PRESBYTERY OF MATAURA

Southland Times, Issue 25538, 5 December 1944, Page 6

PRESBYTERY OF MATAURA

PARISH BOUNDARIES DISCUSSED Several proposals for changes in boundaries of charges in the Mataura Presbytery were contained in a report presented to the presbytery by the moderator (the Rev. J. T. Gardiner) at a meeting at Gore. The proposals were made with a view to conserving manpower in the presbytery, a commission having previously been set up to gather information from the parishes concerned. The report stated that when the questionaires were returned the commission met, and very carefully considered the information. It was unanimously agreed that the following proposals be placed before the interested parties:— (a) Crookston and Heriot to amalgamate; (b) Tapanui and Kelso to amalgamate (excepting Waikoikoi); (c) Waikaka and Glenkenich to amalgamate; (d) Waikaka Valley and Waikoikoi to amalgamate; McNab to Gore; (e) Clinton and Waipahi to amalgamate; (f) Gore and Pukerau (except Waipahi) with present Gore outfields to become one parish, with the appointment of an associate minister to live at Pukerau; (g) Knapdale and Wendon to amalgamate; (h) Riversdale and Waikaia to amalgamate (except Wendon). The proposals were discussed at meetings held at Kelso and Riversdale on Tuesday, November 21. SERIOUS SITUATION “Those present, when informed of the situation, showed a willingness to cooperate,” stated the report. “Nevertheless, several factors entered in which nullified the proposals of the commission, and the members do not feel that any good would be accomplished if the proposals are proceeded with. Although the commission is not bringing forward many proposals today, the members feel that something has been achieved, even if it is to arouse the people to realize the seriousness of the situation and to cause them to work out ways and means to meet it. “A question arising from the two conferences demands immediate consideration, either by presbytery or the commission,” stated the report. “That is that some kind of training be made available to men who would be willing to take up the work of preaching the gospel. The commission acknowledges that splendid service is being given by our lay preachers, but feels that there must be men in our midst, who, if given, the necessary encouragement and opportunities, would be able to help the great cause which we are advancing these days. The commission prays the presbytery to devise ways and means to explore the possibilities of utilizing local talent.” ASSISTANCE FOR MINISTER The following resolutions were adopted:—(a) That presbytery approve the finding of the commission for the amalgamation of Riversdale and Waikaia, and that the combined congregations now be authorized to proceed with a call, the incoming minister to be informed that the two parishes do not desire the amalgamation to terminate or to be reviewed by presbytery for at least three years from the date of induction; (b) recommend that the i Gore session be asked to meet the commission with a view to exploring the possibilities of securing full-time assistance for the minister, and that the convener be empowered to arrange the meeting at a suitable date early in 1945; (c) recommend that consideration of authority to proceed with the erection of a manse at Kelso be delayed until the February meeting of presbytery; (d) that steps be taken to encourage and train suitable men for the preaching of the gospel; (e) recommend that the commission be continued.”