PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11684, 23 November 1923, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUNDS. AMOUNT LESS EACH TEAR. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, November 22 The Pffesbyterian General Assembly treasurer, in the course of hie financml statement, said that for the third year in succession the congregational contributions are less than for the previous year and all the mission funds this year have lessened balances. The decline from the level of 1920 was to be expected, hut that it shouldl. continue when the State revenue is improving is a little disquieting. There is no need for panic, but there is for denee and for patient inquiry. Neither nor the cure is likely to be found on the surface of things, and a few facts regarding the expenditure should be faced. The increase m the expenditure during recent years has beenvery much greater than in promotion to the increase in mwnbership. AU the larger departments of the Church work share in the moreaaed eipenditure, while it is generally admitted that the highest interest of the Churoh is bound up with the adequate support of the minister and of the S£&ne, a much larger proportion than taWly of the Churches’ money is devotedto other than these essential S It may be that the Church W?ot faced, after ihe tho situation as thoroughly as the State did, there may be room for economy without lessening e ® a ®*“t y I committee should be prepared to justafy Rs outlay, and especially any proposed expenditure andevery ouh going for other than essential things fbouTd be carefully scrutinised Mr Comrie, in moving the adoption of the report, urged the need' for economy in the future. MF John Mac Gibbon (Gore) said there was no need for pessimism, as the financial position of the country was rapidly improving, and more money could do obtained for the Church if they went about it the right way. “I quite agree with tho treasurer when lie says we must go forward carefully,” said Mr W. Hopkirk (We - lington). “Don’t be miserly,” he added “but look at your money before you eepnd it. Further, don’t allow your sentiments to go beyond your reason. Be economical, yet not pecunioua.” , . . The report was adopted. A iceolution wae passed empowering the foreign missions committee to take