe suggestion of the Rev J. Paterson, the Rev C. Ogg, of Brisbane, delivered a short address to the Assembly on the work being done by the Church in Queensland. A vote of thanks was awarded to Mr Ogg for his address. APPOINTMENT OP DEPUTIES. The Moderator and Mr J. G. W. Altken ware appointed as deputies to the next Synod of the Church of Otago and Southland. INSURANCE SCHEME. An overture was received from the Hawke's Bay Presbytery with reference to the establishment of a fund for the insuranoe of ohuroh buildings. After some disoussion it was decided, ou the motion of the Rev J. K. Elliott, that a committee of elders be appointed to consider the whole matter, and report at the next Assembly, UNIFORM SET OF BOOKS. An overture from the Hawke’s Bay Presbytery that a uniform Bet of church books should be provided was considered and rejeoted. JUDICIAL COMMITTEE. The report of the Judicial Committee was adopted. AGED AND INFIRM MINISTERS. The Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund Committee reported that tho revenue for the year was £302 4s Id, and the expenditure £72 48 lOd. By the death of the Rev P. Calder the allowance paid to him ceased. The capital now stood at £2743 19s 9d.

The committee considered that it would be unjust to make a minister, who had duly made hia own payments to the fund, suffer because his congregation had not made their paymonts. It was manifestly dishonest and disloyal on the part of congregations to refuse to make their payments beoause their ministers would not suffer through their refusal to contribute, and beoause the Assembly had no power to enforce contributions from them, The committee trusted that on the importance of the fund beieg pointed out to ministers and congregations, that all would heartily contribute their quota of £2 10s. If this was not done there would have to be a re-adjustment of tha rates of annuity to bo paid. Consideration of the report was postponed until next day. ADDRESS TO 'I HE GOVERNOR. It was decided that an addresß to tho Governor sbonld be prepared. The Assembly at 2.25 p.m. adjourned until 10 o'clock next morning. The Assembly sat at 10 a.m. on Friday. GREETINGS. A telegram was received from the Congregational Union, now sitting at Chriatohuroh, conveying fraternal greetings, and it was deoided to send a suitable reply. CHURCH PROPERTY. The report of the Churoh Property Board stated that, on the application of several congregations, the oommittee had executed mortgage deeds on the security of the Church property of the several applicants, to enable them to raise money for tho purpose of providing more churoh, or school, or manse accommodation, The report was adopted, and it was decided that the Bev R. Somerville should receive £39 for his servioes iu connection with the matter. RESIGNATION. Mr W. Chrystall wrote resignim; bis position on the Churoh Property Board. The resignation was aeoepted It was also stated that Mr P. Cunningham declined to act on the board. The Rev J. Patorson gave notice that he would move that Messrs W, M. Hanney and J. G. W. Altken be elected to fill tho vacancies, MEMORIAL. A memorial was received from the Christohuroh Presbytery in reference to legacies to ohuroh funds. It was deoided to direofc the attention of ministers to olause 35 of the Churoh Property Act, whioh empowers the treasurer of the board to grant a legal receipt for all trust moneys. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. A memorial was received from the Hawke’s Bay Presbytery, asking that, in view of the extreme need of men who can efficiently conduct religious services, and the experience the Presbytery hod hod of the efficiency with which Mr Osborne had conducted all ministerial work, the Assembly should fix a time at which the Presbytery might be allowed to take Mr Osborne on trial for license without undergoing tho usual examinations for this purpose. The Assembly went into committee and discussed the matter for over an hour, On resuming, it wbb reported that it bad been decided, on the motion of the Rev R. Somerville, that the Board of Examiners now in Wellington meet and prescribe subjects of examination in theology and eburon polity to Mr Osborne, and that on its boing certified to the Presbytery of Hawke’s Bay by the board that he satisfactorily passod such examination, they be authorized to license Mr Osborne, but not sooner.than Jan, 1894. POWER TO BAPTISE. It was decided, on the recommendation of the Hawke's Bay Presbytery, that power bo given to Mr Osborne to baptise. The question of giving students power to baptise was also considered, and it was deoided that the Assembly abide by its present regulations in the matter. 5 The Assembly adjourned at 2.15, and resumed at 7 p.m, A VISITOR. Mr Fitzgerald, an elder of the Churoh of Otago, was present, and was oordially welcomed by the Assembly. TEMPERANCE. The Temperance Committee reported that tbe movement had taken such a firm hold of the community that even in the smallest districts oil over our country somo kind of temperanoe society is to be found. Prohibition without compensation, they believed,

will soon be a question of praotical politics. They reported that 50 ministers ore now conneoted with the Ministers’ Total Abstinence Association. It was gratifying to find on every hand testimony that the young were as a rule keeping aloof from strong drink. The driuk bill for New Zealand showed an increase on the previous year of £14,044, but the average amount per head of the population is a decrease from £3 3s 7|d to £3 2s 9d. The oommittes recommended that as a church they should increase their efforts to seoure for the people the prinoiple of local option, and that as far as possible temperance societies bo established in connection with all congregations. On tho motion of the Rev B„ Hutson, seconded by Mr G. S. Bridge, the report was adopted, gratification being expressed that the temperance movement was making such rapid progress, and it was also deoided that a sermon be preaohed on the subject of temperanoe on the laßt Sabbath of November. FOREIGN MISSIONS. The report of Foreign Missions stated that the year would leave its.mark for years to come on the cause of missions in the church at Home, and on missionary operations in the New Hebrides themselves. The report gave an interesting account of the work done at the Islands. But what the committee feared would be a most baneful effect on the interest of a mission was the resumption of the Kanaka labour traffic by the Queensland Government. They were assured that tho Queensland Government was taking every precaution and exerting itself to the utmost to tid the traffio of abuses which prevailed in the past, and no doubt suoh was the chbo, for self interest on the part of the Queensland planter seemed to demand cheap labour, and self interest would make all concerned, for the present at least, extremely cautious and oiroumspect, lest p ejudioe should he awakened and publio feeling aroused against this embryonic slavery. In view of the present financial position of the mission, and oonsideuDg that claims may ba made upon the funds in future, the committee recommended the Assembly to fund an amount to be agreed upon, the amouut not to ba available for mission expenditure except by resolution of tho Asembly, The oommittee had great pleasure in testifying to the inorease interest of the people in the cause of missions, but they were far from thinking that it was yet in any measure proportionate to the claim of thiß great work. The report was discussed at some length, and it was decided on the motion of the Rev J. White, seconded by the ltev O. Murray, that tha report be adopted, and that thankfulness be recorded to God for preserving in good health the Rev W. and Mrs Watts ; express satisfaction at the decision of the Mission Synod to assign the Island of Ambrym to Dr Lamb ; approve of the action of the committee In appointing Messrs Mansfield and McDowell ns lay missionaries to Dr Lamb ; thank the ladles of Auckland for their liberality in again providing a boat for the missionary, the Ladies’ Association of the same oity for the help they are rendering the mission, and nil others who had by gift or donations contributed to the mission ; acknowledging the receipt of the legacy from the trustees of Mr Win. Carruth, of Whangarei ; record dissatisfaction at the resumption of the Ktnaka labour traffic in Queensland ; inptruot the clerk to convey tha thanks of the Assembly to Dr G. Smith for his servioes to tho mission, and while expiossing thankfulness for the liberal support rendered by the people, to point out that still greater liberality is necessary if tha inoome was to meet the expenditure. The Assembly adjourned at 10 p.m. until 10.30 next morning. The Assembly sat again at 10.30 a.m. on Saturday in St John’s Church. THANKS. A vote of thanks was awarded to the Rev Dr Elmslie, ex-Moderator, for hia excellent discourse at the opening of the session. MAORI MISSION. The committee reported that the missionaries continued to occupy the same districts as in reoent years. Mr Fletcher’s labours are oonfiued to the counties of R'vngitisei and Orowa, Mr Milson’a to Rangitikei and Manawatu, and Mr Honove’s to Manawatu

and Horowhenaa. The Native population of these four oounties, as ascertained by lai>t oensus, is 1709, the entire Native population of New Zealand being 41,400. Tho sohool for Native children at Revv Rew had been discontinued on aooount of tbe migratory habits of the Natives of this pah. Mr Fletcher visits the Natives during the week in their whares, and ou the Sabbath he comluots servioes as he has opportunity. He paid special attention to the sick and destitute. Mr Milson reported that bis services at Parawanui for the third quarter of the year had an average attendance of about 32 In tbe forenoon and 19 in the afternoon. Messrs Honore and Fieteber bad been appointed to visit tha pahs in tbe Taupo distriot. It was believed that there were hundreds, if not thousands, of Natives who rarely saw a missionary. The attention of the oommittee had been called to the desirableness of employing a medical missionary for the Natives, and they commended this matter to the ooaBideration of the Assembly. It waa well known that the Maoris suffered muoh from Natlvo impostors, who often oombine tho double function of the prophet and dootor in one and whose treatment of the siok in not a few cases, as might be expected, terminated fatally. The Rer J. Donll, in preeenting tho report, made a strong appeal to the As* sembly to take more interest in the mission. Mr Honore gave the Assembly an Interesting aooount of his work in oonneotion with tbe mission. It was decided to adopt the report, and earnestly commend the mission to the increased liberality and prayers of the ohuroh, and instruot tho oommittee to enquire into the matter of appointing a medioal missionary to the Maoris, and report to next Assembly. CHINESE MISSION. The Chlnesd’ Mission Committee stated that they oould not report muoh work done during tbe year. The oommittee would be glad to reoeive applications for traots and testaments from all parts of tbe church, and not, as is the case at present, from one or two distriots. It would bo but a small thing if the ohnroh would resolve that each Chinaman be supplied with at least one traot and one testament. The report w&b adopted, with at) earnest recommendation to tbe ministers and members of the ohuroh. OREETINGS. A telegram was received from the pres!, dent of the Wesleyan Conference oonveyiog fraternal greetings, and it waa de ided to send a suitable reply. AGED AND INFIRM MINISTERS’ FUND. Consideration of the report of the oom* mlttee on the Aged and Infirm Ministers Fund was resumed. It waa resolved,on tho motion of the Rev J. Paterson, to adopt the report and agree with the recommendation of the committee anent the position of ministers whose congregations may uot have oontri. buted their quotas to the fund; and to enjoin on all congregations to consider their own interests in paying the sum annually, and where they deoline, the treasurer be authorised to require a statement of th* reason; and again oali the attention of ministers to their duty in connecting themselves with this fund; and that the Assembly assign to the Rev Mr Qow an annuity of £4O per annum, with suoh additions as he may be entitled to under the regulations, conditional on a satisfactory medical certificate as to Incapacity being received by tha committee. Tho Rev R. Bommerville called attention to a legacy of £IOO left by the late John Mains, of Auckland, to the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund, and the Assembly resolved to aocept the legaoy with thank*. widows’ AND ORPHANS’ FUND. The Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund Committee reported that tbe year’s revenue had amounted to £375 0s 4d, and the expendi turo to £175 0s 101. The capital now stood at £5955 19j 91. By the death of the Rev Mr Adams, of Auckland, his widow and family had become annuitants ou the fund. The report was adopted. MINISTER EMERITUS. A petition f.om the Pr-sbytery of Auok» laud asking that the Rev Juhu Go.v sh aid reosivo the podtiaa of Minister EnerUtM was granted. !

ADDRTSS TO THE GOVERNOR. A draft copy of the address which is to be presented to FI is Excellency the Governor was presented and adopted DECEASED MINISTERS A minute, placing ou record the services rendered the Church by the late Rev Messrs Calder, Hope and Adams, was adopted. The Assembly at 2 15 p.m. adjourned until 10 o’clock on Monday. The Assembly sat at 10 s.m. on Monday. GREETINGS. A reply to the Free Church of Scotland, conveying greetings and congratulations was adopted. RECORDS. The committee on commissions and records reported that the records of the General Assembly and the Presbyteries of Wellington, Christchurch, Hawke’s Bay, Wanganui, Nelson, Timaru and Westland, together with thoso of the Maori Mission, had been well kept. • Ths records of the Presbytery of Auoklaml had not been placed before the oommittee. The report was adopted. PROPERTY ROAPiD. Messrs J. G. W, Aitkin and W. M. Han* nay were appointed to fill vaoaneio3 on the Churoh Property Board. AGED AND INFIRM MINISTERS. On the motion of the Moderator, as con. vener of ine committee on the Aged and Infirm Ministers’ Fund, it was decided ‘That any minister leaving the Presbyterian Church of Now Zealand, and desiring to withdraw from his connection with the fund be entitled to reoeive back one half of the rates paid by him, but without interest.’ GRANTS. The following grants to congregations for this year were agreed to Presbytery of Auckland—St Peter’s, £2l; Avondalo, £l2 ; Waiuku, £l2 ; Tauranga, £3O ; Mahuraugi, £l2. Presbytery of Wellington—Pahiatua, £3O; Shannon, £3O. Presbytery of Hawke’s Bay Hastings, £2O; Danevirke, £2O; Waipawa, £l2 ; Taradale and Meanee, £2O; Gisborne and country district, £2O. Presbytery of Nelson, £3O; Kumara, £2O; Totara Plat, £2O, Presbytery of Christohuroh —Fleraington and Tinwald, £l2; Halkett and Kimberley, £23 ; Malvern, £2O. SABBATH SCHOOLS. The committee on Sabbath schools stated that there had been a marked incroaso in the number of candidates for the examinations. The oommittco expressed approval of tho examination scheme. On the motion of the Rev J. H. McKenzie it was decided that the report bo adopted, and Presbyteries directed to givo all assistance to the committee in conducting its annual examination, and that the Assembly express its sense of tho great service rendered by the large body of taachera engaged in Sunday sohool work, and authorise the advance of a sum not exceeding £2O for certificates of merit, and also the expenses of the Sunday School Committee in printing and postages in connection with the examination scheme; that the report be remitted to a committee to consider the best means of keeping bold of the senior scholars of the' Sunday school, and bring them into the fellowship of tho church, and that the samo committee consider and report to the next meeting of the Assembly a 3 to the best means of securing a scheme of lessons that would bo accepted throughout the church, and further consider and report upon a scheme of preparation for teaohers before entering on the work. RELIGION AND MORALS. The oommittee on religion and morals reported that the vioe of gambling and betting hadbeoorao an epidemic. This evil centred round the turf. The publichouse was tho gamblera’ training sohool. Lads in large numbers had been discovered gambling in hotels at midnight on Saturdays. But the newspapers did more than*any other foroo to spread the evil. In the most extraordinary forms the newspapers furnished in extraordinary fullness betting and sporting intelligence. The passion wai fanned into a flame, and many betted under tho guidance of newspaper turf prophets who never saw a horse race. This vice wt.s leading young men to financial, moral and spiritual ruin. It was suggested (»1 preaoh a orusade against it; (b) seek th* ov»r throw of tho Government garnb ing machine, the totalizator ; (:•■) agitat < fur legislation on the lines of making it a punishable offline z to publish* in newspapers information wh’ch would incite to gambling or bettirg. Some of the country towns appeared to b 9 almost free from sexual impurity, but this vice had assumed large proportions in tho larger towns. It was to be deplored that modern society quietly assumed that one code of morals Ghould bind women, and another code The ‘fallen’ woman is ostracize 1 ; but the ‘ fallen ’ man may be a prominent member of Booiety. The time surely had coma when the greater sinner should be ostracised, Tho existence of a large amount of practical infidelity was reported to the oommittee. The information given the committee regarding the evils of larrikinism, business con-up tion and Sabbath desecration di l not cal! for special notice. The committee suggested that ministers bo asked to deliver special sermons on family religion an-' 1 the training of the young during the year; that ministers be asked to diroot special attention to the evils of gambling and Sabbath desecration ; that steps should be taken to pet a law enacted making it a punishable offizgeo for anyone to publish in any newspaper or othor publication any informati >u o; adv'Ce as to .betting or wagering ; that Presbyteries be requested to arrange for special mission services, also to meet and eonforon tho state of religion and morals, and to report to the oommittee. After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr J. G. W. Aitken, that the report bo adopted, and that the Assembly plaoe on rocord their deep eecse of the goodness of God in largely blessing the labours of the ministers, office bearers and Christian workers, and approvo of the recommendstiona of the oommittee, and that they instruct the convener to cal! tho attention of parties to these matters early in tho yoar ; and they note with satis* faction that a Bill has bean passod prohibiting the publication of indecent

matter; that the Assembly recognise with deep anxiety tho special viosb of the age moutloned in the roport, and they call upon all members of the Church to put forth persistent efforts against these evils, Further, in view of the alarming spread of the evil of betting, the Assembly instruct the committee and Presbyteries to use their endeavours in euch ways as they may deem best to get the publication of matter that incites to betting or gambling made a punishable offence, and to seek the cooperation of other churches in the same direction. VISITATIONS. Reports were read from the Presbyteries of Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Wanganui, Timaru and Christchurch, stating that the matter of Presbyterial visitation was being duly attended to, and a motion was passed expressive of the satisfaction of the Assembly that Presbyteries were faithfully doing their duty in the matter of visiting congregations. THE NEXT MODERATOR. The committee on tho appointment of Moderator reoommended that the Rev J, Paterson be nominated for the office. The Rev J. Paterson, however, declined to acoept the position, The Assembly adjourned at 2.5 p.m, until 7 p m. The Assembly rosumed at 7 p.m. A MINISTER’S JUBILEE. On the motion of the Rev J. Paterson. it was decided that the Assembly offer its congratulations to the Rev J. Duncan (Foxton) on the attainment of tho jubilee of his eervics in the ministry, and express its appreciation of his personal worth and faithful services. THE NEW MODERATOR. The Rev D. Gordon (Marten) was nominated as Moderator of the Assembly for next year. EXAMINATION ROARD. The report of the Examination Board was read. It stated that one student was raised to the Divinity Hall through his degrees during 1892. The Assembly was asked to authorise an arrangement to set papers for a written examination at the close of each session, and i send a copy of the questions aud answers for the information of the board ; also to decide , as to whether or not the board should j prescribe an exit-examination for each 1 s f udent at tho olose of his studios, also to j determine what course should bo followed | in regard to two students. Further, that j there should be a change in tho books tf | examination, and that the Committee of Advice be the a-me as last year. The report w»3 adopted, and it was decided to adopt the recommendations of the committee in regard to the annual examinations by professors of Theological Hall; aNo to remit to the Committee of Advice to prescribe subjects of exit-examination, subject to approval of membsrs of board, and report to next Assembly ; and also accept the committee's recommendations in reference to change of books. SCHOLARSHIPS. Tho Scholarship Committee reported that two of the Somervell Scholarship holders, one in divinity, and one in the literary classes, had been paid their scholarships, One divinity scholarship would be open for competition at the next entranoe examination, fhs report was adopted. A PRESBYTERIAN PERIODICAL. The Auckland Presbytery recommended that a magazine should bs started in the interests of tho Church. The matter was referred bo tho Weilinglou Presbytery for consideration. SUPPLY OF AGENTS. A petition from tho Hawke’s Bay Presbytery asking for agents for the Bush district was referred to the Church Extension Committee, with a recommendation to ministers to bring before suitable persons the Church’s great need of homo missionaries, VOTES OF THANKS. Votes of thanks vvero awarded to the congregation of St John’s, the friends who had entertained tee members of the Assembly, tha local newspapers, and the Press Association for their reports, CONCLUSION Thu sitting of tho Aasemb'y was brought to a close at 10.10 p.m. with song aud prayer. The Dext sitting of tho Assembly will be he’d at Christchurch in the ssoond week in February, 1894. PUBLIC MEETING. A public meeting under the auspices of the /' Rsembly was held in Sfc John's Churoh last night week. There was a large congrega. tion, and the Moderator (Rev W. Gillies) presided. The Rev McKerrow delivered an address on the ‘ Forward Movomeut,’ which ho explained was the name given to a movement started some six or seven yoars ago under the guidance of the Rev Mark Guy Pearce and tho Llev Hugh Price Hughes. They had started a mission iu London to make religion more attractive to tho masses, and they had met with immense suocesa. I here was not the eamo scope for working in tho Colony as in the Homo country, but anything that tended to increase the spiritual life of the young people, or help the groat things tbe Church had undertaken, was a forward movement. He specially urged upon them to attaoh more of the young people to the church. Let them do something to create new schemes, for the interest n the Churoh would pass away if activity was not displayed. Ho concluded a spirited address by urging them to con™ tinuo to carry on tho good work of the Church. The Rev R. Somerville (Auckland) delivered an address on the strength of the Presbyterian Church, its growth and influenee in the future. Ho said that there were 20 090,000 adherents of the Presbyterian faith in the world. The mission of tho Church was to make the world better, to raise maukiud from sin and promote his welfare, aud the Presbyterian Church had always stood first in its advocacy of light and lib rty far tbe people, As a system of doctrine, Presbyterianism had ever shown its power to mould tho purest, noblest and rnsbt enduring character, and that system

hod produced the men and women for tho world’s great emergencies. They had produced able men, but for grasp aud breadth of learning tho present outshone the past. It was the mission of the Church to befriend the people in their social trials, and save them from their pretended friends. There was aD impression that the Church was not in sympathy with the working classes, but that charge coul-1 not be made against their Church, for it was so democratic in its con. stitutlon that it might justly olaim to be the Church of the people. In concluding he said they belonged to a Church of which they might well feel proud, for it was the most ancient in existence, aud had the grandest and noblest history. The Rev John Hall, of Westport, addressed the congregation on the subject of church extension. There was, he assured them, scope for churoh extension, and if they wero to succeed they must make their system as bright and efficient as possible. They should also be practical, aud they must also have spiritual power. He alluded to the simplicity of purpose and purity of morals of their ministers. On resuming his seat the rev. gentleman, who had made a very happy speech, was warmly applauded. The concluding addreso of the meeting was given by the Rev R. Erwin (Christchurch), his subject being 'Presbyterian Missions,’ He dwelt with the growth of the missionary movomont, its growth, and the great work that had eventually been done by tho missionaries. There were 172 missionary societies connected with the Protestant Churches, the income being £3,000,000. There wore 4000 missionaries, who were assisted by 3500 women, and these superintended 37,000 Native agents. The Scriptures had been translated into 230 languages. There were three million converts from heathenism, and these were soattered over 11,500 mission stations; while there were 13,000 schools, in which 573,000 scholars were instructed. He spoko with enthusiasm of the work done in India by Dr Clough, and in the Fiji Islands by the late Rev J. Talbot. During the evening several anthems were song by the choir, and Misses Bridson and Steel contributed, sdos.