PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 1156, 24 January 1874, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD OF OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND.

Thuksday, Janttaky 15tb. The Synod resumed its sittings, at 11 o'clock a.m. The first hour was set apart for devotional exercises.

APPEARING BEFORE SYNOD BY COUNSEL.

The Clerk (the Rev. W. Bannerman) re ported that he had received an application from a party who- had to appear before the Synod, asking if he could appear before them by counsel. He (the Clerk) might say that such a thing was quite unusual. The Clerk was instructed to inform the applicant that his request could not be complied with. VOTES OF THANKS TO THE RETIRING AND

NEW MODERATORS.

The Rev. A. H. Stobo said he thought it was only right that the Synod should record a vote of thanks to the retiring Moderator for the excellent sermon preached at the opening of the Synod on the previous evening. He had also to propose that the thanks of the Synod be accorded to the new Moderator for the practical and interesting address with which he had opened the proceedings. The votes of thanks were passed unanimously.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ANNUAL MISSIONARY MEETING.

The Rev. Dr Stdart moved—" That the arrangements for the annual missionary meeting of the Synod be in future confided to the moderators of Presbyteries and conveners of standing committees." In speaking to the motion, he disclaimed any intention of making any reflections upon those who had formerly made the arrangements for the missionary meeting, although he confesaed that, in common with others, he did not regard those arrangements as being quite satisfactory. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Dr Copland.

At the suggestion of the Rev. Mr Watt, it was resolved to change the name of the meeting, and call it for the future "The Annual Public Meeting." After a short discussion, it was resolved to omit the words " Moderators of Presbyteries," from the original motion, which was then agreed to as amended.

APPLICATIONS FOR MANSE GRANTS.

The following applications were received for second grants in aid of manses: — Inch Clutha, £200 ; Alexandra and Clyde, £185 ; Tapanui, £200. After considerable discussion, the following motion was agreed to :—": — " That the Synod grant Alexandra the full amount applied for, and Inch Clutha and Tapanui £100 this year, and the remainder when the funds shall admit."

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS.

Returns to the overture relating to the election of office-bearers, proposing to extend their term to three years, were received from the various Presbyteries. All the returns were unfavourable to the overture, which was condemned in strong terms by some of the Presbyteries. For instance, the Presbytery of Southland declared the overture "to be worthy of the utmost reprobation." The overture was abandoned.

ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM.

Returns were received from the various Presbyteries respecting the Synod's overture on Baptism, and as they were all unfavourable, this overture was also abandoned. EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS AND EVANGELISTS.

Returns were received from the Presbyteries in reply to the overture from the Synod respecting the employment of students and others. The discussion on the returns was postponed.

REPORT ON STUDENTS.

The Presbytery of Dunedin reported that at its sitting on September 3rd, Mr W. C. Johnston, a student of divinity from the Free Church of Scotland, had been received by the Presbytery as a student of the second year ; and that on December 3rd, Mr D. Borne, a student of the Otago University, was admitted a student of the first year. The Presbytery of Clutha reported that Mr Stevens had passed through two years of his theological course, and had now entere d upon his third year. The Rev Dr Stuart moved : " That it be remitted to the University to consider and report to the next meeting of the Synod as to the entrance examination for admission to the theological curriculum ; also as to the examination "preparatory to receiving licenses. " Power was given to the Clutha Presbytery to take Mr Stevens on trial for license on completing the prescribed currioulum.