CLUTHA PRESBYTERY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 54

CLUTHA PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery cf Clutha met at Milton on the 141 h inst. The Assembly remit regarding the meaning of regulation 3 of the Home Mission regulations was considered) when it was agreed, on the motion of Mr Watson, seconded by Mr Clarke, that ordained homo missionaries shall have the right to dispense the Sacraments and to officiate at marriages in any district in which they are stationed.

The Assembly remit regarding the beneficiary funds was considered, when, on tho motion of Mr Currie, seconded by Mr Wataon, the Presbytery agreed to the suggested increase on the' part of ministers and congregations—viz.. £lO per annum for ministers and 2 2 per cent, en the stipend paid for congregations, but with regard to tho final clause, granting an increased annuity only for the years of service subsequent to tho measure becommg the law of the Church, the Presbytery agreed that the condition of the fund, with tho increase in revenue from ministers and congregation, warrants the payment of an annuitv to present and future beneficiaries of £2 for each year of service in tho Church (over and above thepresent basis of £SO to start with), with a maximum of £lO4 per annum, " with tho proviso that if in any year tho amount available for distribution is not equal to theso requirements the said amount shall bo divided pro rata, and all claims for the said year shall bo thereby settled." An application from Kaitangata for a grant for church repairs was received, when Messrs Morton and Webster were appointed to examine tho condition of the church and to report. In the absence of Mr Webster (as convener) Mr Currie reported for the commission appointed to visit Popotunoa, and gave detailed answers to the prescribed queries, and moved a resolution of congratulation, which was agreed to. and Mr Webster was appointed to convey the finding to the congregation of Popotunoa. It was agreed to fix next Presbytery for tho election of representatives to' tho Assembly.