ECCLESIASTICAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1731, 24 January 1885, Page 10

ECCLESIASTICAL.

Continued from Supplement,

PIIESBYTERIAN SYNOD. Monday, Januaby. 19.

The Svii '^ reßume( * s sfttingß this evening the Moderator &?' B ' Rosb) in the chair « BIBLE AND OHDBOH H^ o^?^™?- , , The Rev. R. Waddell brou^. Up tba fo1 " lowing report : — Your Committee reports the number of candidate." for this year as follows '.—Junior division examination, 38 ; senior, 18. Essays : Junior, 14 ; senior, 6. The number for 1883 was : Junior, 36 ; senior, 21.' Essa s, 44.

It will thus be aeon that in the examination section the numnern are about the satno. There is, however a very berious falling away in the eeeay department in both divisions. Ihe greatest diminution 1b in the senior essays, and it iB, no doubt, attributable to the subject prescribed.

In the previous years the subjects of the essays were historical, and intotmation was easily obtainable. But thiß year the subject waj, " Why am I a Presbyterian ?" and it required much more original thought than any of the others.

Speaking generally, it ia a matter of regret that there should be a diminution in the essay division because it is much more likely than the other to develop latent talent and leave more lasting results It is to be hoped, also, that a larger number of the Preßbytevian membor§ of our Bible-classes than the five who sent in eB-ayß would " be able to give a reason for the faith that is in them." Your Commute notea the Mlowing points as worthy the consideration of tho roembera of the Synod :—

1. The comparatively email number of the male sex who appear as cnddtdatt-s 2. A disposition on tho part of Borne who have obtained prizea to show their recogniiion of the good tbeyhave received- eg., one devoted a considerable part of his prizo-iaoney to the purchase of presents for tho children of the Industrial School ; and another last year sent £1 as a contribution to the prize fund, along with a letter to the convenor, expresßini? his acknowledgment of the great impetus which had been given to his Biblical study by means of the scheme. These spontaneous testimonies, aa well as others which might be given, are evidence to your Committee that its wotk is not wholly without results.

3. Several of those whoso names appear in the prize-liflfi have not been attendim; any Bible-clats. They have been induced to take np the work by Bsen.g the published Byllnbus, and hive prosecuted their studies in private. This suggests the question : Do ministers co-oi crate as heartily and as wisely as th»-y might with the efforts of your Committee ? Your Committee renews its thank-t to the examiners, and al°o to those gentlemen who have contribuled to the prize fund, especially to lie Ralph Ewing, who, niaolicited. has continued his tubscuption of £10 for thu fourth year.

PRIZE-MBT.

Kxaminatton Section : Senior Division.— 7o percent' and upwards : Annie B W Jaggers, First Churchi Invenargill, 1 ; Fannie Reid, North Taiori, 2; Char" lotto Reid, North Xaieri, 8 ; * Isabella J. Clark, Palmerßton, Bella H Asher, Invercarnill (equal), 4 Certificates.— 6o per cent, and upwards (names in alphabetical order) : Mng.-io W Bethuno, First Church, Invercargill; E Birsa, First Church, Invercargill ; Anderina Black, ht. Andrew's, Dunedin ; James Borland, Groper's Bush, Kiveiton; Chriiiina G. Hoin. First Church, Invercarsill ; Emily Jaggera, Firt>t Church, Invercargill ; *Sarah Milner, North Taleri ; Donald Rosa, Palmerst n ; A W Sbables, Morniugton ; James H lodd, Oamaru.

Junior Division.— 7o per cenb and upwards: *Maggie Rose Ro*s, North-East Valley, Dunediu, 1 ; •Marjory 11 M Laren, ttluo Spur, 2; Mary Galloway, Mrri.infrton : Efflo Gilfeis<>n, St Andrews, Dunedin ; *Charlotte Jaggers, First Church, Invercnrgill ; Lewis Sinister, ifiruG Church, Invercargill (equal), 8. Certificates.- 50 per cent, and upwards (names in alphabetical order): Jane O Asher, First Church, Invercargill ; Noiah Gilkison,- St. Andrew's, Dunedin ; •Jatheiino J Frazer Blue Spur ; Mary S Gngor, Balclutha; Annie Hunter, Bilclutha; Gertrude J Jowetit, Balclutha; Janet Moir, Balclutbt ; Jessie M'Callum, First Church, invetcargiU ; John M'iaren, islue S mr; Annie Ralst >il, Blue Spur; Mary Kalston; Blue Spur; Jano Ralston, Blue Spur; J A Sautter, First Church, Invercargill ; Andrew Spence, Mornington ; Jane G Watson, Invetcargill; Elizabeth Young, Balclutha. Kteays (Senior Division).— *Sarah Alilner, North Talari, 1 ; J Clark, Pa'merston, 2 (commended) ; Todd, Jos H, Oamaru. Junior Division.— * Andrew Spence, Mornington, 1; *Zlary M Galloway. Morninjjton, 2; Agnes S C MacGregor, Columba Manse, Camera, 3 ; *3taggie Rose Rons, North-East Valley, Dunedin, 4 Cdmmenddd. (In alphabetical order): Jaggers, First Church, Invercargill: " % 3tarjo?y R W Laren, iilue Spur. * Names printed in italics obtain honours in both Examination and Essay sections. Subjects of Study for 1886.— Senior Examination Division: "Geneeii xxv. 1"; Dorts' Handbook. Junior Examination Division : " The Gospel of Mark " ; Piof. tindß&y's Primer. Senior Essays: "The Bnglith Reformation." Junior Ewnys: "Elijah." ' Buthkrford WADDBLii, Comener.

The Rev. M. Watt moved the following deliverance: — "That the Synod adopt the report; thauk the Committee, and especially its convener ; express deep interest in the object the Committee has in view — viz., that of indoctrinating the youth of our Church with a knowledge of Holy Scripture aud an acquaintance with the history of the Christian Church generally, and especially of that branch of the Church to which we belong ; rejoice in the considerable measure of success which continues to attend the work of Committee ; commend the scheme to the sympathy and support of the ministers of our Church ; record their thanks to the gentlemen who conduoted the examinations, and to the friends who have contributed to the prize fund ; and further, recommend that the report be printed and copies of it sent to all who competed." He bad not been able for want of time to follow out the lines recommended by the Committee, but he thoroughly sympathised with their objects, as in thig row country it was essential to indoctrinate their youth with the principles of Bible and Church history. The Rev. Dr Stpabt owed the Committee an explanation. His co-operation was confined to acquainting his congregation with the existence of the scheme. He found it necessary to adhere to his own system, of teaching bis Sunday-school, which he had adhered to for over 30 years. He did not quite approve of the system of examination followed under this scheme, and thought for himself, at any rate, it was better to adhere to his own plan. The Rev. J. Kibki/AND cordially sympathised with the work of this Committee, and thought ministers should do their best to forward its objects.

The Rev. Dr Salmond said that aa be had been examiner for many years he was in a position to judge of the value of this scheme, and he' thought it was of the highest value. It was not so successful perhaps here as it might be, because there were difficulties that were unknown to people at Home. It might be irksome to country ministers to carry out this scheme, but still it was of great value both to teachers and pupils. He spoke in high terms of the text books issued by the Free Church. The Rev. Dr Macgbkgob spoke in favour of the objects of the scheme. The Rev. J. Clark thought the scheme was of great value in binding their youth to the Church, and also in training teachers for their Sunday-schools. He trusted all would give help, directly or indirectly. The Rev. J. M, Suthbri-and said he had always supported loyally the w*ork of this Committee. Everywhere he went at Home he had heard ministers speak in terms of the highest praise of such work as was carried out by the Committee. He thought instead of having a senior and junior division they should have three divisions, as it was somewhat unfair ,in its workirjg at present. They should have a division for those under 16, a second for those between 16 and 22, and a senior division for all over 22.

The Rev. W, Bannerman sppke of the difficulty of conducting classes regularly every week in country districts. The scheme should be reconstructed so as to enable rural congregations to take a fair position as compared with town congregations. He believed the scheme was of great value, especially »s their young people were thrown exclusively on such classes for a knowledge of the Bible. The Rev. A. Todd bad always been in favour of this scheme, and carried it out. He agreed with the Rev. Mr Sutherland that another division should be made, but he would , " - the junior division to be fixed for those like . -i. oarß> UD^. 6r ¥t y ~- n "* V ADDBI.L said that the object The Rev. R. v, . * to induce children to of the scheme was no. —that was only a compete in the examination^ flowed the means to an end. The scheme io.. 4 fche lines laid down by the Fr,ee Church am. ,;UO, ;UO English Presbyterian Church, and the real object waß to promote a thorough knowledge of Bible and Church history. He was quite in sympathy with the suggestion of the Rev. J. M. Sutherland, and the difficulty mentioned by the Rev. W. Bannerman bad also occupied his attention, and efforts would be made to overcome it if possible. The deliverance was agreed to. AGED AND INFIRM MINISTERS' AND WIDOWS AND ORPHANS' FUNDS. The Rev. J. Ryley brought up the following report of the Committee for the year 1884 :— AGBD AND INFIRU MINISTBBS' FOND. From 40 congregations contributions have been received, amounting; to £193 68 6d, being a decrease from last year of £13 Os 6d. The following congre. Lotions made no collectionS-viz., Anderson's Bay, Oreon Island, North-Bast Valley, Kavensboume, Milton. InchClutba, Alexandra, Cromwell, Lauder, Mataura, Lower Mataura, Queenstown, Hampden, Catling, Ht. Paul's (inveroargili), Tariogatura Minlstors' contributions, interest on loans, and donations, £408 6s 7d, which twinge up the receipts for the year to the sum of £601 13a. After deducting disbuisemonts amounting to £168, a balance remains of £445 )3s to be added to capital f und, wbjch whl then stand a t£3ttßo XBs lid. This ibowe an addition

to capital over laßt year of £54 2b 6d. Thrcujh the death cf Mr Thomson, of Winton, one annuitant has been removed from the fund ; but owing to tne resignation of Mr Bannerman) who is now a beneficiary, thero will be a drain upon it this year to the extent of £225.

WIDOWS AND ORPHANB' FUND.

Income : Ministers' subsc iptiona and entry-mores', £366 16s 8d ; interest on loans and donation •>, £HSS 14s 6d— making a total for the XZ months of £iob l!a Id. After all charges are met, a balance remains to be placed to capital of £461 93, which will ihen amoantto£s2s6 17s 81. There ia a tlecrpaso in the sum added to this fuud as compared with Ja3t jeu of £7 6s 9d.

Two annuitants ceased connection with this fund la9t year, having reache 1 the specified age ; and two more will be disconnected auring tho present year by the same caauc. Owiug to the lamented death of Mr M .rice, there will be a widow and family pln.cod f>n the fund entitled to the maximum grant of £75 per annnm. Mo Thomson will al*o rank on the fund. The annuities this year will arnouot to ,-6315. The convener, in company with an accountant, examined tho securities for the moneys invested i rom theße funds, and found them correct. Mr Smith havicg informed the Commit) ee that Messrs J. M. Fraaer a- d A. C. Gillies have not r-oonectcd themselves with these fm-ds, it was reEolved tocill the attention of the Synod to the same.

During- tho year two donations of £10 each have been received fiom Mrs Paterson, of Walton Pirk, lor which the thanks of the Synod are due Your Committee would urge upon the Synod the necessity that exmts for congregationH maldnir the annual collecnon enjoined for the Aged 'ana Ir.firm Ministers' Fuud, and in eonclu-ion wou'd ormmend both funds to the sympathy and liberality of the Chuicta. John Imsr, Convener.

The Rev. Mr Ryley explained the report at great length, and said he believed the fund was in a thoroughly satisfactory condition. He did not think any alteration was necessary in the scheme, except, perhaps, the appointmerA of trustees. He thought the scheme wo'ufW then be as perfect as if it were placed undqF an Act of Parliament.

The Rev. Dr Macgbttgor moved that the report be received, and that a committee be appointed to report to a future meeting of Synod. They had now reached a critical point, as their obligations equalled their revenue, and if a few more ministers came on the Aged and Infirm Ministers' Fund they would not have sufficient to meet the demands'; and the Bame was the case with respect to the Widows and Orphans' Fund.

The Rev. Dr Salmond seconded the motion. If serious doubts and anxiety existed in the minds of brethren, he thought a committee of inquiry should be appointed. He did not see any justification on the face of the report for the Rev. Dr Macgregor's misgivings, but he had great sympathy with the attitude taken up by Dr Micgregor on this subject, and thought he should receive more sympathy than he had received from the Synod. The Rev. Mr Will thought it was reasonable to appoint a committee, but the figures did not show that the demands on the funds equalled the amount available, or anything like it, Difficulties might arise in time to come, but it was absurd to suppose that they were in that position at present. Captain THOMSON said there was not the least occasion to take fright. They were putting money by every year, so that there was no sign of bankruptcy ; and did not Dr Macgregor know what the Otago people could do if money were needed. Did not they raise £15,000 when a catastrophe happened at Kaitangata ? The Rev. J. ilyley said he was personally quite willing to have a committee appointed and a full inquiry made ; but he thought no practical good would come of it, as the whole subject had been thoroughly studied by the Committee.

The motion was agreed to, and the following Committee appointed : — Revs. W. Will, J. Ryley, Dr Macgregor, Messrs W. D. Stewart, E. Smith, A. C. Begg, T. T. Ritchie, and Captain Thomson.

A long discussion took place as to whether or not the Synod should deal with the cases of the Rev. J. M. Eraser and the Ray. \A. C. Gillies, or refer thorn to the Committee. Ultimately it was resolved that the Synod should deal with them.

The Rev. J. M. Fraseb Baid he had po objection to his answer to the Church factor on this subject being read.' it was hjs inability to accomplish what was asked that bad prevented him hitherto from putting himself in connection with these funds. Ho would be quite willing to do so when he bad the means. He had no desire to defy the Synod. He had made provision for his wife and child otherwise, and for that purpose had paid nearly £20 a year for years. 'Having made this provision, he asked, if possible, to be exempted from contributing to these funds.

The Rev. Dr Stdabt moved — "That the Rev. J. M. Fraßer be exempted." The Rev. Mr Inghs moved that the regulations be enforced.

The Rev Mr Ingliß* amendment was carried on a division by 16 votes to 15.

With regard to the case of the Rev. A. C. Gillies, the Rev. J. Rtley stated that the factor had writtsn to him, and his reply ia substance was that he failed to sac why he should 'be compelled to contribute to these funds, and he refused to have any connection with them.

The Rev. Mr Stevens moved— "That the regulations be enforced with respect; to the Rev. A. C. Gillies."

The Rev. J, Chisholm thought it would be unseemly to come to a decision in the absence of the Rev. Mr Gillies. He moved—" That notice be giyen to the Rev. Mr Gillies that h ; s case will be considered by the ii^ynod at 11 o'clock on Wednesday morning." The Jlev. 3. ChisholnVs amendment was carried by 21 votes to 13. THE NEW OHAIE. Rev, Dr Salmond read the following report of the Committee appointed to consider the institution of a new Chair at the "jjniver sity : — Your Committee met in conference with tho Council of tho University, and learned that tho Council had come to the opinion that the Chair most urgently required in the University was one ot Natural Philosophy. Your Committee have, unanimously agreed to recommend to the SjJßd to approve this suggestion to institute a dßdlr of Natural Philosophy, and to pass an Interim' Act ao c rdingly. He thought they might congratulate themselves upon the. prospect of satisfactorily ./jreeing to the proposal regarding this new chair t,^ *^ a wn °l? circumstances contrasted verv'favbun»^y w **k *^ c . B t° r n»y discussion - •that took place Concerning the last chair. Members no doubt were swara that at present Professor Shand included in one chair wha& were known as mathematics and natural philoBophy subjects, which were in Scottish- amversities divided between two chairs. A subdivision would meet a pressing want mth 6 University, and would not only be important as relieving an overloaded chair, but would also commend itself as being quite upon thd lines ot" their traditions regarding university work. He hoped the Sfynod would be unani- - rnous in agreeing to the proposal, and moved— t "That the report be adopted, and thaj; sSygog enjoin an Interim Act to be prepared $o giyg effect to the Bame." Rev. Pr Maogiregob seconded the motipjj. The fact tbafc the University was to be niorg completely formed after the model of Scottish universities was alene enough to recommend it. They must follow these moijeja. They could not live in any other way. The Rev, Dr Stuart eaid that the Council, '

when they became acquainted with the intended movement, expressed their great satisfaction, and wished him to convey their gratitude for the continued interest the Synod had taken in the University from its foundation. This chair would complete the arts course, and enable them to give an arts Course superior to any other in Australasia, Dr Salmond's motion was agreed to unanimously.

OPENING OK THE SYNOD.

The following report was read by the Conveseb (Rev. Dr Stuart) :—

First Church, Dunedin, 14th October 1881, which day tho Committee on Opening of Synod met and was constituted.

Present • t>r Stuart (convener), Revs. Will, Chisholm, Greig, Ryley, and Ciark (ministers), and Mr A. C. Begg (elder). After consideration, it was agreed to recommend that the Synod meet on the second Tuesday of November of each year, instead of the second Tuesday of January as at present. It was also agreed to recommend that the Sacrameut of the Lord's Supper be dispensed at the opening of tho Synod, that the Moderator conduct tho per vice, consisting of a eermon and a short addrobS before the elements are distributed, and closing by singing a part of Psalm ciii.

Rev, Dr Stdabt, in moving the adoption of the above, said the Committee felt that the month ci January was not suitable for their moetipg. It came directly after the holidays, at a time when a number of the citizens with their families were away from town, and he believed this accounted for the Synod not being supported by a larger number of the community. A number of officebearers, partly because they were exhausted with the pleasures A£f recreations of Christmas time, failed to W>-in an appearance.— (Laughter.) The tspoaker believed it was ao. Looking at the Australian Colonies, he found that January was carefully avoided as a date for meeting, and besides, it had been often pointed out that at this time eldtrs from the North could scarcely attend, by reason of the harvest which was just beginning ; whilst in November they would have more leisure. As to the second point, it was felt that the opening services mighty be improved. At present they were anything but largely attended, and it was believed that if thoy followed the lines of sisfcer churches, and dispensed the communion, the attendance would be larger. Rev. A. B. Todd thought the first change would be an advantage. For one thing, there would be all October to get accounts ready for the Synod in November. The two matters ghould, in his opinion, be considered separately, and he moved that the first part of the report be adopted. Rev. Dr Salmond thought the question was one for the country ministers and elders to solve, and did not concern the Synod so much. Mr JoHbSTON proposed an amendment that tbe date of meeting remain as it is. He thought it not right to make such a change in a thin house after 10 o'clock at night. In Australia circumstances were quite different. Here they had hardly finished the lambing season in November, and were busy with their turnips, and were just ready by the New Year to attend the Synod.

Rev. Mr Lothian considered there was need of a change, but moved as an amendment that the matter be referred to the Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions. Rev. Dr Macgregor seconded this.

The latter amendment was carried.

After a short discussion it was agreed, on the motion of the Rev. Mr Bannebman, to remit the second part of the report to the Presbyteries. The Synod then adjourned until the following morning.

Tuesday, Jandaby 20.

The Synod met at 10 a.m., the Moderator (Rev. D. Ross) in the chair. APPOINTMENT OF MINISTEBB BY COMMISSION.

The Committee appointed by the Synod to consider the mode of procedure in future when ministers are appointed by commission in the Home Country reported alternative findings, which were considered in Committee. It was moved by the Rev. Dr Salmond, seconded by the Rev. Mr Ryley — "A congregation may, if it sees fit, agiee to appoint a committee with power to elect and appoint a minister on its behalf. When this is done the congregation shall take the earliest opportunity of intimating its purpose to the Presbytery, which may sanction the procedure, provided it iB satisfied that the congregation is substantially agreed." It was also moved by tbe Rev. Mr Bannerman, and seconded by the Rev. Mr Kibkland pro forma — "A congregation wishing to obtain a minister from another Presbyterian Church with which this Church is in alliance, in resolving to appoint a commission for this purpose shall report their resolution to the Presbytery of the bounds, with whom it shall be' competent to add to the membership of the commission appointed by the congregation. If a minister shall come to this country as chosen by the said conimißsion,he shall be inducted with the congregation that has sent for him in the usual way." A vote having been taken, the amendment was carried by 29 to 7. THE WESLKYAN CONFERENCE.

Mr D. Wbight moved—" That a letter be sent from the Synod to the Wesleyan Conference about to assemble in this city, conveying fraternal greetings, and expressing sympathy with their work." The Wesleyan Conference met next evening, and as it was a sister Church with .which they were on most friendly terms, they should show this mark of respect. SThe Rev. J. Ryley thought it would be <netter to appoint a deputation to wait on the Conference. The following motion was agreed to :—♦• That a deputation, consisting of tbe Moderator, the Rev. Dr Stuart, Revs. R. Waddell, R, R. M. Sutherland, J. Chisholm, and Mr D. Wright, wait ottjaa Wesley an Conference to express fraternaflPaetingß and the sympathy of this Church wren their work." THE WIDOWS .AND OBPHANB* ' FOND AND AGED

AND INFIBM MINISTERS' FUND. The Rev. Dr Maogbeqoe brought up the following report from the Inquiry Committee appointed on the previous day to examine the state of the above funds ;—; — 1. Aged and Infirm Ministers' Fund.-r-Thfe fund haa a reserve in tbe Sustentation Fund such that there need be no uneasiness about the interest of the beneficiaries. The demand upon it for annuities ia already more than double the amount of ministers' £2 payments; and it might be well to a,ceitain from an expert how much of annuity ibis £2 is wortb 2. Widows and Orphans' Fund.-Here the* demand is coming ia sight of being equal to ordinary revenue (i.e., fiom ministers' contributi'.ne), so a« to raise ihe question : Are we likely to get on permanently when the whol . burden of obligation comeß to pre B8 on us ? There is a considerate reserve of accumulation. An actuary can tell how much this would, be worth for m annuities, iis this fnna haa nothing to lean upon, there is the moro need cf forethought and care But there i B no pressure this year, and there is inquiry goner on otherwise. S i . The Rev. Mr Finlayson moved the following deliverance:-" Receive and adopt the report, with thanks to the convener (fcbitßev Br Macgregor) ; express gratification that the funds are in such a satisfactory condition ; disapprove of tbe conduct of congregations failing to Bgake collections, and enjoin them- to bemWe ftifflfol in ftfnnte; aai BftttW-en.

courage ministers and members to take a deeper interest in the two sciheffles."

The Rev. Dr MACGBftsoit seconded the deliverance. He was glad to be in a position to second the motion. Those who had looked into the matter found that there was really nothing wrong in the existing state of affairs, or in the report of the Standing Committee. The Rev. J. RyleY said that when the Rev. Dr Macgregor made such a wild, unfounded speech in relation to these funds, characterising them as going to rack and ruin, and stating that bankruptcy was staring them in the face, he knew very well that when the thing was investigated calmly Dr Macgregor would completely alter his mind, as he nad that day, with regard to the state of its affairs. The Roy. Dr Macgregob contradicted the version given by the Rev. Mr Ryley of his remarks. What he all along said was that unless they were sure that their ordinary revenue would meet in a cycle of years inevitable expenditure, the funds might break down. The Rev. J. Ryley continued that it must be satisfactory to the Synod to know that these funds were steadily increasing at the rate of £450 per annum, and they had reason to believe they would increase in the same ratio in time to come. He believed it was impossible for any actuary to give any opinion with regard to the Aged and Infirm Ministers' Fund that would be of any value, and the same might be said with regard to the Widows and Orphans' Fund, The handful of ministers connected with this fund could nob form a proper basis on which an actuarial opinion of any value could be obtained. He thought they should go on as they had done until they had increased numbers. Their rules were the same as those which regulated the same fundß in the Victorian Ghurch. He hoped the Rev. Dr Macgregor would not again indulge in statements which might cause alarm throughout the Church. If any deficiency arose in the Widows and Orphans' Fund they had something to fall back upon: they had their congregations, and he believed if there was any deficiency they had only to make an appeal to the congregations, and they would respond with enthusiasm and liberality. The deliverance was adopted. . APPLICATION FOB LICENSE.

The Rev. R. C. Morrison applied to be received as a minister of the Church.— The application was granted on the understanding that his reception should date from the time of his employment by the Church Extension Committee.

DIVINITY STUDENTS.

Leave was given to the Presbytery of Clutha to take Messrs T. Sinaill and J. Johnstone, students of divinity, on trial for license.

CHURCH EXTENSION BEGULATIONS. The Committee appointed to codify the regulations on Church extension presented their report as follows : —

In the case of a country or suburban district not yet erected into a sanctioned charge, nor ablo to implement the requirements of the Sus'entation Fund Fche'Tie, the Presbytery, with the concurrence of the Church Extension Committee, in the event of no objection being raised by the people of the district, shall have pow<»r to ordain or induct over it any minister or probationer of the Church, for periods not lees than one year nor more than three years, who Bhall have a seat in the Prenbyrery In such a case the Pre-byfcery shall first ascertain what amount of aid for the support of the ministry tho district is able to contribute, requiring a minimum of £100 per annum.

Toat every such district shall be entitled to receive from fhe Ohurcb Extension Fund a sum not exceeding £50 per annum for the 'fired year, £86 for the second year, and £20 for the third yew of such settlement Should thj congregation in any year exceed \he avrount required from it, the excess shall go as a supplement tv the minister, provided the amount contributed by it shall not exceed £175. , That every Buch district shall be provided with a cottage manse or an equivalent.

In the case of all probationers and unattached ministers of this Church they shall be held under obligation to accept app'intments under this scheme ; this, however, in no way to prejudice their claim to receive or accept, a call of a congregation addressed to them.

In cases in which a probationer or minister cannot be found for a district, ib shall be competent to employ a lay missionary ; but no one shall be recognised as a mesionary to be employed by tho Church Extension Court, or by any Kirk Session, until he has made appVcitlon to a Presbytery to ba received, and the Presbytery has certified its approval of hia qualifications ; any such mitßionarv is not to b8 appointed for more than three years to any one district, and shall be removable at any time on receiving three months' notice. This regulation shall apply in all cases where a lay missionary is presently employed

That with a view to increase the funds of the Churoh Extension Committee to at least £600 per annum, a circular shall bo regularly ipsued and distributed throughout the congreKafctons calling attention to the work and wants of the scheme.

That an appeal be macio to tho wealthier members of the Church tr. raise a fund such as would give the Church a new poino of departure in prosecuting the work moie effectively. • Agreed to. SUPPLY OF VACANT CHARGES. It was agreed to pass the following regulations on the payment of probationers into an Interim Act, and send the same down to the Presbyteries, who are to report to next meeting ©f Synod : —

The supply of vacant «-»nctioned charges shall devolve upon the Presbytery, acting through the moderator of tho vacant congregation, who shall put himself in communication with the convener of the Church Extension Committee, who ehall, as far as possible, implement tbe wishes of the congregation in regard to supply. The vacant congregation shall be held responsible for the payment of probationers and ministers 6ont as supply, and pay at the rate of at least £4 per week in cases in which the charges were self-sustain-ing before the vacancy occurred and in which full ministerial service is rendered by the surply cent ; and in cases in whichlcharges were not self-sustaining, at the rate of £3 per week for similar service ; but for mere pulpit pupply it shall be at the rate of £2 for every Lord's Day. That sanctioned charges shall be regarded ns Church Extension chargeß. and shall not come under theße r> gulations until they shall have received an ordained minister.

SUSTENTATION FUND.

The Rev. W. Will brought up the following report from the Sustentation Fund Committee :—: —

The Committee arc pleased to be able to report that notwithstanding the unpn cedonted commercial and agricultural depression of the past year, the contributions to the Subtentation Fui.d of the Church have been well maintained The Committee was able to declare a dividend in July of £108 10s, and for the last half-year of £113 lOs-making a dividend for tbo whole year of £222 A donation has been received from Miss Mure of £9 14s Bd, which the Committee acknowledge with thanks, and express a hope that donations to tbe fund may become more numerous, Many of the wealthy members of the Church, interested in the adv^ncemf nt of the Gospel in our mi st, might find it not only to their spiritual but also to their temporal profit tn make donations to thi* and the other funds of the Church, for "there is that scattereth and yet in' reaseth." The Committee exnress very humbly their thnnks to the great Head of the Church for tne HueceSH that h»a attended ita efforts during the year, and hope that through tho Divine blessing still greater success may attend tbe working of this scheme for tho sup. port of tho ministry. The Committee would urue upon officebearers and parents to endeavour to secure the interest of the young in this fund, and to persuade them, as Boon as they are in a pobition to do so. to become vorsor al rontributors to it. The Committee regret that, so many congregations are excluded from the equal dividend by giving more than £?.O supplement to their ministers, while they have failed to reach the equ 1 dividend of laat year. The Committee are persuaded that a little qonsidaratlofa ataa effort) eta ttre w&rfi of Ws tiWw&tftg Of

1 an end to this

such congregations would BpOJCU'y pu» undesirable nnomaiy. ( ■> The cibb of Columba Chtfrch", Oatnaru, i'eQUilSf »»*». special consideration of the Synod, inasmuch as fIWjF have come very far afaoft of the amount promised when sanctioned, the whole amount ccntritmfad tot the pdst year boint; only £55 11s ?d. Tho Oommittfte would call the attention of members of SyDOd to the foot that henceforth congregations failing to cont ribute annually the minimum of £i 76 will come tinder No. I of Suptentatfon Fund regulations. The Committee recommend that they oe instructed to take the returns of supplements for the pre'ttons year to guide them in declaring the dividend for the half-year ending on Juao S(>.

The Rev. W. WiiA said it must be a matter for congratulation 1 that, notwithstanding the unparalleled depression that existed last year, the contributions had been so larg'e^ It showed that they had a large number or people contributing to this fund who made it a matter of conscience. With increased prosperity next year, he thought they might look for even a larger revenue. The Roy. Dr Macgbegor said it was impossible to find out in time how Columba Church was put down in this report as contributing only £65. He knew that the amount was £155. The congregation had got nothing whatever from the living Church of Otago ana Southland ; it only got something from the inheritance of the past. He had always told the congregation that their first duty was to contribute to the Sustentation Fund, and in addition they had contributed a very large amount for the erection of their church and manse.

The Rev. W # Will said that after the explanation given by the Rev. Dr Macgregor the paragraph referring to Cqlumba Church should be deleted.

It was agreed to leave out the paragraph referred to ; and the following deliverance, proposed by the Rev. J. M. Sutherland, was agreed to :—": — " Adopt the report ; approve the diligence of the Committee, and record the thanks of the Synod to the Committee, and especially to the convener; express gratitude to the great Head of the Church for the great measure of success which attends the efforts to support this central fund notwithstanding the depressed commercial condition of the country during the year ; declare the dividend for the year 1884 to be £222 ; acknowledge with thanks the donations of friends of the scheme ; urge liberality in the way of donations upon the part of the wealthy members of the Church ; and adopt the recommendation of the Committee as to the returns of supplements for the previous year being before them to guide them in declaring the dividend for the year ending the 30th of June."

THE UNION QUESTION.

Dr Salmond rose to speak on the question of Union with the Northern Church. After referring to the terms of the resolution that had been passed by the Synod on the question, he said he had a statement to make the difficulty and responsibility of which caused him some considerable anxiety. He believed that the motion carried by the Synod in favour, of union was the only one that could possibly have been framed in view of the returns that came from the Presbyteries and Kirk Sessions. These returns had led him to the conclusion that the mind of the Churoh was made up, and the time had come for the prosecution of the enterprise. He had counted on the motion being carried at least by a majority of two to one, after being made acquainted with the nature of the returns. The motion, however, had only been carried by the small majority of nine votes. He did not know the explanation of this very extraordinary occurrence—of the decision of the Synod not being in harmony with the returns that bad come up from the inferior courts, but rather a contradiction of it. This was a situation that caused him great perplexity. He had previously expresued himself as willing to abandon this enterprise if the returns did not show an improvement on those last submitted. The improvement was a very imperceptible one, and he felt that he was logically thrown back on the position that he had indicated. After thinking out the matter carefully, his deliberate conviction was that it would be hopeless to prosecute the enterprise. He therefore banged to table the following motion : — " The vote of the Synod having shown that there is no reasonable prospect of obtaining such measure of unanimity in favour of an incorporating union of the Presbyterian Churches within New Zealand as would justify further prosecution of the enterprise, the Synod judges it inexpedient further to implement its finding, and discharges the Union Committee." The turn events had taken led him to the conclusion that a most grievous blunder had been made. Others would think the very opposite. However, union was one of those thiugß that could not be carried out without a substantial majority, and it should not be entered upon without hearty and cordial unanimity. He felt it a very painful duty to have to table this motion, but unless there was a majority of at least two to one it was useless to proceed.

The Rev. J". Ryley rose with very deep regret to second the motion. He had not spoken on this Union question since its first introduction into the Synod. Year after year, for various reasons, he had abstained from speaking upon it, and it was due to himself as well as the Synod to say a few words now. When the former scheme cams before the Church he opposed it, and because he' had done so be had since been represented as opposed to Union. He begged to dissent from that. He had been opposed to the. former scheme because it was only a five years 1 scheme of federation, and not union at all. He went on to refer to the effect such a scheme would have by breaking up the Church into four synods, when

The Rev. W. Will interrupted with a point of order.

The Rev. Mr Ryley proceeded, statiDg that he had been taxed with having signed a petition to disrupt the Church in the event of the Union proposal being agreed to. He wished to say that he did not sign any such petition, though he believed that when the matter was discussed some years ago a petition was in existence. He thought it due to himself to make this statement, as he had not spoken on the question for several years. Some of the members of the Synod had turned round at a certain time, and these he thought should be called upon to give soma explanation of their conduct.

The Rev. Mr Will and other members here interrupted, saying that the speaker was introducing debateable matter. ♦

The Rev. Dr Salmond earnestly appealed to Mr Ryley not to proceed in such away, so that they might wind up the matter that evening in peace and quietnoss. The Rev. Mr Ryley agreed to withdraw the expression be bad used with reference to an explanation being made. He felt himself placed in a very painful position in having to second the motion, and he felt that the Church had reached a crisis in shelving this Union question, and that they were putting themselves in a false position in the eyes of the whole Christian world. He would not take the responsibility of opposing the movement with his present lights though they were to give him the whole of New Zealand. Had ha been one of those who advocated the cause of Uoitfa f<* lb oV 20 ya&Wj and tfctea ttoned

round, and not only withheld his support but acted as an opponent, he would Several Members : Order, order ! Macgbegok really thought Mr Ryley sho"M* tea p°nfined in his remarks to the motion, Add mt IP^dnca debateable matter after the question bad DbS? Bottled. . The Rev. Mr Ri'LEY said tni». ™ ""&W; be indulged as Dr' Maegregor was tbd o«>er day, when he compared himself to Sir John COOae and the speaker to a pottering fisherman.— (Loud laughcer.) He (Mr Ryley) did not wish to jpsist on his rights now, though be thought he had been going on with his speech in the proper manue'?. It was with the utmost regret that he seconded tliis motion of Dr Salmond, and he wished to express &is unfeigned gratitude to him for the zeal, earnestness, and ability with which he had advocated this cause of Union. His speeches had been models of rhetoric— (heair/ hear),— uttered with thorough earnestness, and contained arguments that were unanswerable oti this question. — (Applause.) He would sit dowa, leaving the responsibility entirely with those who had' opposed the Bcheme. 1 Dr Stdabt expressed his gratification at the motion proposed by Dr Salmond. He had in his younger days been one of the most consistent advocates of Union, but he had since found sufficient reasons for changing his front. In 1876 there was a movement in that Synod in connection with the Union question which threatened to disrupt the Church. It had come to nis knowledge that this thought had taken possession of many minds in the Synod, and he at once came to the conclusion that no union would oompsnsate the Church for the minutest disruption. He would give up all thought j of it rattier than suffer the loss of one single minister. He expressed his gratification at the good sense of those who were in favour of union in dealing with the matter in the way now proposed. At present the scheme was not feasible, though doubtless in God's good time the Church would be ripe for it, and a union that would be best for the Gospel, best for New Zealand, and best for our Christianity would be accomplished. — (Applause.) The motion was put, and agreed to unanimously.

MANAGING COMMITTEES.

The Rev. J. Ryley. presented the report of a committee appointed to consider the relation of Kirk Sessions to Managing Committees. The Committee recommended the Synod to declare that sessions stand in the same relation to managing committees as they do to deacons' courts. Report adopted, Sjnod declared accordingly

SABBATH-SOHOOLS.

The Rev. J. 3?HASEa-HuKST, on behalf of this Committee, reported :—

Your Committee have gladly received evidence during the year of increasing interest in the Christian education of the yournr — an interest of a practical character, showing itself in successful work in connection with a few of our public &chools, and in inquiry into the suitability of tho meaDS and methods emp'oyed in our Sabbath-schools. In North Taieri and Mosgiel public school* w>- find two classes, with an averairp attendance of 226; West Taieri, two classes, with 150; Kaikorai, two classes, with 200; North-East Valley, three classes, with 60 ; Milton, 75 ; Otepopo, 70; Upper Waitaki, Hampden, Blueskin, and Queenstown have classes ranging from 20 to 46 ; and even Stewart's Island reports its class of 22. In, the flrat four places the work is not left wholly to tho minister. It is gratifying to learn that success seems to crown the self -deny ing labours in Borne places, thoufih their number is small.

Seeing that religious instruction is imparted in but few of our public schools, that the religious training of many families is but desultory and intermittent, and that in many more there is not even the pretence of traininnr, the inquiry into means and methods is of no slight importance, and your Committee desire to express their imiebtddnesß to those who directed their attention to these points. The Church haa a zealous, painstaking staff of superintendents, enjoying to a large extent the support and advice of ministers ; the class teachers of our schools are fully alive to the responsibilities of their voluntary office, and avail themselves of the minister's Bible-class, teachers' councils and prayer-meetings, teachers' libraries, notes of lessons, &c; and congregations, when appealed to, cheerfully provide finds for materi.il help in the shape of addition^ to the libraries, periodicals, lesßon schemes, prizes, picnics, &c. Under conditions so favourable for work, It would he matter for the deepest regret were it found that the syllabus of instructlon is no« the most suitable (hat might be pre. BcriDed, and there are thoeie, both ministers and teachers, who maintain that such is the case. . . . The Committee heartily commend the wisdom which has led to the general adoption of special infant-class work and ita treatment by means of pictorial illustrations and anecdotes, and the pleasant and profitable variation of employment by frequent hymn-singing. .... The educative valuo of sacred song is far from being neglectcJ in the majority of your schools. " The precentor instructs the children " -" half an hour before Sabbath-Hohool is devoted to flinging " — "a new hymn is mastered every month"— " classes meet once a week," &c. ; but what a misfortune to a child to belong to a district in which siuging ii taught neither in public nor Sabbath-school! How tho >abb*th-school work must drag ! Were this want of instruction made known, surely some kiod man or woman might be found who for Jesus' sake would teach the little ones to sing His praise. Public school work is no* so pressing but an hour on Friday night might bo found for this purpose, or, as above, half an hour may be had on Sabbath. Stewart's Island reports its weekly class for music, attended by all the scholars.

There is an increase in the number of Sabbathschool libraries, and between one and two thousand vol'imea have been added during the year.

Mr Ddnoan Wbight referred to the fact that a great many of the teachers in the public schools, and many of the most important of them, took classes in the Sunday- schools throughout the country. The Rev. W. Bannebman urged tbe advisability of the money collected in Sabbathschools being devoted to missions in connection with the Church.

The Rev. J. M. Suthebland moved, and it was agreed— "That the Synod adopt the report, and thank the Committee, and especially the convener, for their diligence ; express thankfulness to God for the ever-deepening sense of the importance of the Sabbath-school aB a branch of the Church work ; rerejoice that so many members of the Church, both male and female, serve the Master in the religious training of the young. That the Synod also express its gratification that not a few ministers have arranged for giving religious instruction in the public schools on week-days ; that the educative value of sacred songs is not neglected ; and that generally the interest in Sabbath-uchools is maintained, and the success of the efforts of many friendß of youth disclosed in the report." ' OH ..BOH ERECTION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. This Committee' (per Mr A. O. Bags) reported that grants for church extension had been made during the paßt year to the amount of £7G6; grants to manses, £1050; church sites, £436. Uuder the heading of finance, it was reported that there had been a falling oft in the amount of contributions for the year. The contributions for 1883 were £31,330 14s lld,_ while for 1884 tbe amount was £27,508 18s sd. The large decrease was probably to be accounted for in the falling off (to the extent of soma £200) of the sum collected for building funds, probably because the amounts necessary were smaller than previously. The report was received, and a number of grants recommended were sanctioned. It was also resolved to remit for the consideration of tho Committee a proposal by Dr Macgregor to provide a strong room for the preservation of Mtitorioal and ottrsr dCoumßnts in connection with tire Ohureh,