PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

Otago Witness, Issue 1418, 25 January 1879, Page 11

PRESBYTERIAN SYNOD.

# SEVENTH DAY. (Continued from page 9.) Wednesday, 22nd January. Morning Sitting. the popotonoa case. The Rev. Mr Will, as convener of the Special Committee appointed to confer with the Rev. Charles Connor, concerning his relations with his parishioners at Popotunoa, reported that ".Mr Connor had agreed to place his resignation in the hands of the Committee, for presentation to the Synod, on condition of the terms contained iv the following deliverance unanimously Agreed to and recommended by the Committee for the Synod's adoption :— * That the Synod, in^ accepting Mr Connor's resignation of the ministerial charge of Popotunoa, declares as follows i :— l. That the Synod, while in its jadgment it believes that the resignation of Mr Connor is necessary in order to restore harmony in the congregation of Popotunoa, caste no reflection on Mr Connor's personal character, ministerial ability, or pastoral diligence, ana trusts that Mr Connor may soon obtain a suit« able sphere of labour, in which he may prove himself to be a useful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. That the Synod regrets that the Presbytery of Clutha, in dealing with Mr Connor, did not act strictly according to the prescribed procedure of our Church in such cases. 3. That Mr Connor's connection with the Sustentation Fund shall be continued for a period of two years, and that Mr Connor shall place his services at the dispo3al of the Church Extension Committee so long as his claim on this fund continues. 4. That adequate compensation for improvements effected on, the manse property Bhall be paid to Mr Connor by the congregation of Popotunoa.' " It was decided to remit the matter to the Clutha Presbytery. BOUNDARIES. A committee of the Presbyteries of Donedin and Clutha presented the following report :— "The Presbyteries of Dunedin and Clutha haying met in conference, recommend the appointment of a commission to inquire and report respecting boundaries of congregations and presbyteries, with such recommendations as they may deem advisable." The report was agreed to, and the following gentlemen were appointed a commission : — The Moderator, Revs. Kirkland, WilJ, Stuart, Sutherland, Clark, Steven, M'Cosh Smith, Chisholm, Allan, Bannerman, Borne, Davidson, Paterson, Ross, and Ewen. Elders : Messrs Rennie, Begg, Brown, Cargill, Chisholm, ami Bethuue. CHARTER FOR THE UNIVERSITY. The Rev. Mr Watt moved— " That the Synod views with satisfaction the steps recently taken by the Council of the University of Otago to secure for that institution an independent charter, and earnestly hopes that this action of the Council may be crowned with Buccess." # He referred to the danger of the Otago University being transferred to Wellington, and a large central university being there established. Were such a movement proposed, he contended that the professors to a man would be in favour of it. He was not at all sure but that the General Government would some day consider tha^ the New Zealand University as an examining body was costly, and would colonialise the Otago University— which simply meant its transference. The independent charter would be a bulwark against such an act of spoliation. He advocated the severance of the Otago University from the New Zealand University, and referred to the services of Mr Macandrew and Mr Bathgate to get an independent charter. He supported his motion by an able speech. The Rev. Mr Mackie seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. It was also agreed to forward extract copies of the resolution to the Colonial Secretary and to the Council of the University. CHURCH PROPERTY. A committee was appointed to watch over any attempt to interfere by legislation with the rights of this Church in connection with the property belonging to : It ; the committee to consist of the Moderator, the Revs. Bannerman, Todd, Stobo, and Messrs Fitzgerald, Begg, and Rennie. The motion of which Mr Bannerman gave notice the preceding day, regarding the Otago University Bill and the Board of Church Property, was withdrawn on the suggestion of Dr Stuart, who thought it was infra dig. of a Court of Christ to take any notico of what men in the street might say. THE NbW CHAIR. The Rev. Dr Copland having aquainted the Synod with the result of the deputation to the University Council th.it afternoon, went on to move, " That an Interija Act be passed rescinding the regulations passed by thin Synod on the 16th January, 1879, and that an Interim Act be passed embodying said resolution, and endowing a Chair of Moral Puilmiophy and Political Economy iv t ie College of the Presbyterian Church.— (Applause.) He pointed out that the Act they passed the other day had now become a dead letter in consequence of the University Council refusing to accept the Chair of Moral Philosophy and Political Economy. There was no other course left for, . the Synod to follow ; and what was more, there was an urgent necessity that they should take this course. To leave this matter in its present awkward position would certainly not be a wise proceeding. The Rev. Dr Stuart thought some notice ought to be given of such an important motion as this, but the chairman voted that Dr Copland was perfectly in order in making the motion. The Rev. Mr Bannerman seconded the motion. He thought the University Council had made a great and grievous mistake in arriving at their resolution, which he alleged misrepresented the action of the Synod. A misrepresentation which he considered altogether unworthy of such a body, and one that did not tend to elevate that body in the esteem of the Synod or the country at large. Ho considered that the Council had no right to refuse this Chair. However, under the circumstances, there was no other course left for the Synod than that proposed by Dr Copland. The Rev. Mr Wilt, proposed, as an amendment — " That the document lay on the table till the next meeting: of Synod." Dr Stuart seconded the amendment. After some discussion, the Rev. Mr Will withdrew his amendment, and the Interim Act alluded to was adopted. It embodied the following regulations :— " (1) The regulations adopted by the Synod on the 16th January, 1879, are hereby rescindod, and in lieu thereof the Synod make an I adopt the following regulations : — (2) It bhall be lawful for the said Board to pay out of the Education Fund referred to in the said Act to any professor of moral philosophy and politioal economy, or such other professors as nhall be duly appointed by the said Board t > a Chair in the College of the Presbyterian Church, or other College, with the concurrence of this Synod, as provided by section 12 of the said Act, a sum of L6OO yearly, or such other Bum as the Synod may from time to time determine by way of salary and incidental expenses, so long as such professor shall continue to occupy such Chair." The Synod adjourned at 10.45 p.m. till nexlj day at U am,