PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Otago Daily Times, 27 April 1906, Page 3 (Supplement)

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

ANNUAL SESSION. The Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland commenced its annual session in, First, Church on April 10, the session continuing tho two following days. There was a good attendance of ministers and elders, and a fair congregation. In Ihe absense of the Rev. A. M. Dalrymple (Moderator) the Rev. A. Cameron (next previous Moderator) presided. The. roll of tho Svitod was called by the Clerk (the Rev. A. M. Finlayson), as follows:— Presbytery or BinrentK.—Ministers (32): Revs. W. Will (S.M.). M. Watt. D.D.. A. C-rcig. Jf.A. (emeritus), A. M. Fiulnvson, 1(. It. M. Sutherland. K. Waddell. U.U., 3. Christie (S.M.), D. Borne (emeritus), A. Cameron, 8.A., ,T. Jf. M'Kerrow. 8.A.. ,T. Dunlop, D.D., 1). Button, A. Don, I. K. M'lnlyrc, \V. llewitsnn. 8.A., E. C Tennent. W. Scorgie, 1!. Fairmaid, W. M. Nicolson, D.Sc, R. Mnckic. ,T. J. Cairncy, James Chisholm, 1). M'Coll, L. Thompson, M.A., A. W. Kinniont. M.A., J. Kilpatrick, J S. Ponder, T. Nipbat. D.D., J. Erwin, HA„ William Chan, D. Maclennan. M.A., 11, Williams. Elders (21). Messrs John Blair, David Luke. P. Marshall, W. Jl'leod, I). A. M'Kicoll, W. Hislop, D. M. Mmvson, W. Henderson, A. Chisholm. W. Cmvlev, Geo. Roid, W. Humlcll, A. C. Beg?. W. Munroe, .1 ohr. Dodck W. Christie. James Thomson, William Bennett, James Dick, D. Thomson, W. Pryor.

Pmwrytct.y op O.UTHA.—Ministers (13): Revs. A. M. Dalrvmnle, M.A., Geo. Miller, I'. Ramaav. R. Scott Allan, J. P. G. Orr, M.A., B. 11. Ji'.nir. S. V.\ Clinic J. S. R?id, Mm Chisholm, W. T. Curric, P. B. Fraser, M.A., .T. P. Mscaliister, M.A.. W. H. Howes, B.A. Elders (12): Messrs A. Kilgour. John Menzies, 15. M'Kinlay, John M'Hatlie, \V, B. Anderson, T Taylor, 'J'. M'Kee, H. Tanp. A. Dunlop, S. M'Lean, J. Sutherland, William DufT. Presmtkp.Y OK Southland.—Ministers (21): Rev. James Haird (S.M.), G. Lindsay, A. M'Donald, M.A., Evan Bissett, William W. Brown, James dimming, M.A., ,T. Lynilinrn, C. A. Gray, M.A., J. T. Burrows, 1). K. Fisher, J M. Simpson, 8.A., James WilFon, A. Laisliley, R, Ferguson, F. \V. Ilunlop Ph.D.. I'lios. Tail, W. F. Fimllay, A. K. Ross, E. J. Garter, A. D. Kirkland, John Davie. Elder.? (0): Messrs A. Inglis. li. Brown, J. M'Fetridge, i). Scott. A Cowic, T. Carswe;). Presbvtebv of Oamahu.—Ministers (11): Bevs. P. S. Hoy, M.A., W. Nichol, D. Jl'lvor, T. Neave, J. Steven, J. 15. Shore, M.A„ W. Wright, H. J. Porter. ,T. Clarke. J. Standing, Thomas Boseveare. Elders (6): Messrs Gavin Jamieson, Henry Allan, James Pv. Pollock, J. B. Taylor, Robert Jackson, J. Robertson. Phesbyterv op Dtjnstax.—Ministers (G): Revs; Robert Telford (emeritus), J. Jl'Cosh Smith, M.A., 8.D., J. C. Gellie (emeritus), James Mackio, A. Porter J G. M'Lcod. Eiders (3): .Messrs J. Stephens. D. Armstrong, A Rosj Prem-ytep.y of Mataura.—Ministers (12): Revs. J. M. Davidson, M.A. (emeritus), J. Collie. M.A., W. Ritchie, M.A., A. Gray. G. 11. Jupp, T. Paulin, G. M'Donald, W. F. Oaigie, A. Begs, M.A., G. G. Howes,' M.A.. H. T. Biair. A. S.ingster, M.A.. B.D. 'Elders (14): Messrs K. Potts, D. Stalker, W, Boyne, W. M'Kay, J. Dunn, M. Dickie, D. Andrew, M. Gillies, W. Ayson, G -Morrison, G. M'Phail, A. Murdoch, R. T. Stewart, fir Dawson. Ministers, 95; ciders, G2;—total, 157. On the motion of tho Rev. Mr Cameron the Rev. R. J. Porter (St. Paul's, Oamaru) was elected Moderator for,, the ensuing year. In accordance with the nomination'of a majority of Presbytemes, the .Rev. !•>• Dutton was nominated as Moderator of the Synod for next year. The Rev. Mr Sutherland, convener of the Sustentation Fund Committee, introduced the Rev. Robert Wood, the newly-appointed agent of the Sustentation Fund, and spoke briefly on the subject.—The Acting-Modera-

for welcomed the Rev. Mr Wood, and referred to the spepial ability the reverend gentleman possessed for tho office for whioh he had been selected—The Rev. Mr Wocd gave a lengthy address, in which he outlined the history of the fund, pointing out the amount of tho dividend as far back as 20 years ago, and comparing it with today's results. He also briefly narrated the plan he intended to adopt in visiting con- v grcgations, and mentioned that, according to the committee's arrangements, he was to commence his mission in the Southland district.—Mr AC. Begg, in speaking jof the collections, said that many people who regarded themselves as good Christians thought nothing of giving 5s for a concert ticket, and on Sunday placed a threepennypiece in the church plate without the least remorse, of conscience. It was as well that this fact should be plainly stated. Surely these people could not believe they were doing their duly to the Church. He believod there would l)e no difficulty in raising tiro dividend from £200 to £250.-The Rev. W. Will expressed tho hope that, as a result of Mr Wood's efforts, a minimum stipend of £250 would be obtained for their ministers.—Tim Rev. Dr Nisbet, the ActingModerator, Mr T. Taylor, and Mr W. Pryor also tool; part in the discussion.— The Rev. Dr Nisbet moved—"That the Synod cordially approves of the forward movement initiated by the Susteniation Fund Committee, and commends tho Rev. Mr Wood and his mission to the very hearty support of ministers, office-bearers, and congregations within the bounds."— The Rev. D. K. Fisher seconded the motion, which was carried. TEKWHE OF MINISTERIAL OFFICE. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Henderson, A. C. Begg, W T . Taylor, and W. Pryor, representing the Duncdin and Suburban Ofliee-hearcrs' Association, waited upon the Synod in connection with the tenure of the pastorale of ministers. After discussion it, was decided lo proceed lo a conference with the deputation. The Rev. Dr Nisbet was called in lo address the Synod. He said thai, when a member of the Victorian Assembly he was the convener of a committee appointed In go into Ihe question of fixing a fenn of ministerial tenure. Careful inquiries were made and actuarial ealcnlalions obtained, and when the report was submitted the Moderator remarked that the scheme had 'iieen killed for Ihe next. 30 years. For himself, ho thought the reform was a desirable one. The efficiency of church work would 'bo increased if such a 'cheme were in force. But before they went into a scheme of the kind they must consider the practical difficulties in (ihe way. In order to bring it into operation they must, do one of two things. They must pass nn enactment that all settlements in Ihe future should he under this regulation. If they did (hat. they instituted two classes in the ministry of (he Church, and that, in Ihe opinion of those who had considered the question, was ruled out. of court, at once. Or, they must pass a resolution that on and after a certain dale, say, at Ihe r-nd of seven years, all ministers should be released from iheir charges. Before that. could be done they must have the unanimous and hearty consent of all the ministers of Ihe Church. Unless they had the consent of all the ministers any two or three of them could stand out against any such reform. They must also Ret. the consent, of Iho congregations, which would have to give up their right of call—a right, on which Presbyterians insisted most strongly—before they could institute any scheme of the kind. There was another difficulty: that at Iho end of any such term they would have thrown on the Church a certain proportion of men who would not receive a call to any other congregation. lie said that without implying any fault to Ihe men in question. This was the position: Granted that this was Iho most desirable reform possible, and one of Ihe finest things the Church could do in Ihe interests ol Ihe advancement of the Master's cause, tho Church could have it whenever it liked to pay for it. That was Iho position in a sinjlo sentence.—(Applause.)

The Rev. Mr Finlayson said it might be that this was si desirable reform. Freouenl changes would no doubt be a benefit to both ministers and eongregalions, Iml. as Dr Nisbot had pointed out, I hero wero great difficulties in the way of bringing it about. It, involved a kind of revolution in the, whole Presbyterian system. AI, the sanin time, something might bo done, tr.d tho question being raised the way might be made clearer and easier for more frequent changes than there were in the way of translations from one congregation to another. That, however, was all ho expected to come out of if. One or two other speakers also tool; part in the conference, aflcr which the .\eringModerafor. on behalf of the Synod, I hanked the deputation for bringing tho question before the meeting.

The factor's slatemenl; for the year was received. It showed I hat during the year the grants for clmrcbes paid amounted to £1163 17s 4d, for manses £1514 10s 2d, and for sites £229 10s:—a total of £290717s Gd.—The Rev. A. \V. Kinniont moved— "That, if this year's income be not sufficient to pay this year's grants, they he paid tiro rata."—the. Rev. 11. 11. M. Sutherland said that was provided for by the regulations.—The Rev. Mr Kinniont said he knew about the. regulations, but he desired to make an alteration.—The motion was not seconded.—The Rev. P. I!. Eraser moved—"That the Synod, after the »rams made this year, suspend the making of furlher grants in aid of church erection until such lime a* the Oliurolt Erection Committee reports that the funds have sufficiently recovered to enable grants to be paid within 12 months succeeding flumaking of such grant by the Synod, and that this be paved into law us a permanent regulation."-The ttev. A. W. Kinniont seconded this.—The Rev. .1. Gumming objected that such an important question should not be brought on without notice, and he moved accordingly.—The Rev. O. Lindsay seconded the amendment.—The matter having lieen debated, the amendment was defeated by 23 to 13, and the motion was cmied.

TIUTST KUXDS. The Rev. Dr Nisbct, convener of the Committee on Trust Fluids, gave in the following report:—"Your committee has to report thai after careful consideration it has not seen its way to formulate any detailed scheme for making the. trust funds available throughout New Zealand. The legal and other difficulties were found to lie so serious that it was felt that unless the Synod first of all gave an authoritative mandate in favour of such a proposal it would lie time wasted to thresh out the details of any suggested scheme. In the event, therefore, of the Synod not being li'rcporccl to give such a mandate it is .suggested that the committee be discharged. In view, however, of possible, developments in other directions, your committee would recommend the appointment of a small committee to make inquiries and watch over the interests of the Synod in connection with trust funds." The report was agreed to, and a committee set up. (iiWEHAI,. The ltov. A. Jiegg reported, on behalf of the Committee on the State of Religion, that, the committee recommended that instead of issuing queries the State of Helicon Committee arrange for a -public ronfrrence on the state of religion at an evening sederunt, the subjects to he introduced by speakers chosen for the purpose.— The motion was carried bv a majority. On the motion of the Rev. Mr liorrie, seconded by the Rev. Dr N'isbel, it was resolved that the clerk ho also treasurer, and that it is not, necessary to appoint a Business Committee. The next meeting of fivnod was fixed for Tuesday, March 26. 1907.