CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16002, 19 February 1914, Page 8

CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (Pirn United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND. February 18. The Congrogat!' nal Union to-day appointed the Hcv. W. Saundors to represent the union on the. Australasian Commission to co-operate with tho other churcnv>e throughout the world in furthering the move ment towards the union of the various communions of Christendom.

It was resolved that the council rejoices in tho growth of sentiment in favour of tho abolition of the liquor traffic from the dominion, and the possibility of the reduction of tho three-fifths majority. It urges tho members and adherents to do their part in seeking to remove the menace, to the social and religious li£o at tho forthcoming poll. Tho council expressed hearty approval and co-operation in tho suggested formation of a New Zealand branch of the Associated Council of Churches of the British and German Empires for fostering friendly relations between these two peoples. It was resolved to recommend the committee of the union to movo slowly in the starting of now work in the back-blocks of the dominion, in view of the determination tc open churches. It was reported that tho towns and cifci.'s' pastors' provident fund amounted to £5484. Tho London Missionary Society report stated that tho contributions tr balled £458 15s, as against £883 13s in tho previous year. A complaint was made that no action had been takon by the Government in the matter of the representations made in regard to a certain Cook Island official having, it is alleged, excooded his duty. It was resoivod that the Prime Minister bo again interviewed on tho subject. The following officers were elected: — Chairman, the Rov. W. Saundor* (of Dunodro); secretary, tTio Rev. Mr M'Kcnzio (who will be stationed at Auckland).