PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4028, 15 January 1875, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

The Synod resumed in the lanje hall of the First Church yesterday morning. The Moderator (Rev. John Allan) occupied the chair, and about 50 members were present. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. DEVOTIONAL EXERCISE. The first hour was devoted to services of prayer and praise. _ TRIAL FOR LICENSE. The Examining Committee recommended thai; Messrs Johnston and Lindsay be taken on trial for license so soon as the prescribed work is completed at the end of the third year The Key. Mr Gillies moved a similar resolutien on this subject to that proposed by him at the Presbytery—" That the required leave of the Synod to take Messrs Johnston and Lindsay on trial at the end of the year be granted." The Rev. Mr Todd seconded the motion. He thought this was an exceptional case, and would not be looked upon as a precedent. The Rev. W. Will thought ifc would be inconsistent to make rues for students to attend theological classes, and then leave it optional for ,the students to be subjected to these rules. These young men had not yet attended a single theological class. It -was of vast importance that stndents should attend these classes for twelve months. It seemed strange that the course proposed by Mr Gillies should be encouraged. These young men could surely attend the classes. He moved as an amendment — "That these students be required to attend classes to be sanctioned by the Synod next session." The Rev._ Mr Clark, in seconding the amendment, said it was preposterous to arrange classes and not require students to attend them. The Rev. Dr Stuart supported the amendment. He thought the discussion in tlie Presbytery was not very creditable to them. Any young man would benefit by the proposed course of studies. posed the appointment of theological tutors, thought young men resident m Dunedin specially should bo compelled to attend those classes expressly provided for them. Mr John Duncan opposed the motion. ' After some further discussion, the amendment was carried by 15 votes to 14. The Rev. Dr Stuart expressed bis regret that so many of the members of Synod did not vote upon the question. CLUTHA PRESBYTERY. It was resolved that the sanction of the Synod be given to a meeting of the Clutba Presbytery, held at Tuturau, Mataura, on April 15th, to moderate a call to Mataura, that step being necessitated by there having been no quorum at Tuturau. WAKATTP CONGREGATION. The memo, from the Prssbytery, recommending that a resolution of the Wakntip congregation, suggesting some meaus to devise a fund to meet the travelling expenses of ir.embers to meetings of Synod, was read. The Rev. Mr Stobo moved—"That expenses of members from remote quarters be repaid from the order of Synodical expenses." The Rev. Dr Stuart would be in favour of an annual collection instead. • The Rev. Mr Ross seconded the motion. It was resolved to appoint the following Committee to consider the subject, and report :— Rev. Messrs Stobo and Ross, and Messrs John Duncan and Thomas King. DECORUM. The Moderator called attention to the murmuring going ou while the business was being proceeded with. The Clerk suggested that those who wished to discuss other business should proceed to the next room. APPLICATION TO STUDY UNDER THE CLUTHA PRESBYTERY. The Clutha Presbytery, having considered the application of Mr A. Gray Boyd to be received as a theological student, resolved that in view of the contemplated establishment of a Theological Hall in connection with the Church, to brin°the case of Mr Boyd before the Synod with the object of his being allowed to prosecute, at least for a time, his theological studies under the Presbytery, with the view of his occupying the charge at Alexandra, the necessities of which required that it should be continuously occupied, and where Mr Boyd has proved himself highly acceptable." ° Th^ Rev. Mr Bannerjian spoke in praiseworthy terms of Mr Boyd's abilities. He moved that the Presbytery's request be complied with The Rev. Mr Clark seconded the motion. The Rev. Dr Stuart moved—" That Mr Boyd be required to attend the Theological Classes in Dunedin." The Rev. Mr Gheig seconded the amendment The Rev. Mr Ross thought this was a case for special dealing. The Rev. J. Gow said there were three or four cases of ministers in Edinburgh where rules in reference to attendance at Theological Classes had been allowed to lapse. He regretted that Mr Will's motion was carried, and thought it a great mhtake. Here there was a most necessitous field which they had no one to occupy for several years past, and by their cast-iron "rules they would keep it tied np. The Rev. W. Gillies supported the amendment, with the view of preserving the Synod's consistency. The Rev. Mr Waters explained that Mr Boyd wished to continue his studies, and required no exception in their stringency. He would study strictly under the Presbytery, and the advantage to the church at Alexandra would be extensive. The Rev. W. Bannerman said that this request came from a united Presbytery. He argued that the case of Messrs Johnston and Lindsay was very different to the present—as different as light from darkness.—(Laughter.) I The young men who had studied under the Presbyteries proved the sufficiency and efficiency of their system. The votes being equal—l(s-the Moderator gave his casting vote in favour of the motion. MR R. GILLIES'S CHARGE OF SLANDER AGAINST THE REV. W. BANNERMAN. The Rev. Mr Waters, in bringing the questioning of the printed document forward, of which lie gave notice last evening, said that it was never in his mind that the document should be read in the Synod. He only callod attention to it by reading the heading of the repo.-t of the proceedings of the Clutha Presbytery, in the case Gillies v. Bannerman, compiled from the reports of the Daily Times, Guardian, and Bruce Herald. It referred to the appeal case before the Clutha Presbytery. When be learned that the document referred to that case, be thought it was not proper. In ft Civil Court it would be improper to put such a document into the hands of adjudicators. He was not there to say who circulated the doouments, nor did beattribute sinister motives to anyone. There was no signature to the document. Those reports from the papers wove liable to be incorrect. In f?, o t, the re-

porters at the dutha Presbytery were for a great while away from the session—the ni%ht Being a cold one—making themselves comfortable.— (Laughter.) Therefore it was not a clear case. It was wrong to put the reports of the papers and- simply the opinions of reporters in the hands of members of the Synod. There was nothing wrongly stated in the document, as it was there as it appeared in the ■newspaper. There was, however, a great deal of the document put into italics, as much asto say, " There, take especial notice of this ! " It was printed at the Daily Times Office, corner of Bond and Rattray streets, Dunedin. He was not going into arguments, but submitted that it was not a proper matter to put the documents into the hands of members at all. It was incompetent for them as jud°es, to know anything of that case outside. In a Civil Court, anything of such a character put into the hands of the judge or jury would be met with censure. The members of Synod should return the documents. He intended to return the document to the Daily Times Office, from whence it was received. He thought that was simply his duty to the Synod. They were to be free in judgment, and impartial. The document merely contained the reports of the newspp/pers, and they should not receive them as correct, as a speaker or a reporter might have mad/j mistakes. It should not be allowed to be said tliat members of Synod came with those documents in their hands. He left the matter for the Synod to say whether it was proper or improper for those documents to be put into the hands of several members of the bynod. He simply desired the Synod to say that, and would r.ot ask them to call for the appellant in this case, or any other party The Moderator : There is no business befors the House.

The Rev. W. Baxnebman : Oh yes, there is A. matter has been brought before the House and any member is at liberty to speak upon it ' TLe Rev. W. Todd moved, and Dr Copland seconded—" That the House proceed to the next business."

The Rev. J. Gow said tampering with documents was a high civil offence. He had looked: over the document produced, which was, in point ot fact, a commentary on the case The Moderator (to Mr Gow): Have you a motion or amendment to propose ? The Rev. 3. Gow contended that he was in perfect order. It may have been done thoughtlessly but was most injudicious for any person whether the party or not, to put this document into the hands of the Synod. He trusted that the Synod would show for all time to come that they would not allow such tamperiug with documents. He moved—" That the Synod expresses its disapprobation of this conduct, whoever the par- y is."

The Rev. Mr Kylet seconded the amendment. If parties were allowed to circulate documents amongst the members of Synod bearing upon appeal cases not adjudicated upon, they need not look to the Supreme Court for justice in any cas 3 There could be no doubt that those who read the document in this case were prejudiced and not able to come to a proper decision. He did not know the merits of the case, and wou d give an independent opinion when it came before the Synod. He held it to be an injustice to seek to put a document into his hands, and thereby influence in favour of any party The Rev. W. Bannehjian :' The document professes to be compiled from three different reports.

The Rev. Mr Sutherland enquired whether the document was correct. The Rev. Mr Waters : Supposing it were correct, there would be an impropriety in forwarding it to members of Synod. The Rev. Mr Sutherland : Tf that is ineor « 'rl ? Id that 5t was the du*y of the Clerlt of the Clutha Presbytery to contradict the reports that appeared in the Daily Times, Guardian, and Bruce Herald at the time. The Rev. Mr Clark did not see why the members of Synod should be blamed for reading the document.

Ihe Rev. Mr Stobo had not received the document. They should not express themselves so strongly as Mr Gow had done. The Rev. Mr Gillies said that Civil Courts decidedly objected to parties sending documents of a case to be considered, but he was not aware whether it was improper to circulate papers that had been published widely to judges and Jury of every description. From the statement of" Mr Waters he had not impugned a single statement in the document, which simply was what had already appeared in the public prints. There was not the slightest addition in the document to what they had read in the papers. He supposed that members who took an interest iv this case would have copies of the Daily Times, Guardian, and Bruce Herald. He secured copies of them immediately, after the case was heard. The document did not have the slightest influence with his judgment when it came before him. The papers in his possession were already public property. It would be a very different case had any members of the Presbytery written something new, and published their comments and opinions on the case. Jj'or instance, had the appellant taken and published a letter in the public prints commenting on the case, it would be a decided breach of anything he had the right to do, and the Synod would no doubt censure such conduct. Referring to Mr Waters, he said "people in glass houses should not throw stones." In a copy of the Daily Tjmes appeared about a column Uit^ xn»,u mesubject by Mr Waters himself. The Rev. W. Bannerman: That was a discussion of the Times leader on the subject. The Rev. W. Gillies replied that Mr Waters's letter was a continuation of the discussion as iippeared in the Daily Times. If anyone was to be blamed for interfering with this case, it was Mr Waters. Mr Waters had clearly laid down the law that cases must not be tampered with. As a member of that Synod, Mr Waters, by publishing Ins views of the case as against the opinions of the Editor of the Daily Times, had transgressed the law on the subject; and, if any censure was to be made, it should be made upon Mr Waters. There was another thing connected with the subject. Another letter was published m the meantime by the Rev. Mr Bannermau— (Mr Bannerman: Hear, hear)-a letter in which he retracted what he said, and a repudiation of what had been said by the appellant in the case. The Rev. W. Bannerkan : That was not said by me.

The Rev. Mr Waters : There is a great deal of foreign matter, Mr Moderator, in this case I beg to submit that Mr Gillies is introducing a great deal of foreign matter into this case The Rev. W. Gillies said that Mr Waters had read out publicly what were the rights of membership of that Church. Mr Gow had also put upon the records a motion expressing his strong objection to the paper produced. The Rev. W. Bavnerman: I have just a single word to say. In the first place, I decidedly object to the view which Mr Gillies has attempted to take of the matter brought before the Synod. The Moderator : Mr Gillies hag not finished The Rev. W. Banner.van : I have a right to speak against the gross misrepresentation which has been made. I will not be more than five minutes. The Moderator: Mr Gillies's permission must be had first. The Rev. W. Bannerjtan : This is a, matter which affects you as judges—members of an appeal court. As numbers of Synod, you are bound to have it understood that your character as such is beyond suspicion, and that it will not be allowed to put into your hands any ex parte statement of any matter coming before you. The Rev. Dr Stuart proposed that they should vote. The Rev. Mr Stobo thought it wasan infinite waste of time. After some further discussion it was decided to proceed to the next business. The Rev. W. Bannerman : I would distinctly intimate to this Synod that it was not by my authority that this document was circulated, nor to my knowledge by any members of the Synod, with their authority. " ADJOTTRINTiIENT. Shortly after 3 o'clock the members of Synod adjourned for dinner to Murray's Hotel. CATECHIST FOR STEWART ISLAND. The application for a grant of £-50 from the Mission Fund, in aid of a Catechist for Stewart Island, was agreed to be considered with the Church Extension report. CHC7RCH EXTENSION. The Rev. Dr Stuart, Convener of the Church Extension Committee, read the report of that Committee for the year 1875. It was as fellows :— Your Committee have to report that the Rev Messrs Skinuer, M.A., and Henry, M.A., were settled early m the year with every prospect of usefulness— .he former in Waitahuna and the latter in Mataura The additions to our staff in the course of the year through the Colonial Committee of the Free Church' are the Rev. Messrs Sutherland, JI.A., Russell Paterson .and Nichol, Catechi.sts.-fbr Stuart: This fa a mistake. Mr Russell has come to us through the I Mission Committee of the United Presbyterian Church 1 Mr Sutherland was ordained to the ministry in Aorth laien some time ago, on the hearty Invitation of the people. Jt will be gratifying to the Synod that the First after the anxieties of a prolonged vacancy has at last received a minister of ability and exrienence. It affords the Committee much pleasure to report that Mr John Stevens, of Kaitangata, who, asastudent of divinity, rendered good service in several vacancies received from rn> Presbj'tery license to preach the Gospel, and is now at their disposal. The wide parish' of which Clyde and Alexandra, are the head-quarters, has at last received the services of -Mr Boyd as a Missionary. It was through the Rev C S. Ross, his minister, and the Southlaud Presbytery that the Committee were led to appoint him to this parish, whose spiritual necessities the Rev. MrTelford for the last two years urged upon their attention in almost weekly tetters. So acceptable has Mr Boyd proven that arrangements are being made to secure his labours to. it. From the proceedings of the December meeting of the Clutha Presbytery, we learn that he has been received as a Stuaent of Divinity, with a view to the ministry. Your Committee have also to report that Messrs Johnston and Lindsay, Students of Divinity, have laboured with acceptance as missienarics during the year. With a view to the more systematic prosecution of the remaining part of his theoloirical studies Mr Johnston has meanwhile declined official employment. As the Presbytery of Dunedin has decided to, ask power from the Synod totako them on trial for license on the completion of their studies, they will j fl a ]] probability he placed on the list of ProbatUmera in the course of is?s.

Mr Nk'hol, Catechint, has been employed for several month? i.B tfiig csvpagity iv the district«{ Oreimii. In

Bending mm there, at the request of the Bouthfan4 f^f y^ ry'/?. urS )mi aitteea«reed to Provide, aTii the case of Mr Boyd, a part of his salary for three" Mr Boss, thai the .district, m enter to retain faissfrvic^has, agreed to contribute at the rate of £253, want of house accommodation haTdeprived' Mar^ whenua of his sem'ces. With Ms Sd zeS both teach and preach until the population ha* beSme school is taught by the master of the common schooT Orepuki was organised: by Messrs StobHnd BoS ITh?n m? de to months ago? The Dunedm Presbytery, in terms of Synodal Instructions sanctioned Cavercham as a regular charaZ out minuter or missionary. The Southland ft3ta2££ Churf °n Comiuittce of theUnited-PtetSM^ make full report to them, of the places reauirin?!™^ cannot overlook the claims of thS of theu-^ ; The staff at the disposal of the Committee are— PaVe^Se^l^f— ™-- 3Z*-> 1 LindSy teChiStS~MeSSrS BoJ' d ' MorriS. Nich<>^ «•* : ffl^s^ri^is °o £f £ t |?^ . Church, towards, passage money of ministers bvttS While_the Committee are glad to report that thereis a considerable sum to the credit of the Church

Dr Stoabt, having concluded. reading tfee report, spoke upon it at some len<rth The re port put pretty fairly before the Church 4^ easting necessities, and the means of S u P S tT^ c*l ssltles- Sp?cial efforts sto^d &£3£ of tS ■ meaDS H °f *"*• *° *ne rem°te Parts The Rev. Mr Stobo seconded the adoption oF the report. He wished to correct an error i£ &SFw b^M? J,ichol before himself and Mr. Ross visited it. - The Rev Donald Ross of Queenstown, said XfZ WT *«« districts connection wtth Kfc charge, to which he could not do justice— Nokomai, Cardrona, and Martin's Bay It^ utterly beyond his strength and time to atfeS. to them He had never been to Martin's BaT" The Rev. Mr M'Oosh Smith, of tfaseby, mentioned there were parts of his charge like thosa of districts mentioned by the Rev. Donald Ro^f SrdSemSS^^^^ «*«»*«!* Mr E. B. CARGiLLsaid there was no douSt ministers, and under these there might be cafechute. A minister could pass say, two mouths, at a beautiful place like Cardrona. ffo betted relaxation could be given to an over-worked minister, then to spend say, two |month ß inaa outlying partof the country, and* it would te most beneficial to the people of the localities. He did not see how the difficulty could be got over except by having men of experience. Lne Rev. MrC. Ross approved of Mr Car-HJTff suction. What people often wanted^wa* Svf m a fWPr °batlol? ers °°m «ot always give them that, or awaken an interest in the ordmances of grace. Instead of sending for two ministers there was ample room for fouV He n£? d"P, onthe. Synodto support the hands of the Church Extension Committee - - The Rev. Mr Will was in favour of sending: missionary ministers to outlying districts. They could dispense ordinances, and by having poweiAfter further discussion, The Rev. Mr Gillies said he was sorrr ta say there had been a falling off in the «S£ rS" 13 A *te.Ministers'. Passage Fund,-'and Church Extension Fuad. He proposed ad^

lhe deliverance was agreed to with some shght amendments As amended, it was as follows :-Adopt thy report, approve the diligence of the Committee, and record the thanks of the Synod to the Committee, and especiaHyits Convener, and, in accordance with its recommendations resolve to authorise the sending Home.for four additional ministei-s during tht year if they, think the necessities of the Churoßv' require it. And further enjoin upon Presbyteries to make a report as soon as possible to tite Committee of the places within iheir bounds requiring immediate attention, and sanction the proposal to employ a settled minister of the Church in the work of Church Extension for suci period of the .year not exceeding six months as they may think reqmstte ; and further sanction, the appointment of an agent in Stewart's Island as recommended ; contributions from each of the Church Extension and Mission Funds to begivea towards his support. s 77" SABBATH SCHOOLS. «,^l?wi?£, G0} V brouStt up the report of Sfe r% boSStli?™ ttee °f of the religious instructien of tLyoun-fn «?«»££ p^tySr COnnected ""it our Church during^ iISISIIi the schools previously existing-. Although tS?£ MM! Srtf* «•««« 71 schools, 4202 schofars/and^S: §s«iiiiip§g SPSS othe^is^^^^ -<* coagregatioL are SchoTLi'hm er;f' aOOIS t r?P-Ortthat Sabbatti vohW«^?<*,, containing between 6000 and 7000 lJ?«U^n^ C ,year a new Mature of your Commlthasi airly c °me into operation, viz., tie ciratutewVvfit OUS fOrms of a h^Hh>' Christian liter-, Uw\ I- ?? means I™* &t thoir disposal ly th* churchy „hich have contributed to the scheme tl£y have Issued during: the year 2472 schemes of lekSsw 400 copies of notes on lessons, 20,400 copies of "GooO. H^V"""! lv 55 Volumes foJ- Sabbath School lite: I i.v i y he dissemination of such an amount ot Aeaicnful Christian literature can not be without goo* enect in educating the understanding and hearts c£ our youth, and especially in leading them to. Christ. In c'osiug- their report the Committee desire- to make the following suggestions, viz.: ■ - Ist. That all ministers who have not done so hitherto should tal<e oaro that frequent sermons or "addresses f™.l* delivered to the children attending their Sabbath School*. 6 . **■

2nd, That each teacher should make it a tnattwof cowMciico to attend regularly,- for almost uotW fe BO S^euJiHttl to destroy the Interest of the child iS

•class, and to disperse and destroy the class itself, as irregularity in attendance on the part of the teacher. 3rd. Than teachers be earnestly encouraged to visit periodically the scholars in their homes, and especially if .any one is absent on a particular Sabbath, that the teacher shall visit the child at its home during the week, and ascertain from the parents the cause of absence. This practice, where followed, is attended with the most hajpy results. 4th. That the teachers should meet frequently for the purpose of consulting about matters affecting the interests of the school, and especially for united fervent prayer for the Divine blessing on their labours. sth. That they recommend that the Synod appoint a special collection for the purpose of enabling the Committee to bring out books sufficient to supply books for libraries where there are none, and to make accessions to existing libraries where wanted. After a lengthy discussion, it was resolved— "That the Synod adopt the report, approve of the diligence of the Committee, record the thanks of the Synod to the Committee (and especially Its Convener), draw the attention of the Church to the several suggestions embodied in the report, and particularly to the suggestion anent making a special collection in aid of the Sabbath School Library Scheme of the Church, and it is hereby recommended to be made."

The Synod then adjourned until 10 a.m. next day.