THE WYNDHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2303, 21 April 1898, Page 16

THE WYNDHAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Wyndham Farmer reports that fully 50 ladies and gentlemen, members and adherents of the Wyndham Presbyterian congregation and supporters of the Rtv. Mr Smellie, met on Thursday evening, when Mr Dooll presided and moved — " That this meeting hereby expresses its regret at and protests agai&sb the undignified and unconstitutional couduct of the Otago and Southland Synod in opening up a matter which had b?en fully considered aod dealt with after _an exhaustive inquiry extending 1 over nearly seven bnurs ; and further would point out' that the matter referred to will no doubt besome a precedent which, will open up ' the way lo grave abuse in future, so that any- # one having a grievance, however trivial, may ignore ths lower courts — namely, the session and presbytery — and appeal direci to tbe highest church courts, thereby setting aside the constitutional raode of Presbyterian Church government as laid down by the Free Caurch of Scotland." Mr Milne, who seconded the resolution, and other speakers said thsy felt very sore over the action of. the synod. The motion having been carried, Mr John Millar proposed the adoption of a manifesto in which it was stated i,h*t the reopening of the matter bebween Mr Smellie and the ex-tffije bsarers of the church will do iocileulibJe harm, and that the movement had its origin with a few individuals whose objtc 1 ; was to effect Mr Smellfe's removal. The manifesto concluded by declaring that if even-handed justice be not meted out to Mr Smellie (and he be sacrificed for expediency) they will sever their connection with the church and cease to supporb it. The manifesto was adopted after some discussion and was subsequently signed by nearly all present. It was asso resolved to urge the synod's committee to hold the inquiry in the presence of the congregation on the 19th. inst.