PRESBYTERY OF DUNSTAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 61

PRESBYTERY OF DUNSTAN.

The Dunstan Presbytery met on Wednesday at Ranfurly, the Moderator (tha Rev. J. .Stanching) presiding. Correspondence from the Foreign and Home Missions Committees was received and discussed, ministers being enjoined to bring mission interests before their congregations, and to urge them to greater liber ah'ty. The matter of the Theological Hall collection wns dealt with similarly. Communications from the Southland and Uairaru Presbyteries were received concerning "praycra for time of war/' and the attention of sessions was called to a small book of prayer published by the Victorian Presbyterian Church, and now procurable in New Zealand.

Reports from the Moderator of the Patearoa charge and the Ida Valley home mission station were received, and the Rev. T. G. Butler, who is temporarily supph'ing Patcaroa, being present, was requested to report concerning the work. A resolution was passed_ expressing satisfaction at the progress being made. The remit from the Otago Synod concerning supplies for vacant charges was considered, and, on the motion of the clerk. seconded by the Rev. G. D. Falconer, it was resolved—" That the Presbytery considers that Presbyteries and Moderators of vacancies, knowing local corith'tions, arc the most competent to arrange supplies during vacancies."

The Rev. F. R. Blue moved and the; Re,v. A. y. G. Chandler seconded, and it was. unanimously resolved —"That, having regard to the fact that the drink traffic is a great evil, and particularly so in war time, this Presbytery urges Parliament lo consider the question of the closing of the liquor bars at 6 o'clock for the duration of the war and for six months thereafter." The clerk was instructed to forward the resolution to the Prime Minister and the member for the electorate. Sessions and deacons' courts' records were examined and duly signed by the Moderator.

The application from the Mount Ida charge for grant in aid of manse repairs being in order was approved, the, meeting closing with the benediction.