PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11277, 22 November 1898, Page 7

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Tho annual, session of the Presbyterian Church of Otago and Southland was opened on ,31st in First Churoh, there being a largo number of ministers, elders, and church members present. The Rev. W, Will (retiring moderator). presided at the opening services, and. preached a discourse based upon the Epistle to the Epliesians vi, 7. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was subsequently partaken of by those present. . THE BOLL OF SYNOD. The synod was then duly constituted, the Clerk (the Rev. W. Bannerman) presenting the following roll of members: — Presbytery of Dunedin: —Ministers: Revs. W. Will, Dr Watt, A. Greig, J. 'Kirklaud, A. M. Finlayson, R. R. M. Sutherland, Dr Waddell, J. Christie, D. Borrie, A. Cameron, J. Gibb, J. M. M/Kerrow, Dr Dunlop, D. Dutton, J. M. Fraser, A. Don, I. Jolly, W. Campbell, I. iv. M'lntyre, T. Paulin, AV. Hewitson, and E. C. Tennent. Elders: Messrs H. Purvis, J. Graham, R. Landreth, A. Chisholm, John Reid, G. Moir, T. Coull, William Kendall, W. Hutton, W. G. Fitzgerald, W. iCouston, JL>. Thomson, T. K. Sidey, R. Mercer, H. Wise, D. A. ll'Nicoll, AVm. Currie, E. B. Cargill, W. Scott, and Captain Thomson. JPresbytery of Clutha.—Ministers: Revs. W. Bannerman, J. M. Allan, J. Chisholm, J. U. Spence, S. W. Currie, A. M. Dalrymple, R. Fairmaid, J. -Kilpatrick, J. A. Will, J. A. Souierville, W. H. Gray, P. B. Fraser. Elders: Messrs P. M'Skimming, J. Bruce, J. Fyfe, C. Dallas, Jaa. Somerville, C. Smaill, W. Paterson, A. M'Nicol, S. Parkinson, D. Hughan, A. . Garry, ahd'W. Begg. Presbytery of Southland.—Ministers: Revs. A. -H. Stobo, T. Alexander, R. Ewen, J. Baird, G. Lindsay, W. White, A. Macdonald, J. Gibson Smith, E. Bissett, R. H. Blair, W. G. M'Laren, W. W. Brown, R. M'Cully, and J. Cumming. Elders: "A. M'Hardy, J. T. Mackerras, J. Shaw, D. Scott, W. Ayton, D. L. Matheson, Geo. Dawson, Win. Hutchison,. T. Scott, Andrew Christie, W. H. Adams, F. G. Calvert, W. Ayson, Andrew Small. Presbytery of Oamaru.—Ministers: Revs. A. B. Tbdd, 3. Steven, P. S. Hay, Wm. Nichol, W. Wright, James Clarke, J. Standring, A. D. Thomson, and R. J. Porter. Elders: Messrs Geo. Goodall, A. Murdoch, Geo. Caldwell, H. Allan, Win. Matheson, A. Cameron, Angus Ross, and B. Molliaon. Presbyetery of Dunstan.—Ministers: Revs. R. Telford, J. M'Cosh Smith, J. Lothian, J. C. Gellie, and W. K. Grant. Elders: Messrs M. Elliott, J. T. Johnston, A. C. Begg, R. Glendining, and R. Chisholm. Presbytery of Mataura,—Ministers: Revs. J. M. Davidson, P. Ramsay, J. Johnßton, J. A. Asher, J. B. Smellie, A. Begg, G. Miller, E. J. Carter, W. A. Kyd, and W. Howes. Elders: Messrs T. MacGibbon, W. D. Stewart, S Miller, Fyfe, C. Kriowles, R. Mitchell, Edie, R. Fleming, J. Pullar, J. Scott, and Dr Copland. TIIE ELECTION OF MODEBATOB. The Retiring Moderator said, he had now to thank the synod for the honour which they had conferred upon him last year in electing him moderator, and also for the forbearance, kindness, and sympathy eliowii to him during his year of office. It now devolved upon him to retire, and to propose as his successor the Rev. George Lindsay, of St. Paul's, Inverear- - gill,-who had been nominated by the synod. Mr. Lindsay was well known in the church; ho had-done good work; and he was a man highly.*, honoured, loved, and esteemed throughput the church. He had much pleasureiiu moving that Mr Lindsay be moderator -for the ikxt. 12 months. ) Tlio motion was carried by acclamation. The Rev; G. Lindsay, on taking the modera-torV!chair,'-said: I desire gratefully to acknowledge the honour you have conferred upon me in calling upon roe to occupy tho position of moderator at this important-epoch of our church's history. I cannot lay claim either to the experionce or the ability of ouresteemed venerable father who,has juet vacated the chair. I rejoice, however, that it has been my-privilege to take some little part in tlio work of our Lord and Master in this new land, and, at the beginning of the second half of this church's century, to have tho honour of presiding over the deliberations of the Synod of Otago and, Southland. I now hope for your' forbearance while I seek to discharge tho grave duties of the office that has been conferred upon me.—(Applause.) Second Day—Tuesday.. The Presbyterian Synod met for the resumption of business at First Church on Tuesday, Ist inst. The Rov. G. Lindsay, moderator, presided, and there was a large attendance. After the Moderator had given his address tho following business was transacted: — ' DEPUTIES FIIOM THE NORTHEEN OHUROH. The Revs. George Webster and W. Scorgie. deputies from the Northern Church, being present, wero welcomed by the Moderator and associated with-the synod. They address tho synod to-night. A PRESENT TO THE STNOD. The Rov. W. Bannerman said he had been requested by the family of the late Mr Adam Begg. of Anderson's Bay, to present to the synod a memorial picture of the Jubilee Synod. It would be for the synod to say . where thepicture was to be kept until a synod hall was erected. It was resolved that the thanks of the synod be accorded to the family of Mr Begg for tho gift.: .-• .-„. - -•--.- :-. -.'• ■ BIBLE BEADING IN SCHOOLS. Dr Copland brought iip the report of the committee on Bible reading in schools, which contained tho following clauses : — The committee, in carrying out tho instructions of synod, sent a, circular to all the member3 of the Legislature requesting them to use their influence in Parliament to have a, plebiscite of-, the electors throughout the colony taken on the question—" Are you in favour of legalising the use in the public. schools (under the provision of a time-table and conscience. clause) of the Scripture Lesson Book of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland?" No movement haa been made in Parliament in the direction of carrying this request into effect. A member of the Legislative Council, in acknowledging the receipt of the circular, said:—"l am in entire sympathy with you in tho question of Bible reading in schools. I consider the great blot in our educational system to be the exclusion of all moral and religious instruction in tha public schools." But he further says:—"l fear there is little hops,.of anything being.done by Parliament until the people return members pledged to take a greater interest in the question." Tho committee trust the synod may see its way to select a minister, and set him free from the duties of his charge for a time, so that he may-devote his whole energies to the formation .of associations throughout the bounds of the synod. . . Dr Copland spoke at some length to the report, .and moved that it be adopted and the committee authorised to give" effect to the concluding clause. The Rev. Pi B. Fraser moved as an amendment—■" That the synod reappoint the committee to use such influence as it can politically as heretofore, but''do not agree to the pro : posal to loose,a minister from his charge, and that the Clutiia Presbytery, with corresponding members in other presbyteries, be appointed a committee to co-operato with any other branches of the Christian church willing to join in making tlie fullest use of tho facilities afforded by the Education Act for tlio religious education of the young out of school hours; the committee to report any jDrogress mado, and any difficulties that may arise." The' Rev. Mr Cameron moved that tho following words be added to Mr Frasor's amendment:—"The committee to consider the be6t means whereby the church may best discharge its own duty in the religious, training. of the children." •'■' , The Rev, P. B. Fraser accepted this addition. ■ ' Dr Copland's motion was put as againrt Mr Fraser's amendment, and carried by a large majority. The latter portion of Mr Fraser's amendment was then put ob a separate motion, and agreed to on the voices; and on the motion of the Rev. Mr Fairmaid, a hearty vote 0' thanks ,was accorded to Dr Copland for his services as convener of the committee. Third Dai —Wednesday. . The Presbyterian Synod met for the resumption of business at First Church on tho 2nd inst., the Rev. G. Lindsay moderator, presiding. THE 'REV. SIR SMELLIE'S CASE. The Bynod<'feonsidered in private a me-i*norial-from'-Messrs Allan, Ayson, and Marshall complaining-of the refusal of the Ma-.

taura Presbytery to receive a communication made to it. The..memorialists ..and Prosbytery of Mataura were heard, and the following deliverance was unanimously adopted: — " The synod regrets that 'the presbytery dill not receive the communication, mado' to'it by the ' memorialists, and expresses sympathy with same in this connection; but in view of th*3 , whole circumstances of^ the case,, considers that the best interests of the church will' bo conserved by refusing to travel further in the matter." .■ . , ' Fourth Day—Thursday. The Presbyterian. Synod resumed business at First Church on Thursday at 10 a.m., the Rev. D. Lindsay, moderator, being in the chair. ■ OHUBOII EXTENSION 11EFOBT.. The Rev. D. Borrie brought up the report of the Committee on Church Extension, which contained, the following clauses: — The members of committee , have much pleasure in laying" before . the church their annual report this year. 'We can do so in a more hopeful tone than in previous 'years, as there is an awakening interest in the church in regard to church extension, and so a brightening prospect before us. This is manifest by the hearty way in which the Jubilee memorial .scheme .has. been .received throughout the church, and by the way in which our appeal for funds this year has been met. The result being that instead of ending the year with a debit balance as on two previous years, wo have by careful management, and through the kindness of some generous donors, ended the year with a credit balance of £47 7s . Bd. ■■■'•■ We are pleased to be able to report that two mission stations—Kurow and Orepuki—that foimerly received grants from our funds have been this year erected into fully sanctioned charges on the sustentation fund, and that a new charge is being formed to be called South Taieri. This is substantial progress. With tho above exceptions the field is much the sarno as last year. . There are'still fivo church extension charges on our list, though only four of these received grants during the year, as the fifth was vacant. These are Rivcrsdale, Wanaka, Waikaia, Lovell's Flat, Hillend, and Pukerau. "With the exception of Wanaka, all -our church extension charges seem to be making satisfactory progress, and bid fair to be off our funds at no distant datq. • We have still seven mission stations having missionaries or other Christian workers settled over them for a longer or. shorter period, and receiving grants from our fund. At the March synod, the committee received authority to send Home to the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland for three suitable ministers on the usual terms.' The convenor spoke immediately to Dr Duff, the convener of the Free Church Colonial Committee, and also wrote Home by first mail. As yet he has received no intimation of any appointment. These will still be required, as there are no fewer than eight vacant congregations, and other places whore the service of an ordained minister is required. We began the year with a debit balance of £31 0s Bd, and so wrought at very great disadvantage. This deficit was nearly wiped out by a special donation per convener of £30. An appeal was . again. made to the.church by circular', with tlie gratifying result that tho collections amounted to £3iS lls 4d, or-only £28 5a 9d less than last year, when some congregations made two collections for this fund. ■ .'". . There -was also a special collection at the Jubilee celebration amounting to £37 12s 10il, and a sum collected in North Otago by Mr Parlane; amounting to £6 19s 6d. Through these special efforts, and increased donations, we end the year with a credit balance oi £47 7s Bd. 1■ •■' The following is an analysis of the treasurer's statement:—Congregational collections, £348 11s 4d; contributions of two mission stations, £100 13s Id; amounts reported only, £967 8s lid; donations, £102 13a 4d; collection at Jubilee, etc., £44 12s 4d; —total, £1563 Us. It will be seen at a glance that had we not got tho collection at Jubilee, and the sum collected by Mr Parlane, as well as extra donations amounting to about £60, making about £103 in all, there would have bc/h a more serious debit balance this year than last. Tho committee is pleased at the hearty way in which the Jubilee memorial fund has been received by the church, and is assured that it will result in a deeper interest in church extension, and in a substantial sum being raised to promote such work in the outfields. The Rev. D; Borrie moved tho following deliverance:—"Adopt the report; express gratitude to God for the success attending the work for the great year, also express pleasure at the way in which the congregations responded; to the committee's appeals, and at the awakening interest in regard to church extension; thank Miss M. K. M. and other donors for their generous gifts, and anew commend this scheme to the whole church ; further . grant power to the Mataura Presbytery, with the consent of the Sustentation Fund' Cbhrmitteo, to erect Iliversdale into a regularly sanctioned charge oa tlie sustentation' fund platform; to the Oamaru' Presbyte'ryv: with tho - consent of the Church Extension Committee, to erect Macraes,- Dunbaok, and ' Green Valley into a church extension charge, and sanction the erection of small cottage houses at Preservation Inlet and Stewart Island, and authorise tho Southland Presbytery to carry this into effect, and agree to appoint a collection for passage expenses of Ministers." The Rev. J. Chisholm seconded the deliverance, which, after some discussion, was agreed' to. '' ' . Mr R. Chisholm intimated that lie would undertake to furnish the cottage manse at Stewart's Island free of cast, and a hearty voto of thanks was accorded him for his generous offer. OIIUBCII EXTENSION REGULATIONS. The synod having considered the church extension regulations, it was agreed to alter article 3 as follows:—"That every such district shall bo entitled to receivo from the church extension fund a sum not exceeding I £40 per annum for the first year, £30 for the second year, £20 for the third year, and £10 for the fourth year of such settlement, etc." It was also agreed to alter " tiiree years in article 1" to "four years," so as to make articles 1 and 3 harmonious. JUDILZE MEMORIAL FUND. The Rev. A. Cameron brought up tho report of tlie Jubiloe Memorial Fund Committee, which waa as follows: —" Immediately on the rising of the March synod the committeo carefully considered how best to accomplish the task of raising a worthy Jubilee memorial fund. It was unanimously agreed that in order to ensure success somo one should be appointed to prosecute the matter by personal canvass, and conference with office-bearers of congregations. Without hesitation your committee agreed that' the Rev. D. Borrie was the most suitable person to begin the campaign, and at the committee's request the minister and congregation of North-East Valley agreed to our proposal, and Mr Borrio was, with the consent of the Dunedin Presbytery, released from congregational duties for three months to enable him to push this scheme." The Rev; D. Borrie reported that the sum of £3657 19s had been subscribed to the fund. Of this sum £1154- Is had been already paid, while a large sum could bo1 collected at any time, being payable on call. Altogether the ' sum of £1214- lls 9d had been paid to the credit of tlie fund, while the expenses to date were £92 15s lOd. In" most of the congregations visited a considerable sum might yet be looked for, as the result of the efforts of collectors appointed by tlie Deacons' Courts. Tho Rev. A. Cameron moved the following deliverance:—"The synod thanks the subscribers' to the Jubilee memorial fund, and Mr Borrie for his self-denying labours in visiting- so many congregations, and commends the fund to the liberality of all our people; in the event of Mr Borrie not being able to prosecute further tho interests of 1 this fund, instruct the'committee to appoint another agent to visit the stiil unvisited congregations." The Rev. J. Gibson Smith seconded the deliverance, which -was agreed to after some discussion. THE AOZD AND INFIRM MINISTERS* FUMD. The Rev. A. M. FinJayson brought up the report on returns to remits on the regulations of the aged and infirm ministers' fund, which ivas as follows: —" Tho committee of synod in this behalf sent down to presbyteries and sessions the proposal to reduce the allowance from £60 with £1 added for every year of service to £50 with £1 added for evory year of service up to 30 years. Of the presbyteries, 1 approves tho remit; 3 approve tho reduction from £60 to £50, but without limiting the number of years for which £1 is added; 1 approves the reduction from £60 to £50, with £1 added for every year of service up to 35 years; 1 disprove.? ths remit, and recommends either assessment of congregations or an appeal to congregations; while one of the three presbyteries above-mentioned recommends that congregations be assessed and that the annual payment by ministers be increased by £2.- Of kirk sessions, 20 have sent in returns. Ten approve tho remit; 5 approve the reduction from £60 to £50, without the limit of 30 years; 4- recommend assessment of congregations: 1 recommends that £10 a year as rent allowance be granted from the trust fundc." • It was decided to take up the report whon the report on the aged and infirm ministers' fund was considered. "Fii'lY YBABS SYNE." On the motion of the Rev; J. Gibb, a committee, consisting of Dr Waddell, the Rev. J. Gibson Smith, and the mover was appointed to draw up a motion expressive of the synod's appreciation of the great services Mr Chishoim has rendered to the Presbyterian community by his book " Fifty Tears Syne." Fifth Day—Fiuday. The Presbyterian Synod resumed business at First Churoh on Friday at 10 a.m., the Rev. G. Lindsay, moderator, being in the chair. REPORT OS COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS. The Rev. A. M.jDalrymple brought up the report of tho Committeo on Statistics, which stated that the membership of the church now stood at 14,139, showing an increase for the year. of. 174-, as against an increase of 421 for last year.; Tho number of those received Iby examination yvas 602, as against 713 thus

1 received last year.- Such fluctuations were' • often perfectly; normaL.as,regards..the churoh, • being due to the movements of population; -- and other external causes, but the committee I thought it right'that attention should bo ' drawn to'thorn'. ' The' aggregate statistics of ' presbyteries showed the following figures:-- -: Charges. 77;. infants baptised, 853; adults • baptised, 7; received by examination, 602; i' received by. certificate, 422;' removed' by cer- ■ tificate, 433; removed by death, 150 ;• removed otherwise, 266.; members now on the rolls, On the motion of/the Rev. W. Bannerman, the following deliverance was adopted: — \ "Adopt the report, and' record tho thanks of-the synod to the committee,' and especially the convener, and refer to the Uutha. 1 res'by.tery as the Committee on tho btate oJ h.eligion, to report on the practicability c.f including and reporting the number of-adher-ents in connection with the various oongro'- • gations of the church." ' • 1 TIIE STATE OF KELIOIOX. 1 The Rev. J. M'Eorrow brought up the ro--1 port of the Committeo on tho State of Re- • ligion, which contained the following clauses; ! The subjects on which your committee ! eoucht .information .by. means of.the quwies • addressed to ministers and sessions may be , divided into .two classes—viz.,: (1 Matters relating specially to the congregations of our. 1 owiioliurcli'j and (2) matters. pretaining.to the [ state of religion generally, as far as facta were known, or so far ns experience and observation. \ enabled opinions to be formed. ; . ' ' Riiroly do great religious changes occur over 1 a wide area in so short a period as 12 months. Hence comparing the year which has just ', elapsod with the one which immediately pre--1 cedwl it, we find that few ovents have happen^ of special significance or unusual 'interest- , ~ . : A large proportion'of the replies given to the ', first question were to the effect that no post lively conspicuous improvement in tho state ,oE roligion "was observable. There were, howTlio'information supplied regarding .church attendance and observance of tho Lord's Supper is generally satisfactory. Although, ■in a lot/ instances, it is admitted that tlie at- - tendance at church is not so good as it might '■ he, most of the returns report an attendance, equal to that, of fovoier.'years, and some an- - nounce a cheering and hopeful increase. On the subject ci those habits which are con-.monly and conectiy described as hindrances to the spiritual aims of the church, an.l which are the bane of. society—gambling, drunkenness, profanity, 'parental negligence, , etc.—llo .new information has been obtained. . Tho general opinion is that they are very much , the same as in former years. A- few suggestions have been made in the' ; returns, which your committee, in closing their report, would lay before you for considera1. It has been suggested that a committeo ■of evangelistic deputies should be appointed, whose business would be to arrango and carry •■ out a scheme of evangelistic work throughout . the church. ;2. It has been suggested that as the church. is "entering on another decade of hcr'.history,, '. and on a new century of the Christian era," ."a time of refreshing ought to be implored |. from on high." ;,' '. . '..' 3. Tho proposal has been made that, there. should be a limit of time fixed by thel synod,; or by sessions under synodical' injunction,. , beyond which names of- habitual absentees lfOiii church ordinances should not bs retained 011 tac roll of church members. ■!. The opinion has been expressed that it ' would " help very much towards the good . desired,'' by means of the questions annually , issued on the state of religion, if the synod ; appointed " a field day" for the consideration of them, not during the synod week. ! Your com'raittee have nothing to add except- - that they regard the information they have gathered from tho various congregations of ihe ; church as on the whole indicating a measure I .of progress and nro3perity that should kindle j ,in our hearts devout: thankfulness to God. It ■ was joyfully acknowledged at the Jubilee.celc- , bration that God's hand had been upon "us I for good during all these 50 years. Tho history j ,of the colony has no greater thing to show .1 [ thaa the increase of religious activities and the ; spread of the Kingdom of Christ. , Tha Rev. J. M'Kerrnw, after reading the 1 report, moved the following deliverance:—j '"Adopt the report; express gratitude to God for tho tokens that have been granted I ;of blessing on the church's work during the j ; past year; and commend to the attention of . congregations the information Ihot ha3 been i given, particularly those facts that may be ; viewed as a call to special watchfulness and prayer." . ,] The Rev. "\V. Heivitson seconded the do- j liverunce, which, after considerable discussion, was agreed to. llt was also resolved, on t'lo motion- of the Rev. W. Hewitson. seconded by the Rev. J. -A. ...Will, that- the Revs. Porter, Jolly, Gtibb, i Asher,. Gibson smith, M.'Cosh Smith, and the mover be appointed a committee of evangelistic deputies. .■ :' : '.....' "fifty years syne." ';•' On the motion of the Rev. J. Gibb, a 1 motion was passed referring in highly eulogistic terms to the manner in which the-Rev.' J. Chisholm had written "Fifty Years [ Syne*" and to the service he had rendered to the Presbyterian community, by bo doing. | BErOHT ON TEMPERANCE - ; The Rev. J. Kilpatrick brought' up the roport of the Oommittee on Temperance, whieli contained the following clauses; — .....' . The past year has- not been marked by any special demonstration of enthusiasm on the part of temperance workers: it has been, rather a time of quiet preparation. There haa been tho " Royal' Commission on the Police," and, strange, shall we say? at least two-thirds of ', the work of that commission had a direct bearing on the enforcement, or non-enforceniont, of the liquor laws. Then there was the bill introduced by MiMillar, M.H.R., for Dunedin, which proposed Ito give more liberty to those engaged in tho liquor traffic, and to make more secure tho owners of licensed properties, by making the penalty for the illicit sale of strong drink apply Ito the licensee, and not to the license itself. Your committee gladly record their satisfaction that this bill did not .become law. Altep, tion of the present liquor laws is doubtless needed, but any alteration that will' more - deeply entrench the liquor traffic, your committee believe to be contrary to the expressed wish of the colony, and against tho interests of the kingdom of Christ. Your committee would also express its strong disapproval of ; the action of licensing committees in granting ' an. extension of the time froni the sale of liquor from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., and that'in many cases, without application having been made in the first instances' for such extension. It is with feelings of regret that they rei cord the fact that men claiming for themselves ' the position of "moderates," should, in the interests of the liquor trade, have gone to the : extreme limit allowed by the law. There are very few congregations which claim to have, temperance organisations con-, nected, directly, with their church work; but n. goodly number report that, indirectly, they have such organisations. .". . \ From most districts we get the cheering report that drinking is not on the increase. Several sessions report cases of discipline or 1 lapsing during tho past year through drink, 1 and we sadly make known the fact. What it 1 means to us as a church we are all able to appreciate. ■, ': Your cominittoo recommend: — 1. That a special sermon on "Temnerance" .be preached on the fourth Sabbath of Novem- ; ber; and that, a general exchange of pulpits bo made on that day. [2. That a vigorous eEort be made to organise , Bands of Hope, aJid that presbyteries see that this recommendation be given effect to. 3. That the Temperance Committee, in con- , junction with the moderator of synod, be in-- '■ structed to issue a tract setting forth the evils of intemperance. Mr Kilpatrick, after reading tho report, moved the following deliverance:—" Adopt , the report; express satisfaction at tho con- , tinued interest taken in the temperance question; urge upon ministers, office-bearers, and people the necessity for constant and increased , effort; presbyteries to see that the second re- , commendation bo given effect to; assure all [ engaged in temperance work of our sympathy, ( anJ express tho hope that their work may go lon increasing until it is orowned with comr>lats success." • ■ Mr Murdoch seconded the deliverance. Mr A. O. Begg said he noticed that the . Anglican Synod had beou suggesting the fcr--1 1 mation of a league for the purpose of elovnt--1 ing and purifying publichouses. Tha debate ;on the subject read something like a play 1 written by a satirist; and anyone who" really 1 knew what publichousos were throughout this colony and other lands must, have smiled i and have thought: " Well, if they are going to do that they have a very big contract before them, indeed." .. It seemed to him that a proposal of the kind was simply trifling with the question. He noticed that a certain Canon Dodd, who, iip believed, . hailed from Balehitha, stated that although the devil of drunkenness had been driven out of that place, seven devils, had come in its place. Canon Dodd, however, did not specify what these sevon devils were; but he (Mr. Begg) believed the real fact was that if any devils had been apparent since prohibition had obtained in the Clutha they were devils that were sleeping and became obstroperous a-s soon as-they wero roused up. He thought he could name three or four of the devils who would be much botter cast out of the Clutha district. If Canon Dodd thought he deceived either, the people of the Clutha or the rest of the colony by his statements he was entirely mistaken. They knew that Inspector Pardy, who knew, a great deal more about the state of crime than Canon Dodd, gave evidence before the Police Com--1 mission stating ■ that since: a measure of pro- , hibition was carried in the Clutha that crime , had decreased something like 75 per cent. No other district in the colony showed such resuits ; and be (Mr Begg) thought it waa a fair. 1 inference to draw that, the was due- [, to the state of the law with regard to the 1 liquor traffic; and if that was so it would bo .j a good thing if prohibition wero in force all 1 over the colony. j The Rev. Mr Kilpatrick, in replying, ! quoted a number of extracts from synod* de-

Jivorances and reports, which might'be takan to show that the .synod wascommitted to-pro-Jiibition;.. ~!.-:■■ . ( , ;;■','. ;■■..■■ ' '■'■■'■ The .deliverance, put and carried., , .■.-...:- ;■ .■ ■...... ■ > ■ ■ The'.synod adjourned at 5.20 p.m., to meet (igain at .7 o'clock'.' "' '.' '. . '~. ' REPORT OP THE SABBATH SOnOOL OplJillTTgE. ; The Rev. R; J. Porter,' at" the " eveiiiuj; sederunt" of-the'synod,-brought up the report of - the" Sabbath School ■■.Committee, "which'.' stated that there-were 234- schools'within, the' bounds of-the church and.13,166 scholars. Ttio average attendance during the year had been fa99l, and the number, of.teachers, 1473. While, the number, of schools -remained the same 5.3 last year-,'.." thq'-.rolls showed a falling off:to the extent of 640, and the average attendance of > 573.'. Tho oommittee were unable-to suggest liny' satisfactory explanation, but would very earnestly ' urge : upon ministers and teachers the. necessity -, of making a thorough canvass of their districts, so that those who wert apparently, lapsing might be brought into touch with divine ordinances, and instructed into those truths ■ which alone could make wise, unto salvation. There wore 104 Bible classes, attended by 2003, scholars, tho average attendance being 1748. The number of Endeavour Societies was's4, with a total membership of 1882, arid an average attendance of 1203. The number of Bible classes" had increased, whilo the Endeavour Sobieties' had declined during the year, .both in,number and'iiv average attendance.- ■...■- .'.: ■ .■. ' :.(■•,:■. .■: ' ;•,■■,:. The Rev. Mr ,4phnstoii .moved tho. following deliverance: —,'.' Adopt .the report; thank tlie committee, and especially;.the : ,convener, for tho pains taken in procuring statistics; record tho thanks of the synod to those engaged in the work for their valuable labours j resolve that the Oamaru Presbytery be the Sunday School-Committee; and commends these' schools anew to the attention of ministers, office-bearers, 'and parents, and to the'-bless-ing of Almighty.God." .:■t .•' v ; After considerable discussion, the ■ deliverance wns adopted. .., Sixth Day—Monday. ' The Presbyterian Synod resumed its sittings on .Monday evening. The Moderator (the Roy. G. Lindsay) -presided. "■' '. '" -.''■■ '-': THEOLOOIOAL COMMITTEE. TJie. Rev. Mr Cameron read .the report of the Theological Committee, of which the1' following are the, principal clauses: — During the past year nine students have, beep in attendance in the classes in the Theological Committee. Of these, six belong to our own church, one to our northern sister, and two to the -Baptist Churoh. Of the above-named students four—namely, J. C. Jamieson, J. J. Cairney, Andrew Kirichmd, and Thomas.Tait, having finished their three years' course in the hall, were examined for. exit, and on the recommendation of the cxiuniner, the committee sustained their examination. -Your.committee feels that the church may congratulate itself on having five of its own students, well equipped for the work of tho ministry, going iorth from the university and the hall at this time, to seek spheres of labour within her hounds. At ;the same time, the fact that; only two students remain in the hall is surely a reminder-of the need of urging on our young ..people ■ the. claims of .the -ministry If we could 6Etor deserving and able youn" men scholarships -to- help them' through their" Ion" course of study, we believe the church'would not lack willing and able servants. With a view to meet this need, your .committee suggests that an annual collection be appointed for scholarship purposes. The report was adopted. MISSION HErQItT. . Tho Rev. Mr Bannerman moved the adoption of the Mission Report for 1898, as follows : — Your committee acknowledge with thankful- i ness to.Almighty God the measure of health and strength granted to the missionaries of tins church, during the past year, enabling them to pursue their manifold and trying labours with steady continuance and diligence.. Success has largely attended their several labours, resulting • m large additions to the numbers of professing Christians, and the growth of these in' Christian knowledge and Christian character,- among the natives of the New Hebrides. " '. Rev.P. Milne.—The Rev; P. Milne, the cnurch s senior missionary, has from time to time during the past year reported additions' ]° : th?, baptised membership on Nguim and' the other islands under his charge. Those lying at considerable distances from Nguna the centre of his operations, and from each other, necessitates frequent jourueyings, and I ofLimes absence from his head, station on , return. Tlie several islands are well supplied with native teaohers, who have been taught and trained by Mr Milne, ■ and are all supported by his Christian natives. Their contributions towards this objeot during the past year have amounted to £190 in actual money Rev, Oscar Michel sen.—The Rev..O. Michel-' , sen, our second missionary in the group1, has been, as the synod, is aware, on'furlough durl ing a considerable part of, the ryear. He has now returned to his usual sphere of labour, but without any assistant*. ,'. Ee<;l\ Smaill.-The Rev.,T.Smaill's work" ' has been considerably extended of late Increasing, .numhers.: have been - , added to -the: Christen communities that have, through his labours, ; arisen in the part of Epi occupied by,him. .; Schools and teachers have been multiplied;- ..These he .requires to supervise, and,frequently,to assist by taking part in giv-: ing instruction both to the teachers and'the scholars m addition to the special evangelistic work that falls to the missionary on week : days. and Sabbath, days.. , His interest in Paaina and Ins efforts to secure a footing,for tioUospol there continues unabated, despite . the opposition he has met with. His recent help afforded to the sufferers from the eruption °n Lppevi has been made known.by himself* through'tho public papers, and doubtless has met with the approval of the whole church. Chinese Mission.—The Rev. Alexander Don missionary among our Chinese immigrants, has returned from his furlough, and has been-visit-' ing the congregations of the, church on the subject of his mission: As he is present as a member of synod, and will bo able personally to report the use he has made of his furlough, and the advantages ho expects to accrue therefrom to his special mission, it os unnecessary for tho committee to say anything thereanent. As the outcome of the experience he h»8 gained by his visit to China, he has submitted a proposal to the committee that the synod should authorise the training of two students, to be I appointed as missionaries to that part of China from which tho great proportion of our Chinese immigrants come. These, he thinks, being acquainted with those immigrants, would gain a readier entrance to the relatives and friends of the Chinese in Otago than othewise might bo the case. Their support might be undertaken by the young people's, societies of the church, who might wisely concentrate their efforts on this special mission to China in con--neetion with their own church. Tho committee commend Mr Don's proposal to the favourable consideration of the synod. From £100 to ;£l2O each would suffice to support the two missionaries in China. Mr Don will have the opportunity of submitting tlie matter to the synod. In connection with the work in China, the committee recommend the synod to approve of Mr William Chan, baptised by Mr Don in 1597, proceeding to China", to be; trained at the American Presbyterian College,' and be 'afterwards employed as a catcchist among his' countrymen in connection with this synod. Tlie necessary funds to meet the expenses of his training iiavo been secured by Mr Don. During Mr Don's'absence Mr Timothy Fay Loio lias successfully carried on the work of the mission, 'Winning the respect and confidence of his fellow-countrymen and the esteem of all who have come into contact with him. On the completion of his engagement with Mr Don the committee re-engaged Mr Loio till the clos'iDg of this synod, with a view to recoinmoi]ci* ing that he be permanently employed in mis•sioii work among the Chinese, whose scattered position places them beyond the power of Mr Don adequately ministering among them. ' The P.W.M.U.—The report of the P.W.M;U". for 1837-1898 has been forwaiued for presentation to the synod. It is gratifying to find that more branches have joined the union, and that an interest in the mission oocrations of the church is being..manifested. The Zenana Mission and the Mission Aid have been successfully carried on by the union. For the latfer no help has been required from the general mission fund. The thanks of the synod are due, in a special manner, to tho office-bearers and members of the union. Stewart Island.—The committee have ap,pointed Mr Thomson successor to Mr Vcn Tunzelnian, as teacher at tlie Neck| to undertake the charge of the religious services on behalf of fao Maoris and halfcastes there. Tho ! committeo desire to place on record the expres- j -.ion oi the value they attach to the services of Mr Von TunzelmSn, and their sympathy with his family under the loss they have sustained by his decease." ■ Maori Mission.—The aiten tion. of the committee have boon called'to the work.carried on amem^'the Maoris of tlio South Island by the soniety recently formed for tho purpose. A good Work is being done,, and the society deserve the support of all sections of the Christian churoh. Tlie committeo recommend that a donation 0! £10 be forwarded to' the society. Revenue.—General mission fund, £J278 18s :3d; native teachers' fund; £270 3s 7d: Dayspring fund, £216 10s sd; Mission Aid, £195 •16s 2d; Zenana Mission, £85; value tf mission boxes, £56 18s 3d. Tlie following deliverance was adopted, on ; the r motion of the Rev. Mr Bannerman:— ■ "Adopt the report, approve of the reepmimendation made therein ;in connection with tho propoEal to enter on a mission in China, -authorise the committee to secure, if possible, two ( suitable agents, and sanction "Mr Don bringing this proposal before the young people's ■ societies ; thank those who assisted the Chinese Mission carried ori by Mr Don; express gratification with the progress made by the P.W.M.U., and thank its members for ; the interest they have taken in furthering the missions of the church." ; - ' -'.Seventh Day—Tuesday. The: synod resumed its sittings at ■10 a.m.. on Tuesday, Bth, the Moderator presiding. . ':. SUSTENTATION FUND. :': • : The Rev. R. R. M. Sutherland moved the adoption of the report of the Sustentation Fund Committee, which was as follows: — Your committee have to report,that the total contributions for the year amount to £12,772 3s 2d, as against £13,178 19s; 3d for last year, being a decrease-of: £106 .16a- Id.- The-equal' ■<

dividend- for the: half-year ending- 31st March,' 1898,- was 10s "8a,1" ■- and for the '■ half-year; ending ; 30th September, 1898, -Slot- 17s f9d, making1 for.4he', yeay: ai dividend. of i2OO 8s ■ 3d, an increase of.'6s 8d over!'last- year. ' Fourteen; congregations report increases for the year,, amounting to £ 121,:75V Dunedin. (Knox), £2 We 9d; Dtinedin (St/i-■Andrew's), £20,.-Ua-,' Kaikorai,' £SV-Worth-East Harbour, £7 ls'sd; Balclutha, ■£1 8s 6d; Kaitangata, 11a 6d;' Popotunoa, £13; Wailiola, £2 2s; Mount Ida, .So; Rnapdale, £3,13's lOd; Wyndham, £10 11s; Limestone .Plains,: £2; s Hanipden, £5; Oamaru (St.. Paul's), £42 12s. Eighteen, congregations report decreases,.-. amounting ■to £133 18"s. 6d: Anderson's Bay, 16a lOd; Dunedin .(First),' £3 0s 6d; Dunedin (North), £10; Dunedin (South), 7s; North-East Valley, £2; Port Chalmers, £15. 10s; East Taieri, £7 7s 6d; West Taieri,V,£4' 6s; Tokdmairiro, £6 '16s 3d; Lauder, '£7 10s; Teviot, £2; .Toia Tois, £2 Us 2d;: Bluff,'£ls; Invercargill (First), £20:12s 9d; Queenstowu, Is 6d; Wallacetown, £15 14s; Otepopo;; £9 IGs; Upper . Waitaki, £10. Twenty-eight congregations report., same amount as last j'ear. Fifty-eight congregations added tp direct con-tributions-from other, sources (collections, seat,rents, etc.)-the sum of £32fil Us .Id, being' one congregation kss than last'year, and tv decrease, of £03 Us 6d; added money.. Tho amounts added in this way vary from £3 to £129 16s: In 48 congregations the .sum thus taken from ordinary revenue was less tlian ,tHe direct contributions; in 10.it waa more. ' ' '.. . Of- 66 congregations on the«fund' this year, 16 are aid-giving,- 23 ' self-sustaining; -ancTlJO' aid-reoeiving,«being a! decrease '.of 1 aid:giving: and"3 aid-receiving, and,an increase pf. 6 waolf-= sustaining.,'.. Whilq ; .tho .oo.mmittee are pleased to note .an increase in,number.pf selfTSUstaiiiT ing charges, they .would urge upon ■ those who have reached" this stage to strive -tp. become aid-giving, aa only by their so doing will the amount of the'equal dividend be increased. The Rev. Mr' Sutherland stated that .the report required no special remarks from him; The reason why there h.id been a decrease this year as compared with . last year was that soine of "the congregations had been vacant, and the money collected during tho .vacancy w,<is, not iriplucled in the. sustenta(ion fuiicl;"buf'it'werit to the church extension **incl. "That explained the decrease. Tbo following deliverance was agreed to: — "Adopt the. report; declare the dividend for the_yw"a,t' £200 Ss 5d ; express regre.t that aid-giving congregatiop.s have not' increased, and .tho aid hitherto given by some charges has decreased ; express.,the hope that; congregations will bear in mind the importance of this fund and aim at its. increase." ' . ' NEST TEAIt's'MODEKATOB. . It was unanimo'usly agreed that the clerk of the synod {the Rev. Mr Bannerman)' should be moderator next year. . ■>■.'■■' ' DECEASED BRETHItEN. The synod placed on record its sense'of the loss sustained by the death of the Rev. Robert Thornton, M.A.;' minister of AVaikhyi,.during the past_ eight years.; His scholarly, .attainments, kindly disposition, and faithfulness in pastoral wqrjc.wori for him tho respect and esteem both of his own congregation and of the church at large. ' Ho was called to rest after a lengthened period of suffering, leaving to m'purn their loss a widow.and young family, with .'whom the synod expresses: its deepest sympathy, and whom it prayerfully commands to the loviiig care of Him .who is the husband of 'the widpw and .'the father of the orphan.-- - ■' " ' " ' ■: ' .... The synod also placecl the following on record:— !'. By the death of William Somervilje, of Anderson's Bay, another of the fast lessening band, "of pion'eew Ijas. passed to hia rest. He arrived in 184-8,. and was oria of tlx.e first teachers -in the' Dunedin schools. Through a long period he was a faithful servant of tho Government as" olerk of the Resident Magistrate's Court, and. as an officer-bearer ctavo himself heartily to serve the church' of his fathers. He took great delight in-Sunday school work, and for more than a generation was a painstaking and whole-hearted superintendent of the Sunday school.. Every-.school of the church found in him a good friend, while' in her missionary efforts he took special interest. He was one of the noble band ■of oihee-bearers with which God has blessed our enurch, and lias, written his memorial deep'in tho hearts of those whom he- sought to help through the consolation of the Gospel. After a long and painful illness, borne with true Christian fortitude .and patience, he passed into that rest which remaineth for the people of God.'-' - - - ■ ' The following was also placed on record-—, the death of Adam Begg, of Anderson's -bay, yet another of the pilgrim fathers, has' been taken from our midst. On arriving here in 1848 he at once made his house, at Anderson's Bay, where for SO years he spent -a busy life in farming pursuits. By his quiet, upright life he endeared himself to all who came into conjact with him. and proved .himself to be a true friend, kindly neighbour, and 'loyal son of the Church. To her. service: in the ministry he has given a grandson, who is a member of the synod.: and a few-months before his death arranged-to present 'the synod with' a framed group of the Jubilee synod. After a brief illness ■'his'busy life'was crowned with rest in the presence" of the Lord." ■ .• . ."• ; THK DIVORCE ntLt. ■- ■ The1 Committee on Publiq ' Questions, reported having protested; again'et'the bill introduced to allow marriage with' a deceased husband's brother; and it was ,£lad to add that the bill had not passed. The Divorce Bill had passed.1 The committee opposed it when' !!t was first introduced. .. ■' ■ ... The Bev.'Dr Waddell moved for- the appointment of a "'committee, to consider the relation of tlie'Church to the new Divorce Bill, which now only awaited the Royal assent to become law; and to report to the next meeting of the synod. He did not think it Was necessary to say anything in support of the motion. He thought'they must realise that the Church and the State must come into collision over the new divorce law. He was on'e of those, who held rather strict, and, ok]'fashioned views regarding divorce. Certainly ho disapproved.of thd provisions of the bill, with tlie exception of' one clause,: and that claueo related to the equality of the sexes regarding, divorce. Decidedly, he disagreed with all the other sections of the bill, and he believed the time had come when the Church ought to take a stand in regard to legislation of this kind. He thought they ought to consider what thair relations were to those persons who acquired divorce under this law. ■ The Rev. Mr Bannerman said that there was no necessity, to refer this matter'to the Public Questions Committee for a report,'as the relation pf the Church to the Divorce Bill could only be of one kind. The law Pf the Church regarding divorce was dearly set forth in the Standards. He thought that it would be admitted there had been too much tinkeringwith the marriage law of God, both, by that Church and other churches. ■'■ '_ The Rev. Mr Cameron seconded the motion. He thought it was very'undesirable to go into a discussion then of the marriage, 'laws.—(Applause.) Mr Bannerman was ;cpnvenvr of the committee which, would be ableiobring the whole.matter up at next synod. ; ;Mr Bannsrnian claimed the right,to fro on. Ho held that if. they had a distinct doctrino regarding divorce, they ought to hold to that. The teaching of the Church was that'two causes' only could, be allowed for divorce,' and those were unfaithfulness and desertion which could not bo prevented. The motion was then carried, the matter being referred to the Public Questions Committee. : ' ■ ■ On the motion of Mr R. Chisholm, a committee was set up to make arrangements for holding a social gathering during next synod. Votes .of thanks to those who entertained members of the synod and to the press closed the proceedings..