CLUTHA PRESBYTERY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2675, 21 June 1905, Page 16

CLUTHA PRESBYTERY.

The Clutha Presbytery met at Balclutha on Wednesday, the 14-th inst., when there were present — the Rev. Mr Ramsay (Moderator pro tern.), and Messrs S. W. Currie, Dalrymple, Fraser, Miller, Howes, Allan, Blair, Budd, Chisholm, and W. T. Currie (ministers) and Messrs M'Hattie, Fyfe, Smaiil, M'Adie, Shiels, Sutherland, Paul. Lockhart, Smaiil, and Kelly (ciders). Commissions from Owaka, Tuapelca West, and Waitahuna in favour of Messrs R. M'Latchie and John and Robert M'Caw were received. Messrs Reid, M'Allister, Orr, J. M'Caw, and Roy wrote stating their inability to be present. Mr J. M'Caw wrote re steps being: taken in connection with securing a glebe for Beaumont. Home Mission Station. — After consideration it was agreed, on- the motion of Mr Dalrymple. seconded by Mr Budd, to reappoint the committee to report to next Presbytery. The quost'on of readjusting "Presbytery expenses" was considered, when it was agreed that no change be made. A report from the committee appointed to arrange for the celebration of the quarter centenary of John Knox was received and adopted. Besides the meetings already held, there still remains the Prcsbyterial celebrations at Milton on the evening of Wednesday. September 13, the date of next meeting of Presbytery, when addresses will be given by the Roys. Chisholm (of Roslyn). Orr (of Warepa), and Ramsay (of Stirling). It. was also agreed to bring; the matter before the Sunday School" children by holding special services for the children next " Children's Day," October 15, with the recommendation that, as far as convenient, the ministers effect an exchange" amongst themselves on that date. The question of Presbyten'al visitation of congregations was considered, when it was agreed to adopt the principle of visitation by committees of Presbytery. — On the motion of Mr Miller it was aereod that, in accordance with the Assembly's instructions re Presbvterial visitation of congregations, the Presbytery appoint at its pleasure committees, to. do, this S.ork, consisting of thre^

ministers and two elders. — On the motion of Mr Fras-er it wes agreed to accept tho queries of the Churrh in the north with the following, to the Deacons' Court, in addition:— (l) Do j-ou lay before your con- ! gregation a yearly balance sheet? If so. I produce it. (2) Do you s^e that the manse i and outbuildings are kept in good repair? I — It was furthermore agreed to visit tho congregations within tho bounds of the Presbytery in the order of their age. and ! in accordance with this that a committee, 1 consisting of Messrs Currie, Orr, Chisholm. Smaiil, and "Fyfo (Mr Ctirrie convener), be appointed to visit Clutha congregation during the ensuing three month=. — It was agreed that the clerk should forward the questions to the clerk of the Clutha congregation. The Assembly statistics for the past year were considered, Mr Dalrymple, as appointed by last Presbytery, introducing the matter, when, on Mr Dalrymple's motion, the following was agreed to: — "That if ro reply from congregations be received to queries the conveners use the latest procurable figures, distinguishing the latter by an asterisk." — It was agi*eed~ to thank Mr Dalrymple for his paper. The clerk laid on the table the resignation of Mr Robertson, home missionary at Ratanui, when it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Allen, seconded by Mr Howes, that tho resignation be accepted. Mr Dalrymple reported re the Glenomaru Home Mission Station, that Mr Wen had retired, and that pulpit supply was at present being sent by the Home Mission Committee. Extract minutes of the Popotunoa Kirk Session were laid on the table and read, showing that a vote had recently been taken in the Clinton and Wairuna- sections of 'fhe congregation re the introduction of the '" individual cup " in the sacrament of the Supper, with the following: result: — Clinton. 45 for and 4 against; Wairuna. 32 for and 13 against. — It was agreed, on the motion of Mr Fraser — "That, in accordance with the recommendation of the Popotunoa Kirk Session, the application from Clinton be granted, but that in the meantime sanction to the Wairuna section of the congregation be delayed." A telegram, was received from the Moderator of Fcilding to say that tho Presbytery of Wanganui had sustained a call to the Rev. George Budd. of Milburn. — It was agreed to call a meeting of the Milburn congregation for Monday. 26th inst., at 7.30 p.m., to consider what steps they should take in the matter ; and further, that the Presbytery meet at Milton on Tuesday. 27th inst., at 9 a.m., to deal with the call. The question of the new settlement of the Greenfield Estate was considered, when it, was agreed to appoint Messrs Macallister, Reid, and John M'Caw to visit the- whole district and report to next Presbytery. It was agreed to leave the consideration of the remit dealing with the amalgamation of the funds of the two sections of the Church till next Presbytery. Committees consisting of Messrs Miller, Howes, and Rector Reid (with Mr Miller convener), and of Messrs S. W. Currie, Ramsay, and Smaiil (with Mr Currie eonve^ner). were appointed to examine the dTafS pf the new. Book of Ord^j; ajjd renort fe>

' next- Presbytery; .said committees also to', consider the abo Ate question -of the amalgamation of funds and to report.