DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1005, 4 March 1871, Page 11

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery of Dunedin met on Wed* nesday, the Rev. A. Greig, Moderator, in the chair. There were present the Rev Messrs Sutherland, Johnston, Christie Will, Riley, Stuart, Watt, Alves, Davidsson, M'Naughton, Scrimgeour, and Gil* lies, and Messrs Duncan, Andrew, Reith, and Paterson, elders.

The Moderator's term of office having expired, the Rev. Mr Alves was appointed Moderator for the next six months.

The Rev. Mr Alves then took the chair.

The Bey. D. M. Stuabt, after having referred to the death of the late Dr. Burns, proposed that a Committee, con* sisting of the Moderator, the Revs. Sutherland, Will, Gillies, Mr Duncan, and himself, be appointed to draw up a minute on the subject.

The Committee brought up the following, the insertion of which in the minute book of the Presbytery waa unanimously agreed to, and the Clerk instructed to send copies to Mrs Burns, and the Session of the First Church :—: — "The Presbytery desire to record the expression of their sorrow at the removal from their midst by death of the Rev. Thomas Burns, D.D. , the first, and for several years the only, minister of this Church. They would at the same time express their devout thankfulness to the great Head of the Church for the long life of active Christian usefulness granted to his now departed servant, and more especially for the last 23 years thereof spent in Otago, from the time of his landing with the first settlers until his decease at the advanced age of 75, and in the 43rd year of his ministry. They would further record their high appreciation of the personal character, of the many and important services rendered by the deceased to this Church, both as a pastor and a member of this Court. The Presbytery also deeply sympathise with his widow and family in their bereavement, and condoling with them, in their sorrow, would commend them most heartily to the loving care and consolation of Him who is the widow's stay and the orphan's shield. For themselves, the Presbytery fervently pray that this firat break in the ranks of the ministry of this Church may r e sanctified to stir them up to ii. creased diligence, to make full proof of their ministry whilst life and opportunity are lengthened out unto them, for !he end cometh wherein no man can woj It. "

The newly appointed charge of Mount Ida was placed under the charge of the Rev. Mr Christie, of Waikouaiti. The newly sanctioned charge of Lower Waitaki was placed under the charge of the Rev. Mr Todd, of Oamaru. The Rev, Mr Watt was appointed for two Sabbaths to visit these districts at his earliest convenience, the Revs. Messrs -tu.irt and Johnston to supply Green ]si and in his absence.

A request was made for moderation of call from Palmerston. It was agreed that the request be granted. Wednesday, 15th March, was fixed, and the Rev. Mr Riley appointed to preach and preside.

A request from Hampden for moderation of call was agreed to. Thursday, 16 th March, was fixed, the Rev. Mr Christie to preach and preside. It was agreed that these calls be considered at the next regular meeting of Presbytery.

The Rev. Mr Stuart' having directed attention to the fact that the General Government purpose introducing an Educational measure for the whole of New Zealand during the next session of the General Assembly, a committee was appointed to prepare a draft of a memorial to the House of Representative?, to the effect that no measure of a denominational character would be satisfactory to the Presbytery, and that in any case- the country should 1 ha* c the amplest opportunity of considering the details of any educational measure before it be made law. It was resolved that the draft should be brought up at the next general meeting.

The Rev. Mr Suthekland gave notice that, at the next regular meeting, he would direct the attention of the Presbytery to the remit of the Synod anent the state of religion, &c.

The next regular meeting was appointed to take place on Wednesday, 22nd March.