DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2059, 10 August 1893, Page 5

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

The ordinary meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery was held at First Church on the" 2nd inst. There were present : The Revs. A.VGreig (moderator), W. Will, J. M. Sutherland, R. R. M. Sutherland, J. M. Fraser, D. Bowie, J. Gibson Smith, A. Cameron, J. Christie, A. M; Finlayaon (clerk), Dr Stuart, and Dr Watt, 'Messrs E. B. Cargill. W. Hutton, D. Thomson; W. Leslie jun., J. Paterson, J. Sawell, W. H. Ash, W. Randell, J. Mackay, and J. W- Laing. MODERATORSIIU'. The Clerk intimated. that the Rev. A. Greig's term as moderator had expired, and that the Rev. J. M. Sutherland was next on the list. The Rev. Mr Sutherland was appointed moderator for the ensuing six months. BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOLS. The Rev. Dr Stuart, as convener of the committee appointed at last meeting to consider the question of Bible-reading in schools, stated that the committee had met, and resolved to invite representative men in Dunedin *to ; a 'conference. Bach man who was deemed a representative man in his denomination was requested to attend, and to bring a layman along with him, to discuss m a friendly way the steps that' should be taken with reference to the introduction of the Bible in schools. Five or six accounted for their abaehce, pleading inability ; and others did not take any notice of the invitation. • He thought there were only five present altogether. Mr Cargill : One more than the committee The Rev. Mr Will : That is discouraging. j ,' , Dr SruAM (resuming): Those present talked over the matter, and. he brought under their notice a videmus of the scheme pursued by the London School Board. After a deal of conversation it was proposed and carried that they should ask for another conference. ' A small committee was appointed to draw up a statement to be sent to those invited to attend. In this connection' it was perhaps desirable to say that a movement had been initiated in Parliament bearing so'rdewhatonthe Bible in schools. Mr W.. Hutchison proposed, when the Education Act Amendment Bill was in Committee, to move for certain clauses providing for Bible teaching. It was gratifying to find members of Parliament in any way anxious to have Bibla instruction given in schools within school hours. The scheme proposed was in opera- ' tion in New South Wales. In that colony they had still the Irish bookß, as they were called, which contained important portions of the -Scriptures. There was a Scriptural text book also. The New South Wales Act also endowed ministers.'or any person appointed -by the denomination, a particular hour daily, and also the use of a> room during school hours, to teach the children mattera pertaining to their denomination. Although he was glad to see Mr Hutchison taking an interest in the question, he did not think the scheme was very practicable. However, they 'should recognise with thanks that a member of the Souse of Representatives was anxious to Sco the Sible in some form read, and instruction given in ,he schools within school hours. The Ministers' Conference at Auckland had agreed to, petition Parliament for the introduction of Iribh books into the schools of the colony, and for permission to use the Irish text books. The report was received. FINANCIAL. A report of the committee on Presbytery expenses was handed in by the Rev. D. Borrie. The report recommended that provision be made for expenses only as hitherto, that the clerk's salary be j£2s res of all expenses, and that the schedule pf con-'* tributions of congregations bXfixedVa? tfrider:—^ First Church and Kuox Church, each £4 10s ; Stir. Andrew's and Mornington, each £3 ; Port Chalmer?, East Taieri, West Taieri, and Mosgiel, each £2 lps ; North Dunedin, Anderson's "Bay, Kaikorai, and Green Island, each £2 ; • North-East Harbour, Waikouaiti, and Caveraharo, each £1 10s: North Taieri, South Dunedin, North-East Valley, Blueskin and Merton, and Chalmers Church, each £1. The report was adopted. MISCELLANEOUS. It was stated that those wishing to communicate with the mission at the New Hebrides could do so by forwarding letters to Sydney by August 30, at which date a steamer will leave for the islands. ■ ' The following were appointed a committee to report on a remit on the course of study in the Theological Hall : Drs Dunlop, Stuart, Watt. Rev. Messrs Will, J. M. Sutherland, It. R. M. Sutherland, Cameron, Borrie, J. Gibson &mith, and Davidson. In regard to the managing of committees, it was resolved that they should be guided by the rules of procedure for deacons' courts. !< , An application for a grant of £50 in respect of the manse at Waikouaiti was agreed to. , , The presbytery then adjourned.

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