TARANAKI PRESBYTERY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 40, 9 June 1914, Page 8

TARANAKI PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery met ia the Presbyterian schoolroom, Hawera, on Thursday i Rev. Mr Patfcison preluded, and there was a full attendance of ministers and seven out of eight elders. The Rev. A. Porter, of Marion, was welcomed by the Moderator and associated with the Presbytery. Visitation of St. Andrew’s, New Plymouth.—The report of the triennial visitation was read by the clerk and evidenced the good work being done by the Rev. Roseveare and hi>

band of office-bearers. A great mass of information was furnished by the. report, and the Presbytery adopted a finding and expressing appreciation of the measure of prosperity, and mnkiiur certain snofiroatim-s. TTie Rov. Mr Pattison was appointed to read it ft) the congregation. Bible in State Schools League.— The Presbytery adopted a resolution pledging itself to continue its support of the League’s platform already adopted by several General Assemblies of the Church, and urged that, as upwards of 137,000 electors had signed a request for a referendum, the Government would be justified in facilitating' the wishes .of the people. The clerk was instructed to send a copy to each Cabinet Minister.

Bible Class Conference. —The Presbytery expressed its delight at the success of the conference on June 3rd and of the fact that 150 of the young people should spend a holiday in tin's way. Grateful acknowledgment was made of the services of Rev. A. Porter and Mr T. Barton, 8.A., and the whole Bible Class movement was commended to the prayers of the ministers and sessions. Toko.—A good deal of time was taken up discussing the situation in this station where the Presbyterian population is diminishing. It was decided to postpone the appointment of a' fresh agent until the 1 finances wore on a better footing, and that the Stratford Session be asked to continue ••services at Toko,' and, if possible, at Huiroa and Hniakama.

Ordination of Horae Missionaries. —lt was agreed to ask the sanction of the H.M. Committee in Wellington to sanction the ordination of Mr Dunlop, of Waitara, while undergoing the course df study, and to agree to the exemption of Mr Stewart, of Kaponga, with a view to ordination. Messrs Robertson and Pattison, with their elders, were appointed to ordain Mr A. J. Raon, at Inglewood. A similar application from Mr Butler, of Normanby, was held over. Waitara.—Plans and specifications for the first Presbyterian church (Knox) in Waitara were examined ■and passed by a sub-committee, and Rev. Pattison and Messrs Robertson and Howes were appointed to represent the Presbytery at the ceremony of laying the foundation stone on June 10th. Leave was granted to Opnnake Session to introduce the individual communion cup. Messrs Shore and Robertson and their, elders wore appointed to visit Opunako, and Messrs Howes, Pattison and their elders, and Mr Ireland to visit Waver!ey. Messrs Shore and Mclvor were appointed to revise the Book of Order.

The clerk gave notice of motion to elect delegates to the Assembly at the August meeting.