'THE NORTHERN DELEGATES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 6 November 1890, Page 15

'THE NORTHERN DELEGATES.

The Rev. G. Hall, one ot the delegates from the synod to the General Assembly of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, introduced the Rev. J. K. Elliott, of Wellington, as depnty fromthe general assembly to the synod, making reference in doing so to the kind reception whioh he and Mr Bannerman, his fellow deputy, h»d had from the assembly.

The Rev. W. Bannebman also referred to the welcome extended by the general assembly last year to the deputies from the synod. The Rev. J. E. Elliott said he had to thank the members of the synod very heartily for their cordial and courteous reception of him as the representative of the Northern Church. He had two duties to discharge. One was to convey to them the fraternal greeting of the other church, for they knew that they were all brothers, like Cain and Abel— (laughter) — and he had to assure them of their continued affection — (laughter) ;— and then he had to give a sort of report of the work performed by the ohurch that he represented, so that it might secure a part in their interests and prayers. He expressed his regret at the absence of the other members of the delegation— the Rev. Sic Burnett and Mr W. M. Hannay. Mr Burnett, he explained, had gone to Victoria for the benefit of his health; and he stated he felt particularly incommoded by his absence, as it necessitated his (the speaker's) acting as what the servant who could not get her mouth round the expression locum tenens called his "local demon "—(laughter) — or as his "subterfuge." — (Renewed laughter.) Mr Hannay had been called away by the exigencies of public business to Auckland. Mr Hannay and his colleagues had, as they knew, been having rather a lively time of it lately — (laughter) — and he thought that Dunedin had contributed in some measure to make things warm for the Railway Commissioners.— (Laughter). At all events one of the Dunedin members had Btodd up in the House, and fulminated at the commissioners the curses of Heaven — (laughter)— but he thought that did not do them much harm— (laughter)— for that member was not supposed to have much influence in celestial regions. — (Loud laughter.) The instructions he had received were not to say anything about union in his address to them— (laughter) — and he supposed one reason for that was that it was known that there could be no speech on one side or the other without a reference to the subject. — (Renewed laughter.) Indeed, some of his bosom and warmest friends warned him, on peril of his life, not to talk of the subject, for it bad been spoken of here usque ad nauseam — (laughter) — and he did not wish to say anything about it till he had cleared out of Dunedin. — (Laughter.) He supposed some of them might say that union was not always strength, as the fellow said when he mixed water with his whisky.— (Loud laughter.) He was pleased, though, to find that the ladies of Otago were strongly in favour of uniondaughter) — the ladies were always strongly in favour of union, to a maD. — (Renewed laughter.) He believed that organic unity would come when it would bo for their mutual interest, and it would make them a great power and help them with the education of students — (hear, hear) — but in tho meanwhile they might depend upon|it that they of the Northern Church would come annually and make their courting of them. (Laughter.) The Northern Church was getting very impatient, very important, and very independent, and if the synod of Otago and Southland waited much longer the Northern Church was not likely to take them without a good "tocher" — (laughter) — or without they providing security for good behaviour and a certificate of orthodoxy. — (More laughter.) When they looked op their respective blue books they would find that notwithstanding the large endowments and dense Presbyterian population in this part of the colony, the revenue of the Northern Church was not so much below theirs as they might expect, and that was satisfactory because it showed what could be done by voluntaryism. He was, however, not a voluntary, and he did wish with all his heart that his church had their sustentation f und— what a contributor ignorantly but. not improperly called the "assassination fund."— (Laughter.) If they had that they would kill a great deal of the evils of the system, for he knew that in some churches the ministets had a great deal of trouble in keepiDg their coffers full, principally in the bush districts. The speaker went on to say that the church h«, represented was strongly in favour of Bible; reading in schools, thinking it a, deplorable' thing that that Book had been ctoummedout ofthe schools by a deliberate vote. They wera Not so strongly committed, to local option at the

ballot box, for they thought that the appointment of licensing committees imposed on the commissioners a terrible responsibility which they could hardly sustain. As a church they were not in favour of female suffrage, but the speaker, from his nationality and feelings towards the other sex, was strongly in favour of it. He pointed oat what the Northern Church was doing in the work of church extension, interlarding his remarks with a number of racy .references, after which he concluded with a further expression of thanks for his reception. He resumed his seat amid loud and general applause. On the motion of the Rev. Q. Hall, seconded by the Rev. W. Bannebman, it was unanimously resolved — "The synod welcome with pleasure the deputy present from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; regret the absence of the other members, and especially that of the moderator of the assembly, through bad health ; pray that he may speedily be restored to health ; renew the expression of the fraternal regard of this church for the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand ; and record the thanks of the synod to Mr Elliott for his excellent address."

THE CONFESSION OP FAITH.

The Rev. J. Rylby stated that, after the vote of the previous night, he would withdraw his notice of motion — "With reference to the inquiry appointed by the synod of 1888 and 1889, the synod find and declare that no part of the teaching of the Confession of Faith has been found to be at variance with the Word of God." — (Applause.)

BIBLE-BEADING IN SOHOOLS.

The following report of the Committee on Bible-reading in Schools was submitted : —

The committee have to report that a bill granting power to school oommltteea to authorise the dally reading of the Bible in. the public schools aooording to a fixed plan of lesioni was introduced into the Legislative Council by the Hon. Mr Aoland during the last session, and the second reading was carried by a majority of 15 to 12. The motion for going into committee on the bill was also carried. Although the principle of the bill was thus affirmed, it was deemed by the Oounoil inexpedient to proceed further with it on the ground that there was no probability, in the disturbed state of business in the House of Representatives, of its being passed by that House before the termination of Parliament. The bill was fully discussed in all its bearings, and was ablysuppotted by the Hon. Messrs Acland, Miller, Shephard, Earnicoat, Reynolds, Williams, and Hart, to whom, along with the Hon. M. Holmes, as well as a number of members of the House of Representatives, who have always taken an aotive interest ia furthering the object sought for, particularly Messrs Fulton, Downie Stewart, Hodgkinson, Allen, Mills, Tanner, J. M'Kenzie, and others, the thanks of the synod and the church are due. The arguments urged against the passing of the bill were mainly such as have been refuted time after time. It was alleged that it would fead to the destruction of the present national system of education by paving the way for a denominational system ; whereat one strong ground on which it has been advocated by the synod has beenjibat it would tend to strengthen and perpetuate the national system whioh the synod desires to uphold. It was also urged that the mere reading of the Bible could do little good, and would excite sectarian and hostile feelings among the children. The experience, however, of those provinces in whioh Bible reading was carried on during many years completely proved that suoh fears are groundless. Probabry the strongett objection of some members wat due to the opinion they entertained that ~ injustice would thereby be done to Boman Catholics. It is well known that they feel aggrieved under the present system from which the Bible is excluded, and that they also feel aggrieved tinder a similar system, as existing many years In Otago, under whioh the Bible was read. -It It evident, therefore, the mere presence er absence of Bible reading U not the ground of their giievanoe. On the other hand it is undeniable that the exclusion of the Bible from our schools is unsatisfactory to nearly 'every other religious body in the country, while mott of them would be contented with it if Bible reading were permitted. This bill would cause no infringement of liberty, no interference with the conscience of anyone, and need not require any difference to be made with regard to the tlme'spent by the children in the school. It asks the most limited measure of selfgovernment whioh any bill of an optional nature proposed to confer. Its repeated rejeotion by the Legislature must be due to the impression entertained by many that the country is comparatively Indifferent about it.

' The committee therefore express the hope that deputations, which the tynod last year initruoted presbyteries to appoint to visit the district! within their bounds, may succeed in rousing such interest in this question, previous to the elections of members of next Parliament, that legal {sanction .for Bible reading in schools may be speedily obtained. 1 The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Sew Zealand passed a resolution at its last meeting, in which it declared its approval of the national system of education now in force, and expressed ".the deep regret entertained by them that no. change has yet been made in the national system in : favour of the reading in the schools of the Holy, Soriptnres."

-The olerk of synod has drawn the attention of our presbyteries to the synod's resolution instructing i them to appoint deputations to visit the districts within their bounds. He had also forwarded copies i of the* tame to the olerks of presbyteries of the northern ohuroh. in the hope that their presbyteries may see their way to aot in unison with ours. „ ' The committee, in conclusion, express the hope that the members of synod may use their utmost j ' effort and influence to seoure that the new Parliament may remove the blot from our present ' educational system by passing a bill to allow the ■daily reading within ichool hours of the Bible in the publio schools. Jambs Copland, Convener, i

Dr Copland, in introducing the report, said that it explained how the matter stood at the present time. The sympathy of the Legislative Council could be relied on, and provided they could secure the influence of the House of Representatives, they would be likely to get a measure passed for the reading of the Bible in schools.

The Rev. A. H. Stobo moved the following deliverance :— " That the syDod adopt the report, record its thanks to the committee and especially the convener, express its sense of the great importance of the object aimed at — the daily reading of the Bible in the public schools, with provision of a time-table and a conscience clause — and its' regret that this has not yet been accomplished, and instruct the committee to use such efforts as may .seem advisable to promote the end in view. Further, the synod continue the instructions of last synod to presbyteries to appoint deputies to visit the chief centres within their bounds, in order that the electors may be stimulated to give this subject prominence at the ensuing general election." In speaking to the deliverance, he urged that the matter should be given great prominence to at the general election, and be made a test question to candidates, so that if Parliament should grant the demands of the Roman Catholics, it should concede, as a matter of ordinary justice, the principle of Bible reading in schools.

The Rev.Dr Stuabt, in seconding the deliverance, expressed his approval of the bill introduced into the House last session~by Mr Tanner and of the schedule, the latter containing a selection of what he thought were extremely fair passages of Scripture, covering the whole era of the Bible. He thought that if that bill had become law it would have satisfied them all. Another thing that pleased him in the bill was that it left to the committee the alternative of having the Scriptures merely read or of having them read and expounded. It was said by some people that the State was not the proper party for giving Christian knowledge, but he argued to the contrary, while at the same time he was thankful for what had been done in the Christian families and in the Sunday schools, and stated that the Scottish system would have gone to pieces if the Bible had not been read »nd expounded in the schools. He strongly

urged that they should get an organised publio opinion created in view of the elections, and he believed the result would be that from the new Parliament they would obtain that which they had been praying for, that which they annually had been feebly advocating — Bible reading in schools.

The Rev. Dr Macgbeqor suggested that the matter under discussion should be made not merely a test question at the elections, but that electors should be influenced in their vote by the decisions of the candidates.

Mr F. Wilkinson declared that he would not give the committees the option of having the Bible read, or of having it read and expounded in schools, but would insist upon having it read.

The discussion was continued by the Rev. J. Clark, the Rev. J. Chisholm (who stated that the feeling of some of the older teachers, men who had had experience of the Home system, was that the element of the want of the Bible in the schools made it much more difficult for them to maintain good discipline), and the Rev. J. Eirkland.

Mr W. Hutchison did not think that any difference of opinion existed in the synod as to the power and benign influence of the Bible, and he did not think there was any difference of opinion in the synod as to the desirability of having the Biblejread in the schools, but whether they differed or not as to the mode in which it should be introduced there was a wide difference of opinion throughout the colony, and ne begged members of the synod to remember that they were not the whole of Otago, and not the whole of New Zealand, and that in legislating for the colony, they had got to consider other parts beyond the synod of Otago. He asked them to think what they had to meet. The Roman Catholic?, who were a large body, naturally said, " You will not give us money for the education of our children religiously; do you expect us to pay for the education of your children religiously ? "

Rev. Dr Stuaet : The synod has never said they would not give money.

Mr Hutchison: The synod had not given a deliverance on that subject. Speaking from the point of view of the publio, he submitted that it would be very much wiser to look the whole case in the face. Then there were a number of good people who objected to the Bible being introduced into the schools, as they said the Bible was too sacred a book to have read as a perfunctory exeicise and then done with ; and he presumed the report of the committee aimed at reading the Bible without note or comment. There were others who would say that they were making the Bible a fetish, and there were a good many people who said that while they wished the Bible to be read in schools, they would not have it read without note or comment. Bishop Julius himself had said recently that it would be no good at all to read the Bible without note or comment. There were also a large number of gentlemen throughout the colony, from the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, who stood fast by the voluntary principle.— (Voices : "Not here.") There were a large number who held to the voluntary principle still. Rev. Dr Stuaet : Allow me to state that in Scotland the United Presbyterians unanimously supported the bill of 1872. — (Applause.) Mr Hutchison said he wished to point out, with all deference to Dr Stuart and to the synod, that there was no such thing in the Scottish Education Act as forcing the Bible into schools. Besides those whom he had mentioned, there was 5 large body of men—unfortunately, too large a body— who objected to the Bible altogether, and they had to be reckoned with.

The Rev. J. Kibkland : The Roman Catholic Bishop of Victoria stated the other day that he vastly preferred that the Bible should be introduced into the sohools than that it should be excluded.

Mr Hutchison said Bishop Moran had not stated that, and he was a power in Otago. All these people had to be reckoned with, and they were scattered up and down the colony; and consequently the synod must work in conjunction with other parts of the colony to obtain this particular arrangement which they thought desirable. Now he came to the point, which was that they must pay for the introduction of the Bible into the schools. Let the people who wished ita introduction meet together, raise sufficient funds, and pay a man to teach the Bible in schools; They would not get it on any other terms than these, so far as he knew, and that would be a test to some extent of the sincerity of those who declared in favour of the principle. He submitted that if this were done they would get a measure passed through Parliament, and they could get men who loved the Bible to teach and expound it in the schools. In that way they would not only secure the introduction of the Bible, but do an immense' good to the colony. , Mr A.. C. Begg said he had not intended to ' take up the time of the synod, but after listen- < ing to the stump speech — ("Oh! " and laughter) — they had just heard <

Rev. W. Will submitted that the expression' " stump speech " should be withdrawn. '

Mr Begig would withdraw the word, and say that after listening to the extraordinary speech' they had just heard he thought it was necessary, that something should be said to show that that! was not the direction in which the members of ■ the synod wished the public to understand their) views. He had [heard Mr Hutchison on a goodmany different platforms, and he had heard him express views which were exactly the opposite' of those he had just expressed. When Mr Hutchison stood for Parliament, as a candidate for Roslyn, he said in the speaker's presence that he would support Bible reading in schools. Mr Hutchison : I said I would support it if it were paid for, and if Mr Begg says anything else he says what is not correct. Mr Begg : I do say so. Mr Hutchison : Then he says" what is simply not correct.

Mr Begg said that his word could stand then against Mr Hutchison's. He proceeded to say that there were plenty of candidates who were prepared to support Bible reading in schools if they thought they could get into Parliament by doing so. In Otago and Southland those who advocated Bible reading in schools had a large majority in favour of their views, but he was sorry to say that such was not the case throughout New Zealand, and so they had hitherto been defeated on the question. They could not do a great deal in other parts of the colony, but they could do a great deal to influence the elections in Otago, and any candidates who wished to get into the House at next election would have to support the introduction of the Bible into the schools of the colony. At the present time it would appear from certain political manifestos that this question had been belittled, and that trades unionism was to be put forward as the great question in the forthcoming elections. But he held that the synod would not be doing their duty to their country if they listened to such a suggestion for a single moment, and he felt sure that the community of Otago and Southland would scorn and scout such a suggestion, and would hurl anyone from power who sought to make trades unionism the great question of the;election. The Rev. D. Ross hoped the time would soon come when they would have the religious element recognised in the public schools. He

had always felt that the mere reading of the Bible in school was not altogether sufficient. A little examination and explanation was also required; but if they could not get that let them have the reading of the Bible alone.

The Rev. Mr Ryley referred to what had been done at Port Chalmers by way of getting the Bible introduced into the school there, and stated that the Bible classes were attended just as well at the expiration of six years as when they were started. He mentioned this to show that the parents of the children were in most cases were in sympathy with the movement. A cry had been got up by certain parties that the classes interfered with the efficiency of the school, but when the late rector left Port Chalmers he asked him if that were the case, and be replied emphatically " No." Neither did the present teachers find that they interfered with the efficiency of the school in any way. He believed, on the contrary, that Bible reading in schools was a help to the teachers as well as a benefit to the scholars. He went on to say that if secularism was not arrested the evils that had resulted from it in the past would inorease in a greater ratio in the future. Men who were in a position to know declared that juvenile crime was increasing in Otago, and he thought it was fair to state that a large proportion of that crime might be traced to the want of moral and religious instruction in the day-school. Then let them work shoulder to shoulder until this blot upon our education system was wiped out. ' .The Rev. A. M. Dalrymple did not look upon Bible reading in schools as wholly a religious question. He thought it was a great calamity from an educational point of view that the Bible, which constituted the grandest literature in the English or any other language, should be excluded from the schools of the colony.

Dr Copland also spoke In support of the deliverance, which was subsequently agreed to.

BLDEES' MEMOBIAL.

The following memorial from a number of ruling elders of the church was received : — 1 1. That through the action of the synods of 1888 and 1889, and the discussions that have followed, questions of confessional dootrine have been seemiugly thrown open or kept open in the ohuroh. 2. That in our judgment a continuance of such a state of things is very injurious b'-th to the church as a community of believers and to the interests of Christian truth in the general community, as affeoted by the testimony of the church 3. That in our opiuion the present tynod should so far bring thii state of matters to an end by distinctly declaring its own judgment upon the concessional doctrines that have been seemiogly brought into question. 4. That as only a small proportion of us can be personally members of the synod, we take this way of memorial for laying our mind before your venerable court, as being by our office under the responsibility of watchers for souls who must give an 'account.

The names attached to the memorial were as follows: —

William Ohisbolm, James Fyfe, John Edwards, James Taylor, James Roy, James Oockburn, i Alexander O. Beig, Charles Moore, John Gillies, i James Lawson, W. L. Kerr, Peter Calder, James ■ Turnbull, Bobert Dunlop, Eobert Gardner, Alexander ■ M'Kinnon, John Lowden, • John Gray, William I Maoandrew, Thomas Mac Gibbon, William Hutton, Alexander Adam, John Flndlay, William Adam, .Robert Steel, George Sutherland, George Park, !i William Craig, Donald Ross, Hugh Oameron, Andrew Betfc, Alexander Watton, James Piokard, William | Wilson, John Lran, William S. Nicol, Bobert Heaney, I J. Watson Smith, Bobert Fleming, Alexander Wood, ! John W. Gilmour, William Sim, Donald Thornton, | James Adam, William M'Gaw, Robert M'Caw, James I' Inglis, George Molr, Thomas Somerville, W. Somerville, John Dickson, Archibald Campbell, Alfred 1 Oatherwoed, Thomas White, William Reid, George < Crawford, William Sootfc, Angus M'Kay, Peter > Sutherland, John Tait, William Thomson William Menelaus, William Stewart, Joseph Mawson, H. Wilson, David Bernon, Robert Nicol, Robert Gleasin, Thomas Robertson, Henry Swallow, A. Johnston, Angus Ross, David Dunn, J. D. Scott, W. H. Ootterell, A. M'Gregor, John Allan, W. Oussott, James M'Donald, Matthew Tweedie, William Johnston.

Another memorial was also read, the only difference between it and the former one being that in the third clauee the words " declaring its adherence" were in the place of the words " deolaring its own judgment." The memorial was signed by the following : —

John Johnston, M. Patersou, Adam D. Johnston, Peter Ayson, John Somorvllle, James Johnston, Robert Kerr, James M'Neur, James Steven, James Somerville, Thomas M'Latchie, Samuel Young, Peter Bell, William Dallas, Charles Dallas, John Sandilands, Andrew Christie.

Mr Adam moved the following deliverance, which was agreed to : — " Receive the memorial, thank the elders for the interest they have taken in maintaining the doctrinal standards of the church, and call their attention to the fact that the matter of their petition has been dealt with by the synod." The synod adjourned at 1.15 p.m.

Evening Sbdebunt.

The evening sederunt was in the nature of a public meeting, the moderator presiding and there being a large attendance.

The Modebatob said the meeting would be something out of the ordinary way. The principal business would be dealing with missionary work ; but besides addresses in reference to that work, there would be a number of other addresses. Before the business was proceeded with, he should like to make a few remarks with regard to the progress the church had made during the past 25 years. It was that length of time since the synod was constituted. It then consisted of 31 members — 21 ministers and 10 elders. The present synod consisted of 122 members, there being 66 ministers and 56 elders. Last synod, however, was more numerous than the present one. He had not at his fingers' ends the amount of free contributions to the church the first year, but in the second year they amounted to £13,856, and last year to £29,453. Of the ministers who were members of the first synod, 12 were also members of the present synod, six were dead, two were engaged in church extension work, and one was in the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The membership of the synod had duriDg the past 25 years a little more than quadrupled, the ministers had a little more than trebled, and the income to the church from free contributions had a little more than doubled. When they looked at these things there was great cause for satisfaction and congratulation, although not cause for boasting. It seemed to him that the most remarkable progress of the church had made was in the direction of missions to the heathen. At the first meeting of the synod a collection was recommended to be made by the Sabbath schools in aid of the New Hebrides mission, but there was no agent employed at that time so far as he was aware by the church. At the end of 25 years, however, they had three missionaries in the New Hebrides, and one in Otago working among the Chinese. The free contributions of the congregations of the church towards the maintenance of these four missionaries was very nearly £1000 a year. This was also a matter for congratulation and encouragement. He thought it was generally recognised that amongst all the missions that were going on there was none, for the size and extent of it, that seemed to be more strictly successful than that of their own church. For this they had cause for thanksgiving to God and for abounding in the hope that the time would be hastened when the heathen would be given to the Lord Jesus Christ for His inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possessions.

MISSION BHPOBT.

' The report of the Committee on Missions was submitted, the following being the more 'material clauses:—

The committee has much pleasure in reporting to the synod the safe arrival of Mr Milne in Dunedin with his family, after a service of more than 20 years in the mission field of the New Hebrides His work extends to six Islands, the most southern of which is fully 30 miles distant from the moßt northern, the several islands being visited by menns of his boat, often at considerable risk. Four of these islands are now wholly Christian, two are only partly so, nearly one half of their population still continuing in heathenism. The progress that has been attained of late years, the reaping of many years of painful sowing, may be gathered from the fact that during the past seven years his schools hive inareased from 10 to 27, eaoh having a native teaoher trained by himself, and that the number admitted to full church fellowship has advanced from 40 to 800 -of these no fewer than 433 were admitted last year, after full examination as to knowledge, character, and conduot. During the same period 143 children and young pbrsons received the ordinance of baptism, an addition to thi Christian ohuroh from heathenism within the same period with few parallels, if any, in the history of missions .witnessing emphatically to the power of the Gospel, and proclaiming with loudest voloe that missions to the heathen are not the vain and profitleis things whioh some would have them to be. The population of the several islands in charge of Mr Milne amounts to over 2000, nearly 1600 of whioh have embraced Christianity ; while through the labours of Mr Milne and his native teaohers, and the influence of the Christian natives, the state of the heathen population has been greatly changed for the batter, manifested in the cessation of many evil practices, and among them cannibalism, warranting the expectation that the time is not far distant when they too will embrace the Gospel and turn from their idols to serve the one true God. Since coming to New Zealand in January last, besides visiting several of our congregations alone, or in company with the convenor, Mr Milne hao been engaged in the preparation of book* for the natives, induding an enlarged hymn book, Scripture extracts, the Gospels of Mark and Luke, the first epistle of John, and the Books of Genesis and Exodus. It is proposed to have them printed in Dunedin. Towards the oost of this, assistance is expected from the British and Foreign Bible Society, to whioh application in this direction has been made. Mr Milne'a natives have also contributed towards this object by the manufacture of arrowroot, which has been sent to Dnuedin to be disposed of. A considerable sum, in addition to what these aouroes are likely to afford, will be required, and the more so beoause, through the breaking down of the printing press gifted some years ago to Mr Michelsen, ;he is sending manuscript copy for printing in the Tasiko language. In view of this the committee would respectfully submit to the Synod that a speoial opportunity be given to the congregations of the ohuroh to contribute to this obiecfc on the first Sabbath of 1891. It was reported to last synod that the Mission Synod had placed the south-east part of Epi (one of the largest and most populous islands of the group) in charge of Mr Michelsen, he having acquired the Tasiko language spoken there. He has succeeded in planting 10 schools in as many villages, with a population of 560, each supplied with a teacher, always an indlcaI tion that the natives are ready for the reoeption of the Gospel. On the other islands oocupied by him, four in number, with a population of 1440, there are 17 sohools, attended by a large proportion of the people, young and old. The island of Bwose. from whioh the teaoher wat driven three years ago, has now received one, also the only remaining village on Tongoa, whioh has resisted the , Gospel till recently, so that these four islands (known as the Shepherd Group) are now wholly under Christian instruction making the ■number of islands in this condition 11. The number of ohurch members is now 120 in oonneqtlon with Mr ' Michelsen, showing an increase during' the year of i nearly 70. Mr Miohelsen having served 10 years in the group, is entitled , according to the rule prevailing in the New Hebrides Mission, to a 12 months' furlough for the benefit of his own and the health of his family, impaired by the tropiaal climate and the i labour undergone by him under auoh a climate. Mr Smaill has commenced his work on Nikaura, in the north-east of Epi, to whioh he was appointed by the Mission Synod of 1889, iv oiroumstanoei more favourable than have fallen to the lot of missionaries hitherto appointed to the New Hebrides. Mr Smaill has entered upon' his labours, having had placed at his service, and to assist him in his work, no fewer than nine native teachers, all married, supplied partly by Mr Milne and partly by Mr Miohelsen. The expense of Mr SmaiU's settlement as a third missionary, including salary, coßt of building . material, passage money for himself and Mrs Smaill, has proved a considerable strain upon the funds of ' the committee, whioh have not received the inorease reasonably expected in view of the increased responsibility undertaken under the sanction of the synod, of appointing a third missionary. The committee would earnestly direct the attention of the synod to this matter, with the view of having the collection made as uniformly as possible as to time throughout the ohuroh, and when made, remitted to the general treasurer, that the committee may know what amount is available for the work entrusted to them. The committee would further recommend that the synod require that mission associations be formed in all our congregations to raise their contributions towards the support of the missions undertaken by this ohuroh, as seeking to fulfil the Saviour's command laid upon it, "to have the Gospel preaohed to every creature." Mr Don has pursued with his wonted energy and faitbfulnes his manifold labours among the Chinese in Dunedin and suburbs, besides visiting during the year the several localities within the bounds where tbe Chinese have settled themselves. These localities number 58. In these he has met as many as 1100 Chinamen, conversing with them individually in very many oases, and at 32 meeting addressing as many as 4GO. Though from these and other labours engaged in by Mr Don , few conversions have yet been reported, it it not to be conoluded that thoie labours have been altogether in vain. The committee regret that it has become necessary to dispense with the s'rvioes of tbe Chinese catechlst, who, engaged originally for three years, was continued another year, by way of farther proving his gifts and usefulness. The committee has not yet determined whether a suooessor should be appointed, or whether, in view of the decreasing number of Chinamen within tbe bounds, Mr Don might not be abln to overtake the work of the mission. The committee commends anew the missionaries, the native teachers, their work, and their converts to tbe grace of God, and to the prayers and liberality of the whole churoh.

The Rev. W. Bannebman (convener) said, in laying the report before the meeting, that it was not proposed that a deliverance should be adopted by the Synod at that sederunt, as there were some matters which would require at their hands more consideration than could be given at a meeting like this. He referred in terms of satisfaction to the success on the mission field of Messrs Milne and Michelsen, and referring to the irregularity with wtieh collections had been forwarded to the treasurer last year, said he was quite sure that if all the congregations engaged themselves earnestly, by the formation of mission associations, to assist .the church in carrying on operations in the New Hebrides and among the Chinese, the blessing that followed the labours of the missionaries would be largely increased, and that the news would before long be conveyed to the church that throughout all the islands, in which the missionaries laboured, the Cross prevailed and heathenism was unknown. He eulogised the services of Mr Don, the missionary to the Chinese, and urged that those who desired that the heathen should be given to Christ for his inheritance ought not to be lacking in their prayers at the Throne of Grace in order that Mr Don might be encouraged. The Rev. P. Milne, who rose amidst applause, said it was seven years since he last stood there to give in an account of his stewardship. He had to thank God for His great goodness to him during that time, for not only was he there safe and sound, but, looking back over the seven years, he could not recall a single day when he was unable, owing to illhealth, to attend to his ordinary duties. He had also been preserved in safety from ftie fear of man, no one, bo far as he knew, having sought to do him wrong, although sometimes he had been in peril of water in passing from one island to another. What was best of all was thaft the work was

making progress— outwardly, at least, and he trusted also in inward reality. The speaker proceeded to speak in detail of the work that was being prosecnted at the New Hebrides, amplifying in this respect the information contained in the report of the committee, and stated that they would be glad to hear that the success of the work at all the stations was very encouraging. God waa blessing the labour of the missionaries at all stations from Aneityum in the south to Santo in the north. The people on some of the islands received the Word much more readily than the people of others ; but he pointed out that it was not right to judge of the work of missionaries by outward results.— (Hear, hear.) There wer« now about 10 000 worshippers in the New Hebrides, and there were about 2000 communicants. — (Applause ) Nearly one-third of the number of islands were now evangelised; but they must not suppose that one-third of the people Were evangelised— on the contrary, there were not more than oneseventh, at the highest calculation. They required more missionaries before they would be able to occupy the whole group; but if God continued to bless their labours in the same proportion as He hadiblessed them in the past, they might expect the whole of the New Hebrides would be evangelised in the course of a very few years more. — (Applause.) The Rev. Dr Donlop said they were all delighted to hear the plain unvarnished tale of Mr Milne with regard to mission work. Christians all the world over were chargeable with neglect of mission work ; and he was deeply persuaded that their want of knowledge of the vast importance of modern missions generally was due to the fact that they really had nob given adequate consideration to the matter. A little reading had brought him to the conclusion that one of the brightest pages of the history of the nineteenth century was the history of missions, and succeeding generations would perceive that truth more clearly than we did. There was no healthy civilisation to-day, but what was based on, and had grown out of* Christian missions.— (Applause.) He hoped/ that ministers of the church would get the great, facts of Christian missions, and lay them before, their congregations periodically, and he was quite sure that there would be a fruitful response if there was an honest and straightforward presentation of the great viotories that had been gained in the nineteenth century by mission labourers.

The Rev. J. K. Elliott, of Wellington, made a humourous speech, in the course of which he said that much as they had reason to congratulate themselves upon their successes in connection with mission work, there was something to sadden them. Was it not a shameful thing that 1900 years had parsed since Christ had said — " Go and preach the Gospel to every living creature," and yet there were manyplaces in the world in which Christ was unkoown. It was only within the last 50 years that they had wakened op to theirresponsibility in the matter of missions, and he thought thai; if they could not go and preach the Gospel to. the heathen themselves, they should cheer and encourage those that did go. ; The Rev. A. Don, who was next called upon,, said that as the hour was late, he would reserve* 'bis remarks until the meeting of synod, when, i the disoussion upon the mission report should 1 , 'come on. ; Mr E. B. Cabsilt,, referring to the Chinese' ' mission, spoke in high terms of the untiring perseverance and unselfish zeal with which, in the face of comparatively little encouragement, Mr Don followed out his labours. The records of that mission furnished a remarkable account of I how the missionary, going about wearily on foot 'in all kinds of weather, and in all parts of the country, was content to find his reward in being able to gather together small numbers of Chinese, and in the midst of their cynicism and opposition quietly and patiently deliver to them the message. It was a speotacle that musfe impress them very much and create in them a feeling of great respect for M.r Don. The work was fraught with great difficulty, and he thought it should be more directly recognised; by their people than it was. The speaker then came to what was a humiliating subjeot, that which was referred to amongst them as the Chinese question. There seemed to be cultivated among them a kind of race antipathy and hatred that was not creditable to them as a. people. He was not speaking of the political question of the introduction of great numbers of Chinese into our territory; but whatever might be found necessary in the way of restraining that, they ought not, as a people, to show themselves wanting in good feeling and love. It might be said that the people who took every opportunity of manifesting this spirit of antipathy were not their people but were outside their people. He thought, however, that if their people raised their voice it would not be without, influence on others, and he thought they should stroDgly impress upon their people that they should be very careful to exhibit that spirit of Chiistian love and kindness, without which all their Christian missions would be a sham.. They should also be careful of how the Chinese were spoken of in the presence of children. It had been too much the case that boys and young people were allowed to run after Chinese and conduct themselves in a provoking manner that was likely to result in disagreeable consequences. He de- | clared that as a Christian church their members throughout the country ought to take care to ; exhibit towards these people such a spirit of Christian love as would so far spften the hearts of the Chinese towards Christianity that they would give countenance and support to their missionaries when they were sent to them.-— (Applause.) The Rev. W. Bannebman, as convener of the Mission Committee, moved a vote of thanks to the speakers who had addressed the meeting. He thought it would be a fitting thing to turn the addresses they had heard to practical account. The moderator had informed them that the synod were celebrating their silver wedding in January. Might not a special fund be raised in connection with that to provide the means for printing the books to which the report referred for the New Hebrides natives? He thought if 100 members of the church subscribed £5 each that would meet a large proportion of the expenses required for the pnrpose. He would like if the idea were taken possession of and reduced to practice. — (Applause.) The synod adjourned at about 10.15 p.m.

Fbiday, Octobbb 31.

The Presbyterian Synod resumed its session at 10 a.m., the Moderator (the Rev. A. M. Finlayson) presiding.

LAUDEB CONGREGATION.

After lengthy explanations and discussion upon a reference from the Dunstan Presbytery, it was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. J. Fekquson, seconded by the Rev. W. Will— " That the reference be sustained, and the liability of the congregation of Lander for reasonable assessment confirmed ; appoint commissioners to visit the Presbytery of Dunstan in session, especially the parish of Lauder, to inquire into all matters connected with the con gregation of Lauder, to the end that the Church of Christ may be more effectually built up within the bounds." The Revs. R. R. M. Sutherland and J. Clark were appointed commissioners.

BIBLE BEADING IN SCHOOLS.

It was agreed to instruct the several presbyteries to meet on the following Tuesday, at 5.30 p.m.} to give effect to the deliverance on the report of the committee on Bible reading in sohools, anent the appointment of deputations.

MEMORIAL FROM FIRST CHURCH.

The next business was the consideration of the report of the committee to whom was referred the memorial from the Deacons' Court of First Church, which set forth that in January 1883 the synod recommended that the sum of £1500 be paid to the court by the Church Board of Property in settlement of claim of First Church to section 10, block VII, town district, and that in January 1884 the synod sanctioned the payment of £400 on account of the sum of £1500. Further steps taken regarding the money were detailed in the memorial, which concluded in this form :— " The Deacons' Court ana willing and desirous that the sum of £1500 should be disposed of as follows, viz :— First, by discharge of the mortgage of £400 on the Russell street Mission House (the property of First .Church) as already appropriated ; and, secondly, by the discharge by the Deacons' Court of all claim to the balance of the sum of £1500, and in consideration thereof that provision be made for the liquidation of the balance of the said expenditure in repairs to the church." Mr J. Adam gave in the report, and moved the adoption of the committee's recommendation :—": — " That the prayer of the memorial be granted; that the £400 mortgage mentioned, and any interest accruing thereon, be discharged, and the hum of £900 be paid on consideration of the Deacons' Court releasing their claim to the balance of the £1500 grant." He mentioned that he could let the trustees know where they could obtain at 5 per oent. £1000 for the purpose, of making the payment. The Rev. D. Bobbie asked if it was proposed that the payment should be made a preferential one

Mr A. C. Be3G said that the understanding on -which the committee arrived at their recommendation was that the money should be paid at once. The Rev. J. Gibb pointed out that during the las< three years the congregation of First Church had paid off over £3000. The synod had no direct concern with that, of course, but members might be more inclined to agree with the motion when they knew the efforts that had been made to get rid of the liabilities.

The Rev. Dr Stuart remarked that the trustees did what was not legal when they borrowed money at the request of the synod'some years ago. They found out that that was the case, and that they were personally liable for the £10,000 He was sure that after the advice they had received from the solicitors, they would no 4 ; borrow again. He would like to point out that there were other churches — St. Paul's in Invercargill, for one— that had been waiting a considerable time for monetary assistance, and that being so, their case should be taken into account. But instead of that beiDg done, here was a church that had had more done for it thnn all the other churches in Otago put together, for which further help was now asked. They should be content to simply take the £900 when the funds w< re in the possession of the trustees.

The Rev. W. Bannerman said that a provincial ordinance gave the' synod power to borrow a sum equal to seven years' rental. The church as a whole had been largely benefited by First Church resigning the occupation of the land in question, and in addition to that they should bear in mind that First Church had not come for a Ipng time on the fund. Therefore, they should fall in with the recommendation of the committee, and deal with the First Church as liberally as possible. Mr Begq hekMhat it was not correct to say that the church was coming up for a grant, and to say that it should come in its turn was not representing the matter in its true light. The true light was that the trustees were due money to First Church Deacons' Court, and the latter body said, " We will give you £200 discount if you pay it to us now." That was really the proposal.

The Rev. R J. Pobteb sympathised with First Church congregation, but he did not see that the claim should be a prior one on the funds.

The Rev D. Bokbib said there were country congregations struggling along which needed assistance more than First Church. In their interest he moved, as ;»n amendment to the committee's motion— "That the words 'and that the sum of £1000 be paid from the manse reserve f nnd, along with other grants sanctioned this , year,' be . added •tp the motion." He had every- sympathy' .with First. Chnrob, so much so that.be, would be willing, that, they should give the whole sum of £1100; but be, was not willing that they should,' in getting this, do what he considered to be a wrong to the country congregations. The Rev. R. J. Pobteh seconded the amendment. It, would bft unfair to other congregations — his own included— if this claim had a prior right on the funds. The discussion was continued by the Revs. Dr Masgregor, J. Chisholm, J. Ferguson, J. Ryley, W. Bannerman, Dr Stuart, A. Cameron, and S. W. Carrie, Messrs Ramsay, Begg, and Cargill.

Mr Ramsay stated that he would say, on. behalf of the Deacons' Court that they would be satisfied with £1000, to be taken when it could' be given to them.

Mr Begg did not think if the £900 was not to. be paid that less than the £1100 payable pari passu with the other grants would be acceptable.

The Rev. D. Boreie said he would withdraw, his amendment in the face of Mr Ramsay's statement.

It was finally decided that a sum of £1000 be paid tp First Church in the usual way under the regulations.

A NEW PRESBYTERY.

A petition for the erection of a new Presbytery, wiffb its seat at Gore, was read.

The Rev. W. Scorgie moved, and Dr Copland seconded — "That the prayer of the petition be granted.'' An amendment, proposed by the Rev. D. Bobbie, and seconded by the Rev. Dr Macgbegob, was carried — " That the petition be referred to the Presbyteries of Clutba and Southland to report at a future sederunt."

Monday, November 3.

The session of the Presbyterian Synod was resumed at 7 p.m., the Moderator (the Rev. A. M Finlayson) presiding, and there being a fair attendance of members.

THE MINUTES.

Upon the minutes being read, The Rev. J. Ferguson drew attention to the omission of a motion proposed by him on Friday night, on the appeal from the decision of the Dunedin Presbytery in Mr Gibb'e case being taken, to whioh an amendment was proposed by Dr Copland and a vote taken. The CtBBK (the Rev. W. Bannerman) stated that Mr Ferguson raised a point of order, and there had never been a single instance of recordiDg points of order in the minutes. The Moperator said he bad no hesitation in stating that the whole of the disoussion introduced on Friday night was irregular, and he believed it was he who suggested to the clerk that the matter

Bhould be omitted from the minntes- He was prepared from the floor of tbe House to argue the question with Mr Ferguson.

- The Rev. J. Ferguson moved that the minntes be amended by the insertion of a record of the proceedings referred to. The Rev. Dr Stuart seconded the motion. The ex-moderator (the Rev. Q. Hall) having taken the chair,

The Moderator opposed the motion on the ground that the whole proceedings relating to the point of order were irregular, incompetent, and an injustice to the Presbytery of Dunedin. He moved — " That the minntes be sustained."

The Rev. J. Clark seconded the amendment.

After some disoussion, the question was put to the vote, when Mr Ferguson's motion was carried by 28 to 25.

EBPOBT ON TEMPERANCE.

: The report of tbe Committee on Temperance was submitted. The following were its main features : —

. In submitting their report to tbe synod the Committee on Temperance desire to express their satisfaction that the cause of temperance though there has not been muoh real aggressive work, has during the past year held its own. , Several returns indicate that offloe bearers, members, and adherents of the ohuroh prefer working with outside organisations on undenominational lines rather than with societies carried on en congregational lines, whioh perhaps, In the present state of tbe temperance question, is preferable, and to be speolally enoouraged where congregational organisations would impair their usefulness, and would itself fail to do the work as well ; but the church should not lose sight of the fact that sooner or later she must bear witness for temperance on her own aocount, and also be the leading agent in forming and directing publio sentiment in the matter. As far as can be gathered from the limited nature of the information at the disposal of tbe committee, they have to report that thfre am few districts in there are no temperance organisations. Nearly every district has its Good Templar lodge, its Band of Hope, or branch of fthe W.O.T. Union; besides sermons have been preached, lectures delivered',' and temperance literature distributed in almost every oongregation. Your committee also lea n from returns that "several public houses have been closed during the year by Licensing Committees pledged to exercise the powers of prohibition conferred by the act ; and that others, from natural causes, have ceased to exist. The oommittee regret that the Government were unable to implement their promise to bring forward a bill in Parliament which would have had for its object the giving to the people the right of ; veto in connection with licensing matters ; but there is a strong probability that next Parliament will take the matter up again and past it Into law ; and the committee think that this is more likely to be 'the case, from the fact that the Government's 'promise to Introduce the bill was the result of , pressure brought to bear upon it by a large majority of the House In favour of It. In conclusion, your committee thankfully report a hopeful sign in tbe outlook of temperance legislation, in the fact of a growing determination on the part of a large proportion of Parliament to face tbe terrific evil of the drink traffic, and to deliver the country from its withering curse Let us express the hope that as the conflict advances our ohurch will Dot be slow to support those who shall represent tbe cause of temperance in the " House." Tbe following are tnn suggestions your oommittee recommend for your adoption :— (1) That ministers be recommended to preach at least onoe a year on the subjeot of temperance. (2) That the present disposition of temperance legislation In Pad lament be watched and strengthened by, petition and other I means in favour of obtaining for the people the right |of veto. (3) That presbyteries, as far as possible, provide, for exchange of pulpits fqr the purpose of preaching on tbe subject.' (4) That the New Zealand Alliance, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, 1 and other organisations existing for ' the cause of I temperance on Christian lines receive the hearty sympathy and co-operation' of members of this ohurch.

Tbe Rev. J. Kibkxand (convener), in sub* mitting the report, observed that there had been an inclination on the part of- those congregations that made 'out, returnsV to carry on the work of temperance within, the church, bat there had beena desire rather to work outside the church and on undenominational lines. He pointed that' out because in' the deliverance of last year it was recommended that temperance societies should, as far as possible, be worked on congregational lines. No doubt, however, the church, as a ohuroh, ought to take a place in the great temperance movement which was going on at the present time. It was no mean part of the ohurch to deal with any of the evils, existing in the present day, and certainly not one of the least of these evils was intemperance ; and he thought it was really the duty of the church, as a church, to' take some decided' and , individual attitude towards tbe great drink, question. He believed, though, in the present state of tbe temperance question that it would be more advisable that the chnroh should oast in its lot and throw in Its efforts with outside organisations and work on undenominational lines, but, sooner or la+er^he was convinced they must on tbeir own account take some decided stand on the temperance question. There were many' who thought it was not within the province of the ohuroh to be a total abstinence association, because it was said that the bible allowed liberty on the matter. He believed that , the Bible bad not pronounced anything very ' definite— bad -left it an open question — but to his mind there was something more than liberty that affected their position with reference to this matter, and that was love. When the question was left open by the Bible, love stepped in and said they mußt not do anything that would injure a fellow man. With regard to prohibition, ' he was not prepared to say whether it would be wise on the part of the nynod to give forth a declaration on the subject, or whether they should accept total— absolute— prohibition or local prohibition. His own opinion was that they were not ripe for absolute prohibition, but be thought it was clear that' they were all ripe for local option. He referred with satisfaction to the fact that there was again a shrinkage in the "drink bill" of last' year, and threw out for consideration the matter of the formation of a Synod Temperance Union. The Rev. D. Ross submitted the following deliverance: — "Adopt tbe report; thank the ( committee, and especially the convener; recognise with thankfulness the steady progress of temperance in our land; urge the earnest prospcution of the work till final victory over the final ravages of drink is obtained ; endeavour to secure the voting power for women on this question ; aim at entire prohibition as our goal ; and reoommend the preaching by our ministers of the annual sermon on Ihe last Sabbath of November or thereabout." la doing so, he said that tbe discussion was likely to be onasided, because they had carried the cause to such a victorious position that there was nothing further to be accomplished within the synod— all had to be done outside. He expressed the belief that the women were perfectly sound on this subjeot, and would seek to abolish the liquor traffic, and he thought their next step would be final — complete prohibition.

The Rev. W. G. M'Larbn, in seconding the motion, referred with gratification to the fact tbe prohibition had been secured in his district, all the public houses for a stretch of 27 miles having been closed.

Mr F. Wilkinson spoke strongly in favour of the complete abolition of drinking customs, and tbe prohibition of tbe manufacture and sale of strong drink in this land, and, referring to the subject oF women's franchise, gave it as his opinion, that if that " consummation most devoutly te be wished" were accomplished, they would soon get rid of the drink traffic

The Rev. B. J. Porter referred with pleasure to tbe fact that the Tailoresses' Union had petitioned against; the pale of intoxicating drinks

on the day of the Labour Demonstration sports — (applause) — and he said he thought all they needed to effeot prohibition was female franchise.

Mr A. C. Begg mentioned that, in view of the general eleotions, various public bodies had set an agitation on foot for tbe purpose of legalising the establishment of distilleries in the colony. He thought the members of the synod and of the chnroh should set their face against thiß, and that they ought all to do everything in their power to prevent the return of any candidate who stated he was in favour of the drink traffic in any way. The deliverance was adopted. CHURCH EXTENSION.

The report of the Committee on Church Extension was then submitted. The following are extracts : —

Your oommittee has not been able to do much for ohuroh extension during the year, for while the field is large and its olaims pressing, it has been hindered from the lack of suitable agents and sufficient means from pressing forward the work. The ohurch will need to be wakened up to see the need, and realise her imperative duty to provide the Gospel and Its ordinances to all the settlers throughout her bounds before energetic cnuroh extension work can be carried on. In giving its report of work done during the year, your committee will, as usual, arrange it under separate headings.

I. — THE FIELD

The ohanges in the field during the year were at follows : — 1. Sanctioned Charges.— Ha vensbourne and Kaitangata have been settled, the former by the induction of the Rev. B. Hutson, from the Presbyterian Ohuroh of New Zealand ; and the latter by the ordination of the Rev. R. Fairmald, one of our own licentiates. Waikiwi, ereoted into a sanotioned charge shortly after the last synod, has been filled by tbe induotion of the Rev. R. Thornton. Kelso, sanotioned last synod, has not yet called a minister. Wallaoetown became vacant during the year by the translation of the Rev. J. H. Mackenzie to Lyttelton ; Lower Mataura, by the translation of tbe Rev R. Wood to Masterton; Gore became vacant by the resignation of the Rev. A. Maokay ; a»d Cromwell, by the resignation of the Key. G- F. Hunter. These plaoes are still vaoant. It will be pleasing to the synod to learn that these sanotioned charges provided for their own supply, and thus left funds for ohuroh extension. The committee also note with pleasure the movement to divide the extensive parish of Limestone Plains.

2. Ohuroh Extension Charges.— This department was relieved by tbe erection of Kelso and Waikiwi into sanctioned oharges, but was again burdened by the subdivision of Strath-Taieri, Matraes, <Sso., into Strath-Taieri, Hyde, Hlndon, and Lee Stream as one church extension charge, and Maoraes, Moonlight, Nenthorn. Green Valley, and Dunbaok into another. Mr Bruae Todd elected to take oharge of the Northern division, but this la now cacant as be has been called to Geraldine Strath-Taierl.&o.has just been settled by the ordination of the Rev. J. W. Waldie. ToiTols is still a church extension obarge under Mr 'Johnston, but the three years will expire 31 at Maroh next, Wanaka and Fukerau are still unsettled.

The committee would draw the attention of the synod to the fact that the church extension regulations have not fulfilled the end contemplated in 'their adoption, and church extension charges have I not developed into sanctioned oharges as was anticipated, and would ask the synod to take the matter I into serious consideration. ! 3. Mission Stations. — The mission stations of i Stewart Island, Orepnki, Lovell's Flat, Htlltnd, iKurl'Bush, Brighton', &o,,'have been' supplied as I formerly by the Revs. 'I. Oonnor, Messrs Ham, I Gilbert, and Stewart. Whare Flat has still been | supplied or provided for by Mr R. Chisholm, who ! deserves all praise for his many years' labour for this. Fine Hill and Mount Oargill have had fortnightly services provided for them by the Fellowship Union 'of Knox Ohuroh ; Leith. Valley has bad regular supply by the ministers of Knox Ohurch and several ministers and 1«3 men. St. Andrew's Mission Hall has also bad regular services every Sabbath evening, Sabbath school in the afternoon, and week-day meetings. But more is needed in the outlying suburbs of Dunedin and among the bush settlers. It is to be feared that many young people are growing up there without the pale of tbe ohuroh, and seldom attend the worship of God. They would need to be visited in their houses, and every kindly and Christian influence brought to bear upon them that they might be won to Christ. South Inveroargill has for years received the Invaluable services of theßev, A. H., Stobo, and is setting" so consolidated that, the presbytery has taken steps for the ereotion of ra cottage manse that Mr Stobo might be located among. the people Nenthorn was supplied by your committee until the subdivision of StrathTMeri and Macraes would allow the minister supplying the Macraes end to give it regular services. Otaeo Central has ceased to need speoial supply, partly by the withdrawal of the workmen and partly by its incorporation in Strath-Taieri parish. It is pleasing to note that tbe Gore mission station has ocased.to exist, the members having joined the parent congregation ; and while by 'he vote of the synod they were entitled to- about £19 from the ohuroh extension fund, the committee generously resolved tp forego its claim and to pay all liabilities themselves. 4. Home Mission Work.— ln regard to Home mission .work in and around Dunedin .there is not much to report, as most of the ministers and sessions failed to report to the convener wheß .asked to do so. Those that did, report show that something is being done by way of house to house visitation, cottage prayer meetings, tract distribution, and such like means of influencing the non-church goera.

n— THE STATF.

The staff available at present It:— Revs. T. H. Cameron, J. Nlven, J. Waters, J. White, J. Murray, J. A. Ather, 8.A., and f. Harrington (if accepted by the synod). Messrs J. Smith (applying for license). Carter, J. S. Reid,, Malcolm, and Blair. The places bo be snppliednre Wallacetown, Gore, Lower Mataura, Kelao, ; Cromwell, Fukeraa, Otautsu, Wanaka, Maoraes., Moonlight, *c. It will thus be seen that more ministers are urgently required.

11l — FINANCE.

Your oommittee, besides carrying out the regulations anent ohurch extension . supplying such places - as Wanaka, Strath-Taieri, Maoraes, 4c, nnd Hen- , thorn, paid grants to Fukerau of £16 0s 6d, and to S f ewart Island and Orepuki of £26 each. The strain upon the funds was so great that some of tbe presbyteries asked their congregations to make the church extension collection a aeoond time, and 18 congregations responded, with the result that £77 6s Id was raised. The thanks of the oommittee are due to those congregations for their ready response. Several congregations which had omitted last year to make a oolleotion for Otago Central did so in the beginning of this year, and by contributions amounting to £3L 19s 6d, helped to swell the total congrega-, tional contributions to £334 12s 9d.

(An analysis of the treasurer's statement appended showed that the income, including a balance from 1889, of £85 2o Id, amounted to £854 16s 6d, and the expenditure to £802 16s Id, leaving a balance of £52 0s sd.)'

The committee desires to thank Miss M. R. M. and other friends for their donations, and commend their, liberality to tbe members of the ohuroh. The com-, mittee would again call attention to the need for increased contributions to the ohurch extension fund if the work is to he kept abreast of settlement. Recommendations.— The committee beg leave to make the following recommendations :— (1) That In view of the large number of oharges vacant, the synod authorise the committee to send to the Home churches for three ministers suitable to our requirements. (2) That the oolleotion for this object be resumed.

The Rev. D. Borrie, who presented the report^ referred to visits made by him, in accordance with the instruction of the synod, to various congregations. The report was, he said, a modest statement of work done, and there was nothing that called for special attention, till they came to finance, when it would be noticed that the ordinary congregational contributions showed a decrease of a few pounds upon the contributions of the previous year. He spoke of_ the urgent need of sending Home for new ministers, seeing that there were few students coming forward for license, and said that, if the synod were afraid to trust the Colonial Committees of the Home Church to choose suitable men, and orthodox ones, the synod might send him (the speaker) Home, and he would do the whole matter very well. — (Laughter.) He concluded by moving the following deliverance :—": — " Adopt tbe report, thank Miss M. R. M. and the other friends for their donations to this fund, and

give effect to the recommendations of the report."

The Rev. J. Chisholm seconded the deliver"ance, and in doing so gave a narrative report of the work, which, together with Mr Borrie and alone, he performed in visiting congregations within the bounds of the Presbytery of Southland. He expressed bimßelf as being struck with the large extent of magnificent country that was yet unoccupied in Southland, and with the prominence of hotels. He suspected, too, that Sabbath deseoration was going on much more than they thought in connection with some of their new industries, such as the dairy industry, as farmers appeared to take their milk to the factories on Sundays in the same way as on Other days. He was told, also, that it was in some oases made a condition — more especially in Southland— of harvesting contracts, that the men Bhould work on Sundays, and he was informed that, because of that fact, gome men were precluded from taking up contracts. He concluded by emphasising the very laborious nature of the w6rk that was being done by some of the ministers who had control of scattered districts.

The Rev. J. U. Sfencb spoke in terms of warm appreciation of the services rendered by the elders of the church in aiding the work of church extension.

The Rev. Mr Johnston (Toi Tois), who continued the discussion, expressed the opinion that the real reason of the want of success of the church extension charges was that the platform upon whioh these were established was not a proper one.

The Rev. Dr Stuabt thought that the ministers in scattered- districts should set themselves to find helpers, and he regarded it as something like a scandal that Christian men in these places should not come forward to help the ministers The Anglican community rarely experienced a difficulty in finding lay readers, and he knew that the Presbyterian Church had in its elders a body of men who, if they were encouraged, would be of valuable service. It was not necessary they should have in every place an ordained minister, but it was to him a cause of great regret that ha was not authorised to look out for two or three good men when he was in the Home country, and he urged the synod to come to a unanimous decision to ■ send at once for three men. He declined to join in the lamentations about young men having to undertake the charge of large distriots. Why, he asked, should the young men shrink from work like that? Why should they not delight in giving five or six years to the noblest evangelistic work in which they could ■ engage ? He would relieve his friend Mr Ross, of Queecstown, who had done extraordinary work for 20 years — (hear, hear) — he would not ask him to continue it — and he reminded the synod that in the course of a few years there were other ministers who would be compelled to retire. ; The Rev. Dr Macgregob suggested that it should be impressed upon people residing in [sparsely populated distriots that, whether ordinances were provided for* them- or not, it was a primary t obligation - upon them to gather together for public worship. He also advocated a systematic distribution of- religious literature. f Mr E. B. Cargill, the Rev.. A. H. Stobo, the ! Rev. J. A. Willie , Rev. Mr Bl'a()lrie," : and the IRev. T. Neave (who* 'spoke eloquently of the need of the synod organising its efforts) also spoke, after whioh 'the 'deliverance was unanimously adopted.

The synod rose at 10.30 p.m.

Tuesday, Novembbb 4.

The Preßbyteriap'Bynod : reßumed"itß sitting at 10Ja.ni. to-day irr ttte liall of the First Church. The Moderator (the Rev. At Mi Finlayson) presided, and there was a fair attendance of members.

FORTROSE.

The Rev. Mr Bobbie reported from the Church Extension Committee that' the Southland Presbytery had agreed' that Fortrose be continned for one year on the highest"— that is, on the three years' — platform, receiving a grant of £20 from the cburctr extension fund's. On the motion of the' Rev.' J. Sutherland, seconded by the Rev.' Mr Allan, it was agreed to have this arrangement carried out.

BHPORT ' ON " STATISTICS.

The Rev. Mr Daletmple gave in the report on statistics as fallows :—

Tour committee ha* forwarded to all the congregations the . schedule of inquirlei resolved upon by last synod. ' 'Eight schedules have not yh been returned. So far.it nppvars that 88 congregations have increased their membership during the year by an aggregate of- 389, the increase In the several congregations ranging from Ito 63. Twelve congregations have dimluisb'ed by an aggregate of 76, the> diminution raDgibg from l-to2l. The net gain in membership for the year in 50 congregations ' is 313. So far as reported, the following are the i statistics for the year :— Baptismal roll, 3184;; adults baptised, 3 ; infants baptised, 998 ; oona- • munion roll, 10,164 ; received by examination, , 483 ; by certificate, 443 ; removed by certificate, \ 368 ; by death, 108 ; removed otherwise, 149.

The report was adopted,' after a short discos- ■ sion.

BEASON9 OF DISSENT.

It was moved by the- Rev. Mr RtIET, and ( seconded by the Rev: 'R. Sutherland— "That i a committee be appointed to answer the reasons ' of dissent given in by the Rev. Mr Ferguson and •others."

The Rev. Dr Macgbegor moved, and Rev. Mr: Cameron seconded as an amendment — "That 1 there be no appointment of a committee for' the purpose."

The amendment was carried by a large majority. <

REVISION OF BECOBDS.

The report of the committee on the revision' of records of the various presbyteries was read' by the Rev. Mr Cameron. It was to the effect that the records had been examined and found i regular and well kept.

The report was adopted, and the moderator' was authorised to sign the records as examined 1 to date.

VALIDATING A CALL.

The Rev. Mr Stobo called the attention of the synod to an irregularity on the part of ' the. Presbytery of Southland in connection with the' moderation in a call by the Gore congregation.

On the motion of the Rev. Mr Chisholm ifc was agreed that the proceedings of the presby* tery be validated.

THE MISSIONARY BEPOHT,

The Rev. Mr Bannerman, in resuming the disoussion on the missionary report, spoke of the great good that was done on the islands by the missionaries. At present Mr Milne was having more books printed for them. He would like to point out that nearly the whole cost of the books used in the past by the natives was met by the natives themselves out of the proceeds of their sales of arrowroot in New Zealand and Edinburgh. A larger number of books was now required, however, which meant, of course, additional expense. It was a matter of congratulation to them that on the islands occupied by Mr Milne and Mr Michelsen the Bame language was spoken so far bb the school and church were concerned, so that throughout the whole group of these 10 islands occupied by their two missionaries the same books sufficed, but this necessitated a large supply. The contributions from the natives would not meet the demand at present, and the ordinary missionary

collection was not adequate to the outlay of the committee. This being the case, the committee suggested that a special collection for this and the other matters referred to in the report might be made on the first Sabbath of 1891, whioh was the silver jubilee of the [synod. Mr Bannerman went on to speak of the contributions made by the church in aid of the mission, and referred to the irregular way in which they were sent in, and also spoke shortly of the Chinese mission, and the earnest way in which Mr Don carried on his work. He moved the following deliverance :— "Adopt the report; record the thanks of the synod to the committee, and especially to the convener ; rejoice at the progress made on the islands occupied by our missionaries, and thank God for the same ; welcome Mr Milne and his family, and trust that his period of furlough may benefit them greatly and further the special work of translation and providing other needed means for the instruction of the natives ; sanction Mr Michelsen goin? on furlough; authorise the committee to aid thereto, also in the matter of the maintenance and education of Mr Milne's children while in Duaedin ; recommend to our congregations, and especially the wealthier friends of missions, to aid the committee in meeting the cost of printing in whioh Mr Milne is engaged for his Natives; instruct the several ministers to take steps for the formation of mission associations in all their congregations ; enjoin congregational treasurers to forward to the general treasurer contributions when received by them for the mission iind other funds of the ohurob, and enjoin on >resbyteries to see that effeot is given to the nstruction ; approve of the diligence shown >y Mr Don in carrying on his work among the Chinese in Otago and Southland, and assure him of the sympathy and prayers of the ohuroh, jthat he may be gladdened by seeing* that his labour is not in vain ; approve also of the action of the committee in terminating the engagement of the Chinese catechist ; finally, the synod commend their missionaries and families, with their native teachers and converts, to the grace of God, and the sympathy and prayers of our people."

The Rev. Mr Don referred to the work which is now being done among the Chinese in the, city and in other parts of the province. He also spoke of the treatment he received from the Chinese among whom he laboured, many of whom extended a hearty Welcome to him, while a few opposed him. ' He was convinced from his experience among the Chinese that the seed was bearing fruit, and that they were coming slowly to recognise the Lord Jesus Christ. One great drawback which he found to his progress was the manner in which the Chinamen wero treated by the majority of people. They were iheavily taxed before they were allowed to come here, which gave them the idea that they were not on the same footing as Europeans, and when he was labouring among them they told him as much. The fact was that in consequence of their treatment the' Chinamen were leaving the colony as fast as they could get away. During last year only' 16 Chinamen arrived in New Zealand, while 104 went away. {Only four weeks ago 72 Chinamen left; and in the Eweiyang, which was at present 'in port, 24 were expected to leave from Dunedin and 50 or 60 from" Wellington* In concluding his remarks, Mr Don called attention to a meeting of 430 Chinese missionaries which was held in Shanghai in May* when that .'assembly made an appeal to the Christian world for the assistance of 1000 missionaries within the next five years. The Rev. D. Bobbie rejoiced at the success 1 of theTniseions, and thought that all who {read ij the reports must have their souls strengthened and their faith stimulated in the Gospel. The ' report brought some serious matters before them. There was a great deal of money needed, and unless they got it their -mission work would be seriously hampered, or they would get into financial difficulties. The reduction of the salaries of native teachers from £6 to £4 per month Was- a -thing the obnroh should not tolerate/and the way not to tolerate it was to put funds at the disposal of the committee. A far greater effort ought to be made to raise funds for foreign missions when they realised that ten hundred millions of the human race had never heard the story of the Gospel, and the church Bhould awaken to the fact that much' needed to' be done for* the spread of that Gospel. He suggested that in two or three years' time the Rev. Mr Patonj of Victoria, should be invited to visit Otttgo to arouse missionary enthusiasm in the church.

The Rev. Mr- Stobo expressed t the opinion that there was grave reason to fear the interference of the French with the mission work in the New Hebrides. He suggested an addition to the overture to the following effect :— " That the synod further direct the attention of members of the church and the public at large to the great and increasing danger to the missions in the New Hebrides from the rapidly growing extension of French influence in those islands."

The Rev. W. Will was afraid that in the present scheme they were going a little too fast. While admitting to the full the necessity for and importance of mission work, there were, he thought, many matters in the report that required the most careful consideration. They must not undertake more than they could accomplish, or incur liabilities that could not be met, or the result would be detrimental to their missionary enterprise.

Mr E. B. Cabgill thought that, in addition to the annual statistics as to the number that tha missionaries were instructing, there might be something said about the habits and customs of the people they were trying to convert. If that were done, he was sure that the interest of the public would be more widely awakened.

The Revs. Borrie and Jolly spoke in support; of the motion.

The Rev. Mr Bannebman said there was very great danger in connection with the French influence in the islands, caused, apparently, by the indifference of the British Government in the matter. The French were trying to get as much land as possible, and already they had large areas, whereas the British Government imposed restrictions upon the acquisition of land by British subjects. The consequence was that very few could take up the land, while the French and others, not having such restrictions placed on them, walked in and possessed themselves of large strips. Nothing would protect the natives co well, and nothing would advance the mission the Presbyterian Church had established on the islands, but the British Government taking a full protectorate over the group. The deliverance, with the addition suggested by the Rev. Mr Btobo, was unanimously adopted.

Evening Sederunt. sabbath schools. Mr W. S. Fitzgerald, the convener, brought up the report of the Sabbath Schools Committee, which ehowed, inter alia: — Attendance and Teaching Staff . — Number of sehoolu 196, of scholars 12,674, average attendance 9863; teachers, male 577. female 725- total 1302} members in full communion 1033, office-bearers 248 1 Bible classes 99, icholars 2611, average attendance 2053. The Shorter Catechism scheme has not been so warmly received as it promoter* desired nnd expected. Every year successful candidates have teen reported, and this year is not exceptional ; but though congregations have been recommended to

make collections for this and the Bible and ohurch J£ Bt .°;y. BOneme . conjointly, your committee regret that this year collections have not been made. They therefore do not reoommend that the Shorter •Jateohlsm examination scheme be continued. The following are the successful candidates this year:1. Isabella M'Kay.Wyndham, nine years of age, in two sittings only a week between, without a mis&tt ,V? elen M ' K& y> Wyndham, 11 years of age, ♦Sv7 litMnge.onlyI itMnge.only a week between, with one mistake. 3. Peter M'Kay, Wyndham, 13 years of age, in three sittings, a week between eaoh. with two S w M w J he lamination of these candidates," «t«t»i r f? ' was a Br eat Pleasure to myself, the ??.",*' «l fc was no hard < repulsive task to them, taught as they were at the knee of a Christian mother.' Your oommittee recommend that the usual rewards be given. ♦^18,i 8 ,? 11 Scheme.— lt was suggested at last synod that the committee should make inquiry with regard to lesson schemes. Having done so. they find that with few exceptions, the international soheme is used throughout the ohurch, and there is little desire to change it. It has, however, been suggested that our churoh should prepare a scheme for its own schools. Your committee do not recommend the adoption of this suggestion. Though the soheme prepared might be better adapted to the wants of our children, we could not furnish our teachers with such helps as accompany the international lessons. To non-professional teachers these helps are simply invaluable, and, used as they should be, are of immense benefit to the children. A suggestion of improvement has on previous occasions been made, and again comes from Mr Borrie, of the Appleby school. He suggests that tho Sunday Sohool Committee should seleot texts andpialms for memorising and Insert them in the schedules, or see that schedules are prepared with blank spaces in which the teacher may insert them at his own discretion The manager of the Tract Depot is prepared to adopt either plan should the synod desire it, and yonr committee reoommend that the psalms be selected as suggested. Complaints come from many sohools of the unsuitability of the international soheme for the infant olasses. In some cases the teacher selects her own lesson, in others the "Peep of Day" series is used, in others picture books. Wefind, however, chat good work is done with the aid of the Berean "Leaf Clusters," not only in the daily lessons of infant classes, but also in the quarterly reviews of the work done by the whole school. Your committee recommend those who have not seen these illustrations to examine them on the first opportunity. In every infant class 'the teacher would find pioture illustration greatly increase the effectiveness of her ■work.

School Accommodation.— Your committee are anxious that the work of the schools should proceed tinder the best working conditions, and they know that such conditions do not exist in church buildings. They know that in many cases no other provision for the schools is possible, but it is well that congregations should keep before them the pressing need for better, and tbey are pleased to find that this has been and is being done. There are church halls, classrooms, and vestries for the Sabbath schools ; public halls are rented, and public schools are freely used in country parishes. Special buildings have been erected for the pnrpose ; Roxburgh has one that cost £80. Some congregations have a echool building fund, slowly but steadily growing, having a power of drawing to itself odd sums of money that otherwise would be lost to the churoh. Sabbath Services. -The custom of giving special attention to the young during the ordinary Sabbath aervioe Is year by year becoming more general. The children's portion, the 10 minutes" sermonette, monthly and quarterly sermons to the young are reported from a large majority of parishes, and the custom of selecting one of the children's hymns in church praise during each of the morning services is generally followed.

Mr Fitzgebals referred in detail to the matters dealt with in the report, and regarding the catechism scheme said he regretted its failure. They had always had successful candidates, but the scheme did not seem to have attracted general attention throughout the ohurch to the value of the shorter cateohism.

The Rev. Mr Faibmaid moved the adoption of the following deliverance: — Adopt the report; thank the committee, and especially the convener; acknowledge appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the church by the large staff of Sabbath school teachers ; express satisfaction that the number of young com* monioants giving themselves to this department of the church's work is well maintained, notwithstanding the many drawbacks that have occurred during the past year ; recommend the continuance and increase of efforts to help the young in connection with the ohuroh by means of Bible classes and employment in Christian work; express regret that the shorter catechism scheme does, not commend itself so widely as conld be desired; commend to the Sabbath school the cause of Christian missions; while thankfully acknowledging the Divine help in the past, urge the church in public and private to bear the spiritual welfare of the children of our schools in their hearts to the Throne of Grace ; and sanotioa the distribution of the report among the school teachers.

The report having been discussed the deliverance was adopted new. con.

THEOLOGICAL COMMITTEE.

Mr E. B. Cargill, one of the joint conveners, presented the report of the Theological Committee, which incorporated the reports of the Rev. Dr Donlop and the Rev. Dr Watt, and continued :—

From the above reports it will be seen that seven regular and three other students have attended the classes with regularity, and to the satisfaction of the professors. Mr J. Watson Smith, 8.A., having completed his course and passed the exit examination, is now recommended to the synod for license. In order to give students entering on their last session at the hall early intimation of the subjeots for the Kxifc Examination, the committee have appointed the following at the subjeots for the Exit .Examination in 1891:— (1) Apologetics or Fundamental Theology ; (2) The Canon ; (3) Old Testament Hxegesis t Is. 1—39 ; (4) Hew Testament, Eom. I— V; Ohurch History: Fisher's Ohuroh Histery, Part 11.

The Lang Scholarship was offered for competition in May last, and was awarded to Mr William Brown, of First Ohurch, Invercargill. The Stuart book prize (value £5) has been awarded to Mr J. Swanson Reid, of Milton.

While rejoioing that so many students are attending the classes in the hall, your committee feels that the church's need of men makes it imperative that a strong effort be made throughout the ohurch to secure able young men for the ministry. In this work ministers and parents may help by bringing the claims of Christ before our young men. Much may also be done by furnishing your committee with scholarships, by means of whioh the door to the ministry may be opened to some who otherwise could not enter its ranks.

Your committee have reason to believe that there are men in our church who would make able and successful ministers of the Cross, and who desire to enter the ministry, but feel themselveß debarred from the long course of study on account of their age and circumstances. In order to meet such cases, your committee unanimously agreed to recommend to the synod the adoption of the following regulation, taken, with slight alterations, from the regulations for the Theological Hall of the Victorian Ohuroh : — " Students who have not attended the university may be admitted on the recommendation of their presbytery, and of the Theological Committee, by a special resolution of the synod, on condition that before entering the hall they shall spend at least one year in such preliminary studies as may be prescribed by the Theological Committee, and under the superintendence of their presbytery." Your committee has pleasure in informing the synod that it is in a position to offer for competition this year two scholarships, value at least £25, and tenable for three years. Your committee and professors are unanimous in recommending that the Theological Classes should open with the University Classes in the beginning of April, and that the mldwinterholidays be lengthened to correspond to those of the university. B. B. CAHGtLi,, \ Joint D. M. Stuabt, J Conveners.

The Rev. Mr Febguson moved the adoption of the following deliverance :—" Adopt the report, express satisfaction with the labours of the professors, agree to the recommendations anent the new regulations affecting respectively admission to the hall and the period of the session, further acknowledge the indebtedness of the church to

the Rev. Andrew Cameron in connection with the raising of scholarships." The new regulation relating to the Theological Hall had been forced upon the committee by the circumstances of the church. If a man could satisfy the presbyteries that he bad some special gifts ; if he had good sound sense, plenty of soul vigour, and good bodily health, with the threefold look proposed, there could be no danger in the proposed change.

The Rev. William Will thought that under some circumstances it would be advisable to modify the regulations, but it would be hopeless to expect that a man entering the hall without a knowledge of Latin and Greek would be prepared to pass the exegesis examination. The Rev. Dr Stuabt said it had been with reluctance he had given his consent to the clause referred to, his fear being that the exceptions might prove the rule. Still, it seemed desirable to submit the recommendation to the judgment of the church. The Rev. Mr Kibkland moved to amend the deliverance by directing that the proposal to amend the regulations re admittance to the Theological Hall be pat down as a matter for the consideration of presbyteries. The Rev. Mr Stobo seconded and supported the amendment. The Rev. Mr Febguson accepted the amendment, and the deliverance having been altered accordingly, was adopted unanimously. COMMITTEE ON EEMITS. The remit regarding partially disabled ministers was fallen from. Anent Evangelists. — All the presbyteries approved of the appointment of an evangelist, but none nominated ; 15 sessions approved of the appointment of an evangelist.— The Committee on the State of Religion was directed to arrange an evangelistic commission on a basis in keeping with the needs of the church. Anent Standing Committees. — It was agreed that the principle of presbyterial representation be maintained, and that a third of each committee retire yearly ; no convener to hold office for a longer period than three years, except on reappointment. NEW PBBSBYTEBY. The Rev. Mr Ferguson reported that at a joint meeting of presbyteries it had been unanimously agreed that Fortrose, Lower Mataura, Upper Mataura, Waikaia, Gore, and Knapdale should be cut off the Southland Presbytery, and Kelso, Tapanui, and Pukerau from the Clutha Presbytery ; that the name of the new presbytery should be the Presbytery of Mataura, its seat Gore, its first moderator the Rev. J. M. Davidson, and that it should hold its first meetiog on -the first Tuesday in April 1891, the act of constitution dating from the 31st of March 1891.— The resolutions as reported were adopted nem con. The synod adjourned at 10.30 p.m.

[To prevent mistake, it was the Rev. J. M. Davidson who seconded the amendment proposed by the Rev. W. Bannerman during the discussion on the report dealing ' with the Confession of Faith on Tuesday (the 28th nit.) nnd not the Rev. A. F. Davidson, of Knox Churoh.]