RIVERSDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 22

RIVERSDALE.

February 6. — The Presbyterians at Riversdale have for nearly 18 months been without a fixed pastor, their district having been at the synod of 1892 disjoined from Waikaia, of which it then formed si part. During this time some nine candidates fiave been heard, and twice the congregation has been asked to make, and has made, a selection of their choice as pastor. The gentleman first selected declined, and the recently chosen one, Rev. James Mackellar, does not appear to be viewed with favour by the presbytery, as at their first meeting that body did not, as it was expected they would, comply with the expressed wish of the congregation, and ratify by appointment the chosen of the people. Thus it was anticipated that a large muster of members and adherents would take place at the congregational meeting held on Tuesday last. The Rev. P. Ramsay, moderator, presided, and before introducing the business of the meeting, stated that in order for them to start clear, and without prejudice against him, it was necessary that he should state that everything that appeared in the paper was not true. He then requested the clerk, Mr A. H. Aitken, to read the annual balance sheet and report, which were unanimously adopted. The Moderator then intimated that the next business was the -election of a new committee. Mr 11. Kennedy requested an explanation as to why the presbytery declined to appoint the Rev. James Mackellar to Riversdale. The speaker was of opinion that this question should be answered before any other business was dealt with.— (Hear, hear.) Messrs Manson and Reid concurred. The Moderator had no explanation to givethat was the presbytery's business, and he declined to discuss it.

Voices : But we want to discuss it, and to get Mr Mackellar too.— (Cheers.) The Moderator adhered to his already expressed determination not to discuss that matter, and called for nominations for the committee.

Several gentlemen were then proposed for the committee, all of whom declined under the present exceptional circumstances. Mr Kennedy suggested that an answer to his question might facilitate matters.— (Applause ) The Moderator declined to accept the suggestion, adding that the presbytery would probably send a deputation to meet with the congregation and make the explanation desired. Messrs Manson and Ileenan expressed their dissatisfaction with the moderator's action, and also with that of the presbytery. — (Hear, hear.)

Mr Aitken said it was evident the meeting was not disposed to proceed to business until some explanation was forthcoming, and that the moderator was determined to baulk the wishes of the people. — (Cheers.)

The Moderator ruled the discussion out of order, and proceeded to leave the meeting. He returned, however, and appealed to the meeting to support the authority and respect to the chair.— (Derisive laughter.)

Mr Arch. Mac Donald and the moderator here interchanged " compliments."

Mr R. Low suggested, and ultimately it was agreed, that present committee retain office until the presbytery make the explanation promised by the moderator.

Some rather warm discussion ensued in regard to Mr Mackellar being retained until after the presbytery's explanation. The Moderator stated that Mr Mackellar was appointed to supply the pulpit for Jauuary, and his time was now up, and another appointment had been made.

Mr Aitken pointed out that the gentleman responsible for the appointment (Rev. J. A. Asher) and the moderator had been timeously advised that the congregation desired to retain the services of Mr Mackellar, as was evidenced by the fact that a petition in his favour had been signed by 44 out of 50 members, and 114 adherents. The speaker suggested that Mr Mackellar be retained. The Moderator would neither recommend nor sanction this. Mr Kennedy thought the moderator should give way, otherwise they might as well close the church door. The Moderator did not think such a result would follow. Several members of the committee thought it would. Some further unpleasant talk ensued, and a motion to the effect that the meeting adjourn was at once acted upon, and thus ended probably the liveliest and most unsatisfactory meeting in connection with church matters ever held upon the Waimea Plains. The Weather.— During the past week many and varied changes of weather, seasonable ana unseasonable have occurred. At the time of writing the Mataura is bank and bank, all lowlying lands give regrettable indications of the recent heavy rainfall, while the windy elements are threatening destruction to the heavy grain crops, for the harvesting of which, nevertheless, we hope for favourable weather. Crops.— ln recent years the W aimea Plains has become celebrated for the quantity and quality of its production of grain, more especially oats. Speaking generally, and from personal knowledge, the writer is of opinion that the crops, while slightly better than those of last year, are not up to the average. If the Sandstone ridge is excepted, tho grain crops are undoubtedly disappointing. The cause of this is too much rain after sowing, and late sowing. The croppers on the Sandstone should thresh 50 bushels per acre, and the settlers average 33 bushels of oats. Prices.— Speculation as to what these will be in the approaching season i 3 now becoming rife, and as if the struggling producers had not had sufficient trials to bear of late through the erratic behaviour of the weather, the grain agen ts must trot out as usual and make a display in parading their belief (I had almost said hope) that present prices cannot be maintained, &c, &c. The prospects of present rates being maintained are not very rosy, but to cry "stinking fish" will not mend matters. On the contrary, it will almost certainly have the effect of causing many graingrowers to unduly hasten their produce on to the market, and thus accelerate the inevitable result— a fall in values. Turnips.— As new ground continues to be brought under cultivation, so, and only so may one say, broadcast turnips are grown, drilling being now the mo3t approved method. In broadcast the results, as is always the cisc, differ exceedingly. Several splendid crops in drills may, however, be seen. A remarkably good one is that of Mr 11 S. Jones, Pyramid ,Bridge. It is now becoming more generally recognised than formerly that the year's operations are not complete without a plot of drilled turnips. Pasture. — Grass ha 3 b^en abundant all through, though in the old pastures the dry weather was telling its tale, but with some more fine weather after the rain and storm subsides a fresh start may be looked for. Stock are consequently in good condition. The wool returns have been mostly satisfactory notwithstanding the fact that, owing to an unsijally wet spring and early summer, tbe woo] was light in the grease. Stock SALES.—The auction sales of fat and store stock have now comn uuced, and private buyers of freezers aie on the job. Competition in this line is keen between the J. G. Ward Com pany and the Southland Froz.-n Meat Company. The Waimea Plains Review chronicles tho fact that last week ths first consignment of lambs for the season from this district was made by Mr H mail from the flocks of Messrs M. Ileenan and A. H. Aitken, and they were described as being in prime condition.