THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5276, 18 January 1879, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

FOURTH DAY.

Morning Sitting,

The Synod resumed their transactions yesterday morning in the lecture-hall adjoining the First Church.

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

The consideration of this question was resumed.

The Rev. Dr Stuart did not think there waa any necessity for the Synod to enter into a fuller discussion of the matter. Mr Will had entered into it very fully and. clearly the previous evening. They were at one as to the importance of religious instruction in schools, although there might be a difference of opinion aB to when the commencement of such an agitation was timeous. It seemed to him that all that was wanted was the appointment of a committee to watch "over the overture aud report during the year.—(Hear, hear.)

Mr Fitzgerald protested against our present system being branded as godless, and was propared to move that the ovorturo be not adopted. What was it they were asking for ? They were asking simply for the reading oi the Bible in public schools. If they had asked for religious instruction, if they had asked for religious education, it would have been worth asking for. But he questioned if this reading of the Bible was of such value* as to cause them to seek to overturn what had so recently been built up. He would not for a moment place the reading of the Bible on tho same level as the reading of any othor book. He could not forget what he had learned in his younger days —that the reading (only in this case it was the preaching) of the Word might become the effectual means of salvation.—(Hear, hear.) There was little value to be attached to the reading of the Word of God, especially with the pressure of work that existed in our public schools nowadays. There would be a sore temptation to the teacher —aye, even to the Christian teacher—to perform this reading of the Bible in a very perfunctory manner. With all due deference, he was afraid that if this reading of the Bible were to be regarded as giving religious instruction, their teachers would be satisfied with it a3 such; that parents would be satisfied —nay, that the Church would be satisfied, and that waa the greatest evil of all. The Church waa alive to the necessity for the religious, education of the young, and he hoped she might long remain alive to it, and become more and more so. But he was afraid that if she was to regard the reading of the Bible as religious instruction, the time would come when she would rest satisfied with it. Rather than run the risk of this, he would prefer that this question had never been raised at all. The duty of school teachers, of whom ho was one, waa to look after the cultivation of the intellect of tbe pupils—it was to teach them to think, and to store their minds with information, and to give them facility in applying that information. This they would do as faithfully as they possibly could. They would go further—they would assist the Church in the formation of character.—(Hear, hear.) Tbe Bey Mr Watt seconded the amendment pro forma. Mr J. Reid was afraid that those who were opposed t-j the overture entirely misapprehended the purpose of it, which was to consolidate a national system of education—to secure the permanency of our present system. They had had it stated in the Press, and in other ways, that ■ there was no danger in the present system. But there was danger, and he thought it was high time that the Synod should let it be known, with no uncertain sound, what their views were with reference to teaching in schools. It had been stated at' Mr Stout's public meeting that those who declared Mr Curtis' bill sought to introduce denominationalism did so in ignorance.' Surely this was tampering with the gullibility of the public. He held in his hand a copy of Hansard, from which he would read a quotation to show tbat Mr Curtis really did intend to introduce denominationalism. The following were the words of Mr Curtis in introducing his bill in 1878:—"I am told that, indirectly, we assist denominational education —that is to say, that in schoolhouses instruction will probably be given in religious doctrine. I have no doubt that that will be the case." He held that the reading of the Bible in schools, even without religious instruction, would be a power in the schools—(Applause.) It had also been stated at the public meeting in question that three-fourths of the teachers would declare that bible reading in schools had been a failure. He held that to be a libel.—(Applause.) He had taught schoola in England and Scotland, in the North Island of this Colony, and also in the South Island. During the greater part of tbis time he had taught the Bible in schools, and he had never found that Bible-teaching was a failure; indeed, he had always found it to be most successful. It was easy to make declara-tion-of this kind in public and do it in ignorance. He had been mixed up with teachers for the last 25 years, and he waa sure that not six per cent, of teachers would .endorse Mr Stout's statement.

Mr Fitzgerald : I would just like to ask one question, and on the answer to that question will depend the withdrawal of my amendment or not. Does this overture seek to establish religious instruction, or does it seek simply to establish Bible-reading ? because iv our debate we must distinguish between the two.

The Rev. Mr Will : It seeks religious instruction as far as it can.

Mr Fitzgerald : Then, Mr Moderator, I beg to withdraw my proposal.

The Rev. Mr BiYNNErman : I should like to ask what part of the overture explains that it seeks to establish religious instruction ?— (Hear, hear.) That is not my reading of the overture.

Tho Rev. Mr Will : It does not state those specific worda. It does not state any more than the reading of the Bible. But tbe meaning of the overture is for religioua instruction, though it may not be expressed in those words.

The Moderator agreed. The Rev. Mr Banners*.an :We must form our own interpretation. It is not for the Moderator to state what the object of the overture is.

Tho Moderatoi. : The overture speaks for itself.

Mr Fitzgerald : It must be borne in mind that I based what I said on the understanding that this overture seeks only on the face of it to establish Bible reading. If it is understood by the Synod as seeki&g more, I must withdraw my proposal.

Mr Keid : Wo consider Bible-reading to be religioua instruction. The Rev. Mr Will : There is no doubt that in Bibkrreading we shall give the best instruc tjon out of the Bible we possibly can. Mr BEGG; said the Bible would be made a text book of, _ and the children would be asked questiona on it aa they would be on any ordinary book.

The Rev. Mr Watt : Bible instruction should be included in it.

Tho MoDEEATOit: Lot me understand, Mr Walt, if ycu have withdrawn your seconding of the ameudment pro forma 1 The Rev. Mr Watt : No, I havo not. The Moderator : Then the amendment is still before the House.

The Rev. Mi* Watt believed that if the Presbyterian Church, which had always been allied to a national system of education, adopted the system proposed, [she would strengthen the hands of the denominationalists, and would bring in denominational education. Mr Will, and those who had spoken on his side, were far moire sanguine than he waa, tbat out of the wreck of the national system, and the coming iv of denomination alien., there would emerge again tha national syßtein. ' He held with Mr Fitzgerald that tbe good that would be done by the ineie readipg of the Bible in schools would not be patwefgh.e'd by the evji. Of two evils he would choose tlie less.

The Rev. _Jr Sutherland adyocated the present (system being given a fair trial. He held thatthe action of the Synod was premature. If there had beeu anything in the shape of 1 oddity to religion, or any itidifferouce, he would have thought it was time enough to take some aotion. Ot eoi r<e the Victorians wero perfectly justified in taking tbo actioD they had, because the Government of that Colony had brokou faith with the people. He thoroughly agreed with Mr Fitzgerald that if the teachers were a-sked to confine thamselves to the reading of God'e Word, parents would bs satisfied and the Church would be satisfied. He looked upon it in thia light: Let them consider our population. It was such a diverse one—there was such a variety'of creeds and nationalities represented in it. The ultimate advantages of reading the Bible in schools were nothing as poaijja'ret.. to j;he adv^nt^es to be derived from the welding oi a heterogenous mass into a homogeneous mass. He would like to see the Bible as a textbook if all would consent to it, but tho ltomati Catholics would not consent to it. In fact, tho Roman Catholics eaid: "If you read your Bible ih school, we won't sent our children. If you read no Bible at all, then youc aystem is a godleas system, and we cannot send our children." Bat there) Could bs no doubt that the efforts of the Roiniva Catholics in the cause of education were) of'tlie noh'Jeat kind, and wers worthy of imitation by the other Churches in the Cplohy. He repeated that" it was "his intention to support the amendment, in order to give the pre' sent system a fair trial.—(Hear, hear.) Tlie Rev. C. S. Ross also spoke. The JJoy. Af r Bannerman could not support the adoption of the ovcjrfcure, nor yet, cfjuld he vote for the amendment. He could not vote for the overture, because it contained stateinept. wtJJvll £c ,vi^.VC*We fc> PM»{.Jj» ttW »}»

, own knowledge—statements, moreover, which had not been confirmed by any member of the House. For instance, one clause referred to . all mention of God "and a future state being omitted. So far as he was acquainted with the education as given in our school-*, this was not j . the' case. Ho thought that in almost every . book used in. school there were references to 1 God and a futuro state. He could not, there- * fore, hold that this clause was correct and ought to be adopted. For the same reason he considered that it was not right and proper to give a description of the education given in thia Ceilony as a godless education, as stated in the third paragraph of the overture. It was not of a godless character.—(Hear, hear.) The education given by a godly man could not be of a godless character—(applause)—anl amongst our teachers there were godly men, who, 'by their influence and example, were favouring and encouraging tho godly upbringing of the young. For all this, he considered that our schools were conducted on a comparatively ungodly system. Prayer to God was not admissible in our schools any more than the reading of God's Word, and so long as that was.the case-our schools would be of a com paratively ungodly -character. He held .that the character of the Bchobls . would -be materially'altered for the better if they were opened with prayer and the reading of God's Word from, the lips of the teacher. The Word of God, properly, read, was of more influence in conveying a knowledge of what the Bible taught than many of the commentaries given from their pulpits. As to this subject being altogether premature, he had only to ask, was it ever premature that they should do what.was right?—(Applause.) Now was the time, and he, as one who had came.largely into contact with heads of families in this Colony, was prepared to say that 99-100ihs of them would advocate the restoration of the Bible in school.—(Applause.) He moved aa au amendment that the discussion; on this overture be adjourned, and that in the meantime a committee be appointed to frame a resolution expressive of the mind of the Synod on the overture.—(Applause.) Tho Rev. Mr Borhie seconded. The Rev. Mr Bannerman's amendment was carried, and the following gentlemen were ap- . pointed aa a committee :—Tho Moderator, the Revs. Dr. Stuart, Kirkland, Will, Bannerman, and Meaarß Beid, Fitzgerald, and Chisholm, -the' Moderator being convener. new admissions. The Rev. Mr Summers was admitted into the Church as an ordained minister, and Mr Lothian aa a probationer. The Rev. Mr Treadwell, of Wanganui, was introduced to the Synod, and waa directed to ba associated with future sederunts. church erection and property. Mr A. C. Begg read the following report of the Committee on Church Erection and Property ■•—■■■•'. The Committee beg to report that the particnlarsrelalive to grants in aid of church-buildiiig -auctioned by the Synod have been considered, mid tho amounts fixed by the Committee, in accordance with the ro^u lations, arc as follows :— 1. Gran Lland. .. .. £1220 2. Tapanui (for Debt, Reg. 10).. 114 3.- Ravensbourne .. .. 170 4 (> ummie's Bubli .. .. 150 5. AUxauclia ~ ~ 3C3 In accordance with resolution of Synod, directing interpretation of Regulation 4, "To'regard vestry accommodation ns me uded under church sittings," tho Committee amended grants already pissod, as fallows : — 1. Oteoopo, amount formerly passed £10S0, increase £120. in all £1170. 2. Kaitangata, amount foimcrly passed £008, increase £140, iv all £740 3. Inch Clutha, amount formerly passed £?33, increase £138, in all £770. 4. Palmtrsto;., amount formerly passed £1311, increase £132, in all £1413. Tho Commute considered the plans and specifications for removal and alteration of manse at Switzers, remitted to it l.y the Synod ; also, estimate ef expense, and sanctioned the grant of £'"00 out of the Ecclesiastical Fund which was applied for. The attention of the Synod has been repeatedly called to the fact that the amount of the grants far churches already sanctioned would exhaust the i -. come Of the fund for several years to come. The long delay thus occasioned in the payment of the grants has keen keenly felt by n-auy congregations. During the past year, throus;n tne heavy loseos csusod by disastrous floods,.some of the congregations have been placed under special difßcultyin struggling'with the burden of debt. Under these ciroumsaaces, tho Committee agreed to recomni-rnd to the Synod, as they now do, to request and authorise the.Churcii Board of Property of otago to borrow, on the security of tho Marne Reaei'vo Fund, a sum of money not exec-ding fifteen thousand pouud3 (£15,0.-0), with the view of paying without delay the grants that havo been, or may be, sanctioned by the Synod. They further agree to recommend tbat the balance of the grants sanctioned by iho Synod in 1876 be paid without deduction; that ono yoar's interest, at eight per cent., be deducted from thoso sanctioned in 1877 ; two years' interest fiom those sanctioned iv 1878; and three years' interest from those that may be sanctioned in 1879. In tho ove t of tho proroaal being carried out, they recommend that the rules now in force beobservedinall ceses unless tho Synod see fit to except Bticlutli., re- I quiring that tlle co»{treg-.tion shall raise the amount ' neces-siry 'or paying off its uebt before recolving payment in full of tho grant voted by the Synod. They would alto suggest tint tho payments of tno grants be made by the Treasurer under the direction of this Committee. Tne Committoe believe that Presbyteries and Ses- ' tions have felt difficulty in securing sites for churches and manses when they wore likely to be required, owing t j the delay iv receiving the money frcm this fund. /. a this difficulty will be removed if the Committee's proposal is carried out, tho Committee suggest the a>t mtion of Presbyteries and Sessions be again directed to this matter. The Comuittee learn that the' lists of sections i secured for church purposes in the hands of the Trea- • surer are still incomplete, and recommend that these shoidd bo completed as e»rly nn P'-ssible. 'Iha recom . endition of tynod to p ace title-desels under the custody of i-he Treasurer Lbs teen followed by Eomo, but the security thus pfforded h .uld h.duce otherd to avail themselves of tl is orovisio.i. Jambs Copland, Convenor. The following deliverance was carried unani- , mously :—" Adopt the report; approve of the • diligence of the Committee } record the thanks cf the Synod to the Committee, and especially to the Convener; agree to , the borrowing of such sums as suggested in tho report; request and authorise the tiustees to carry out the recommendations of - tho report to borrow said sum on the security of the Manse Reserve Fund; sanction the payment of grants in terms of the report; relieve '■ Balclutha from the necessity of paying ita ' quota in order to obtain the graut sanctioned ; authorise the Committee to purchase sites in ■ townships and districts opened for settlement; instruct deacona' courts to inform the treasurer what pi operty belongs to them severally, and | recommend them to commit their title-deeds to the care of the treaaurer for safe keeping." applications foe grants, Several applications for grants were received, and referred to the Council on Church Erection. TEMPERANCE COMMITTEE. The Rev. D. Ross read the following report of the Temperance Committee: — The Committee, as usual, have issiied a circular, with queries intended to elicit tho most recent and accurate information on-tha subj-ct of Temperance. A copy of this circular has beoa sent to every minister of the Sjncd. Judging from tho mißiveis x ceived, they aro able to talie a hopeful view of tho question. In only cne parish is thero any mention of increase of drunkenness. In a large number there is manifest , improvement, while some are reported as stutioimiy. Your Committee are glad to say that in marly eveiy parish connected with tho Synod there is some temperance organisation doing cattle with the giant evil of m.emperanco It appears ihstfrum every one of our pulpits f.iitbful w.rnlng has gene torih against th> dri king outturns of the ago, and in many a special seruion haa bairn devoted to thr subj :-ct One of the moan notable facts el'.oi'.od by the i qciiries of tho Com .i: tee is the very lai' B e number e-f our minis, era that have EOrtii ttihoireiuI}', in c.iiiondicg with this giaut evil, to adopt tho p.iacip c of tolal abstinence, out of the 41 ministers in charges, no fewer thui 31 have declared ilicni-elves on'tao side of an. t.ncu.o. 'J lie fact that so many e,f those whose talents nudenergi 3 aro consecrated to the interests e.f religion are, b.s their example, iiliuence, and puipit mini tedious, leading tho vun, cannot fail to cxc cisc a power, iv form'ng a hoaltt y public sentiment ou the question, and dive3ting our social customs of cue of their i.rcale.t blots. Auion_ lhe meaures recuimueuded by the several ministers uro, chiefly—example in the way ef abstinence, temperance house", and the reduction c f the number of licensed hou«ss. Oa Ihu last point there is but one opinion. It is generally fo-t that, whi c huma'j n auro is what it is, and lhe teinptati .ne lo drink ac meeting people on every s de, driulsing and drunkenness will go on in spite of .ill remonstrances. The ttateuient of the Time 3 (London) on this matter is paiticularly worthy of notice: 'It would co impossible to ivttno anything which s'a ids for so much loss of soul, budy, and estate, for so much di-comfort, aud everything that is dis.a»reoablo, ns the putdic-iiouse, necessary as it my be, harmless as it may sometimes be. Even if wo accept the bast case that can b. made for it in principle, the fact is still a huge nuiaanco and nii.ery . . . Tlio'o is not a vi'.o. ora disease, or a disorder, or a calamity of any kind that has' not ita freq'eiei.t rise in the pu dichouso. It dograd a, ruins, and brutaiiaes a largo f. action if the tiritisli paoplo." In go .noctioii with thia part of the su'.jict, the Comniittie have observed with, tire it satisfaction tho vigorous efforts' that arc put forth in providing houses of refreshment without drink in other parts oi the w.irid, anl the great uuectrsa that haa ottonded theae efforts in eueh places aa -.'.re-poo1, Landau, and Glasgow, and would rejoieo to sec stuiilar houses opened iv our own country. 'There is one stop'recommended by Bevcrile.f our ministers, which the Committee would j be delighted lo see inaugurated at this tinio. It is , lhe forming of au Abstinence Asjociati'iii in o..tiDec.i,.n | with our Church for ministers, elders, and aa many of the members as might feci inclined to join iha same. , It is felt by many of our niiuistoia that they Could i work m.ro heartily if the great Temperance . Reform .wot advucitod more from a Christian platform, I Whila they are ready to recognise ti-c good that h3a \ been accomplished by societies outside the Church, , there aro many things iv their working that debar J them from that co-operation that they would be able to ] give to a sojicty moro imbued with the spirit of ths . Gospel. ,

The words of the Kei'J. H. Wilson, of Kdiiiburgh, fittingly express the mind of ejucl) uuiii-ters. At the Annual Chilsji'au (Jouy.iiii .n lit Glasgow,' iii October lilt, ii') 6 if'l, it is r-'tqt'ted':--''Ho felt moro and rii'.ro tiist ;n dea! i::g with this evij they tyi-ro Srhut up more thru over to ihe Church oi Chiist. Ho rccognlsod tho importance of mair/ loin, of.mcc organisations outside ihe Church, but he believed the Church ou .lit to have within herself all lhat she needed' fur the re'lamatioii of the d-uukaid In tlda connection he would only say further that he believed the great hope of our country was tempeianco work amongst the young." The Committee h..ve much pleasuio i.idireetii g- attention to the evidence. recj'-rttiy taken by a committee of the "Fiona- of Li-rds em the subject ; 'and they are sure tl-^i; t'.ia icstia'iouy'of such eminent authorities as *?i'c W. Gull and Sir Henry Thompsou canin.-t fail to dispel many of the'delusions in the mind e.f the public as to the value-cf alcoholic drinks' jn health or siok ness. The Btnt>**nen.t of Dr Rich irdson is especially worthy of publicity :— •* I ca>na into the ranks of total abstinence fr«-m a purely sold iii point of view. Asa sieatific man investigating the matter experimental y, I was led by niy reaoaiclies lo recognise pertain ■facts «liioh I could hot (..nd dared not" ignore, and Which thi me that the phytiologioil aotion of alcohol upon man wid the lower aniuials is contrary to that wljluh is t.^ur»), t(iat lhe use of slooligl Is pppogsa to

naturo, and that its uso mnst inevitably tend, if I continue it, to tho shortening of my life, my usefulness, and happiness. These are the three points I h-,vc eomo to in tho oourse of my experiments. I look through tho whole r.v.ge~ of living creation, I look 'rom tho lowest to tho highest forms of life, and I find alcohol has no plane Jn anything relating to a living orj.inis'o. Katu-o will not bo crossed, nor can we wi.h impunity attempt to make new basts for it"

As indicating the line ol action which should be pur-ued for the year, tho Committoe would recommend as followa —

1. That ministers preich on tho subject in December, or eomo other suitable occasion during the yea-. 2. That ove-y fitting oppoitunity for reducing the nu-nber of licensed houses should be used. 3. Thai encouragement b- given lo the opening of public-houses without strong drink. t. That steps be* taken for tho passing of a good Pormisaive Bill. 5. That an Abstinence Association in connection with tho Church bo formed.

•.!•■•■-"■■:■ ..'•■'* D. Ross7 Convener. I He supported the report in a very earnest and eloquent speech

The Rev. Mr Ryley moved the .following deliverance:—" That, the Synod approve. of the report; record its thanks to the Committee, and especially to the Convener; express satisfaction at hearing that intemperance appears to be on the-decreaso throughout the country; regret, however, that drunkenness still prevails to such an extent as it does, and that its concommitaiit evils, so baneful, to the social, physical, and spiritual interests of our fellow men, direct the attention of ministers, officebearers and members of the Church to the recommendation enclosed in the report, and instruct the Committee to prosecute their labours."

The deliverance was agreed to. The hour of 3 o'clock having arrived, the Synod concluded their morning sederunt. ;

Evening Sitting. Tho Synod resumed at C. 30 p.m. PERSONAL EXPLANATION.

The Rev. Mr Ryley said: Moderator, I wish leave of the Synod to refer to a paragraph: in the Daily Timeß to-day, reflecting on my conduct as a member of the Synod yesterday. The Moderator: Is it the wish of the Synod that Vtr Ryley be allowed to give an explanation ?—(Cnsa of " No " and " Yes.") The Rev. Mr Bannerman : If the paragraph affects his position in this Synod, he is entitled to be heard; if it affects his position outside, he is not entitled to be heard here. The Rev. Mr Sutherland: If Mr Ryley haa been misrepresented by the Daily Times, all _he has to do is to address a letter to the Editor, and I am sure he will only be too glad to insert his explanation. It was then decided that Mr Ryley be allowed, to explain. He said: I will read the paragraph first of all. It says:—" The dis-cus-ion of the University Professorship question in the Presbyterian Synod was very warm. Mr Ryley's deprecation of personalities, and hia expression of a desire that the subject should be diaeussed iv a Christian spirit, were immediately followed by an emphatic denunciation from the Fame lips of the present teaching of the University, as ' full of the grossest materialism.' This aroused Dr Stuart's ire, and he ' wired in' to Mr Ryley most vigorously." I will now read my own explanation of my remarks as given in the report of the proceedings in another column of the paper, and the Synod will then see that this paragraph has no foundation in fact .*— " The Rev. Mr Ryley said he did not get time to explain himself, or probably this unpleasantness would not have occurred. He did not mean that the professors held to tha doctrine of materialism. He had only bean dealing with the document and one expression in it, namely, that physical _ science was the basis of all science ; and that expression, as it appeared to his judgment, was gross materialism. He did not see why he was called upon to go against his own conviction, and that was hia firm conviction." This waa my explanation when the question came before üb, and I think the explanation ia intelligible. What foundation of truth this paragraph has I fail to see. lam sure the reporter did not intend to misrepresent me. The only way I can explain it is that he took Dr Stuart's assertion for my opinion, which I am not responsible for. lam quite suro the reporter will give me fair play, and that is all I wish. '. The Rev. Mr Bannerman : I think it is due to the reporter to state that the subject for the explanation comes not from the reporter, but from the editor. The reporter seems to have correctly reported what took place—(hear, hear)— and the editor, in basing his remarks on that report, has misunderstood it. The Rev. Mr Ryley .* When saying that I knew the reporter would give me fair play, I meant that tbe reporter here tonight would take down my explanation and publish it. His report in this morning's paper-ia most admirable throughout ,• in fact, the reports in both papers are admirable.—(Applause.) The matter then dropped. THANKS TO THE EX-MODERATOR. The Rev. A. B. Todd moved a vote of thanks to the ex-Moderator for his sermon at the opening of the Synod, and to the present Moderator for his excellent address. Carried with acclamation. KEPOKT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. Mr Fitzgerald gave notice that he would move at the next meeting of the Synod that in future the report of the proceedings of the Synod contain a resume ot the speeches made on the more important motions. COMMISSION FROM WANGANUI. The ltcv. Mr Tkeadwell appeared before tbe Synod aa a commissioned representative of the NortheenChu-cb, to assure the Synod of the unaltered fraternal feeling that Church entertained towards the Southern Church. He spoke at some length, and was cordially received. At the conclusion of his remarks, Tbe Rev. Dr Stuart moved a vote of thanks to Mt* Treadwell for hia address, and that that gentleman be directed to give assurance to his Church in tbe North that they in the South were interested in its progress, and would continually pray for its prosperity. The Rev._ Mr Bannerman seconded the motion, which was carried amid much applause. THE MISSION SEPOIiT. The Rev. Mr Bannerman read the following report of tho Mission Committee :— Your Couituittoo havo much satisfaction in reporting to the Synod that favourable 'accounts of the progress of the Nguuc-e Mission in the New Hebrides I Undf, have been received from your missionaries, under whom it is conducted. After many ye.rs of labour on the part of Mr and Mrs Milne, fruit has bet un to manifor.t itself, A time of reaping haa commenced. Not only is deeper interest being takfnin the work and message of your missioraries, but'not a few have given indication cf their widingness to renounce their heatnen practices, and adopt the faith Mid practice of c hrutianity. It is as yet the day of small things, and your Ocmmittee trust that as the diyn gives earnest of the bright noon-day, tho present movement in favour of the truth as it is in Jesus, may prove tho earnest of a wide-spread and heait a option of the relgion cf Christ throughout the i-lands occupied by the agents of thia Church. Ycur Committoe. taking into consideration the long service of Mr and Mrs Milne, have invited them to take a furlough, and visit .Nf-wZsaland or the Home counti j-. It is possible that they may prefer to spend their furlough h-sre, but should thfty select otherwise; arrangements wid be made that they spend some portion of is within the bounds of the Synod. During their alsence from Nguoa their piece will he supplied by Mr Miehelson, who, as a second missionary from this Church, has beeu heartily welcomed by the Mission Synod, and jhas fully answered the expectations enteitained by the CummUtce in connection with hm. Apnointed by the Mission Synod to take up his res'de.ee in >'guna with the view of his acquiring witn tho help pi Mr Milno the language spoUirn thore, and which is common to several of the a> j iao.it islands, M" Miehelson has so far succeeded in this acquisition that iv Icsrs than four months he h-s been able to address the natives in their own tongue. Oi the return of Mr Milne from h,a fur.ough, Mr Miehelson will require to como to Ota;o with a view io ordination, the Mission Synol pre "erring th t he sliouid receivo this at our bands rather than at Iheir own. .

Your Co-nmittce, havidsr been iv communica'iou with Air MGregor, of tho Amor Mission, and Dr Stewait, of the Canton Mission, hive received with much satisfaction lhe e.\p estion of their hcarly approval of the scheme suggested by ths Committee, in thiir last report, of sending a suitvble young imu, to prepare hinm-if for tho work of a missicnary among the Cninese reiideut hero, a scheme which, since laet Synod, has been adopted and carried into effect by the Wesleyan Conference of Australia. yourvour Committee regri-t that, they hwe beeil loss successful than the Wesleyan Conference, no one having offo ed himßeif for the work- Bat os during the p-.st year four excellent youag men have presented themselves for training for Mission work^ the Committee trust that, gnieli-d by the Mastor of the Vineyard, ono or other ..f llu.inni.iy bo led to undertake this special woik. Tno Coinm.tleo, in the absence of a statsdmissionary, hiveciideitv.-tired tociny out the p.dpofal nude to Lint Synod to instruct tho Chines.) in-English, but hiih rt... tiicy h eve failed lo fi id proper ag.-utH. They have, however, the prospect of ono of tl],-.ir ministers being ongaßao, temporalily or per*uane»4ly, in lhe W-irk of ii.stuetin_.-our Chiuese Immignt-is after the nianuni- followed In sonio paits of Americ t.

the Committee regret to l.form the Synod that the B.itish Government has declined to nnnex or assume tho piotoot-iriatj of the Kew Hebrides group of ieiand . Tbey w.utld rooord their thanks to Mr K. B. Oirgjll for the efforts made by him iv favour of th 8 annexation when adoro-sing the Colonial Institute, on tho ucoasioii cf ills lato visit to Britain.

The quo-tl .11 of aiding tho young moil offering them-elv. s for training for mission work has from 'imo to time occupied the attention of tho Committee. They have found it surrounded wi h many difficulties which to sumo extent cannot fail to be remedied by tho successful institution of tbo Mission Bursary proposed by Mr Cope-land of Fatuna, and brought by him v der tho notice of the several' con 'rogations during his visit to this land. During hia residence here, Mr Copoland'g services towards tho Mission causo amongst us have boon ve-ry willing and very valuablo, and in tho opinion of tho Committee deserve a siib'tantisf recognition on the part of this Synod. TII9 Committee would recominuiid that tho Synod sanction the Y-.to of a Mini of (£100) ono hundred pounds for thib object.

a he Committee are desirous that tbe Synod should renew its recommendation that missionary associations be form, el in every congregation, and that full cpoortunity be given to all the young of tho Church, Ihrouyh Sabbath-schools or othtw'tte, of contributing in support of the Daysprjr.tr. They would suggest to ■ he several Kiinistor. to'afford such opportunity : and frotn tune to time seek to interest the children of their icsp. olive congregations, in. tho mission vesijel bo essential to the conduct' of the mission- And finally, the Committee request tlie prayers of tho Church on behalf of tl\e work entrusted to them and the missionaries- who have gone forth from this Church, to proclaim tho glad tidings of the Gospel—the' only »ei»n_' effectual far .recovering from ddolatry and Bin, and bringing mankind to the knowledge and service of the 0110 truo God—t*n,o God 'of holiness and of love.

: Wm. Bannerun, Convener. -; The Rev. Mr Ryley moved the adoption of the following deliverance:—" Adopt the report j approve of tho diligence of the Committee • ruewd ibe.? tty&kp to ,H O v »J>»Jtt«.

and especially to the Convenor j express satisfaction at the favourable report of t|)e progress of the work in the field occupied by the missionaries of this Church, and at the cordial reception accorded to Mr Michelsen, recently sent by the Synod to the New Hebrides, and the success which has attended his study of the Ngunese language; approve of the Committee's invitation to Mr Milne to rest from his labours for a time, and express the hope that he may accept of it; regret tbat the British Government has declined to annex or assume the protectorate of tho New Hebrides Group, and authorise the Committee to act in conjunction with the other churche.a interested iv the mission in any future action that may be taken to secure this object; rejoice at the effort made to secure a mission bursary, and the success attending that effort; record the thanks of the Synod to the Rev. J. Copeland, and authorise the Committee to acknowledge these services in terms of the report; renew the recommendation for the formation of association where they have not been established, and encourage the children throughout the Church to contribute towards the support of the JDayspring; instruct; the Committee tb continue their efforts to re-establish the mission to the Chinese who have come to Otago;'; sanction the application of the interest of the mission bursary fund, for one year, or such portion of it as may be deemed necessary, for the encouragement of the young men who have_ offered themselves for mission work."— Carried. . sustentation fund. ' The Rev. Mr Maokie read the Sustentation Report, as follows :— Your Committee have to report that tho incomo of tho Sustontation Fund for the year ending 31st December, 1878, is £9127 Os 2d, being an increase on the incomo of last j car by £367 7s 01. Forty-four settled charges havo participated in the fund, as follows: - (1.) Winton, as proportion for six months, £100; Riverton, for four months, £72 10a; Limestone Plains, for five and a-half months, £100 10s 8d ; Cromwell, for six months, £100; Worth Dunedin, for 12 months, £168 17s 6d. (2.) Six congregations, whose contributions to tho fund for the year amounted to less than £Vo, according to regulations received each £200----yi_., Popotunoa, Tapanui, Teviot, Bwitzera, Wallicetown, Hampden. (3.) Thirty-thrco congregations, whoso contributions amounted to over £175, received each £222 12s 2d. Tho total return from the congregation of Hampden amounted to only £135. Iv consideration of the whole circumstances of the case, which were laid before the Committee, the C. mmitteß considered that that congregation was ontit'ed to participate in the fund on the fooling of self-supporting charges. The following congregations showanincreasein their returns this year as compared wilh lost year:—Blueskia, £15; first Church, £21; Green Island, £2 : West Taieri, £5; Ciutha, £50; Tokomairiro, £23: Warepa, £2; First Church, Invercargill, £32 ; Upper Mataura, £17; Oteiamika, £24; Oamaru, £26; Otepopo, £8 ; Palmerston, £18; Waikouaiti, £2. The following. congregations show a decrease:— Caversham, £3; Knox Church, £13; St. Andrew's, £27; North Dunedin, £8; N.E. Harbour, £9 : East Taieri, £12; North Taieri, £10; Balclutha, £15 : InchClutha, £4; Teviot, £7; '1 apa.iui, £14; Waitahuna,. £1; Switzeis, £17; Hampden, £15 ; P^pakaio, £12 Your Committee, while regretting that so many congregations shotv a falling off in th-.ir contributions, •beg to express their gratification on the whole at the result of the adoption aud application of tho regulations of last year with reference to the distribution of the fund. And they are fully persuaded that a much more favourable result would have appeared but for tho sad calamity of the recent rbods with which it pleas-.d God to devastate large and important districts of our land. Your Committee learn with satisfaction of the wide circulation, acceptance, and usefulness of the Missionary Record, so ably conducted by Professor Salmond. A proposal was brought before tho Committee by the proprietors of the Evanselist, that steps should be taken towards the amalgamation of that periodical wilh the .Missionary liecord. The Com mittee, after cartful consideration of the matter, agreed to refer it timply to to tlio consideration of the Synod. Lindsay Mackie, Convener. The Rev. Mr Watt moved the adoption of the following deliverance .*—" Adopt the report; approve of the diligence of the: Committee; record the thanks of the Synod to the Committee^ and especially to the Convenor; congratulate the Committee on the increase, on the whole, in this important fund of the | Church, notwithstanding certain circumstances i kuown to us, all tending to make the fund less than itwould otherwise have been; advise the Committee to continue their diligence, with a view of raising this fund to the minimum previously arrived at of L 25 0; sanction the distribution of the fund on the principle laid down by laat year's Synod, on which the Committee acted; agree to exempt Hampden, owing to its exceptional circumstances, from the operation of this principle, and to make it participate in the fund on the footing of a self-supporting: charge ; learn with satisfaction the Continued wide circulation and usefulness of the Missionary Record in bringing the various schemes of our church before so many of our people, and appoint a committee to consider, and if practicable, carry out the amalgamation of the Record with the Evangelist, referred to in our report." The subject was being discussed when the hour of adjournment arrived, and its consideration was adjourned till Tuesday evening. THE NEW CHAIR. On the motion of Mr Kyley, the Clerk was instructed to ascertain from the Chancellor of the University what could be the earliest opportunity at which the Council could receive a deputation from the Synod, in reference to the institution of the new Chair of Moral Philosophy and Political Economy, and the division of the subjects presently allocated to Professor Macgregor. It was also resolved that a copy of the Interim Act as passed be transmitted to the Board of Church P, opei ty. ADJOUUNMENT. At 10.45 p.m._ the Synod adjourned till one o'clock vii ilouday afternoon.