PRESBYTERIANISM.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 871, 24 November 1916, Page 8

PRESBYTERIANISM.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. VISIT TO TRENTHAM CAMP. Pre** Association. WELLINGTON, November 23. This afternoon the members of the Presbyterian General Assembly paid a visit lo Trentham Military Camp, and were shown over all parts of it. Special interest was taken in the Presbyterian Institute, and gratification expressed at the size and completeness of the building, and its appointments. At the session in the evening, Ur Erwin gave in the report on the training of home missionaries, and spoke strongly of the relation in which many of thci/i stood to the theological college and the course of training for the ministry. Professor Dickie supported his remarks, and said this was a problem that would have to be faced by the Church. Messrs McEwan, Dunlop, Milne, and Cox were declared home missionaries in full standing. The report on home missions was submitted by Dr Gibb. Deeply interesting speeches, emphasising the great needs and great opportunities of home mission work, were made by the Rev. E. 0. Perry, and Messrs Climie and Usher. The report dealt with the great difficulties caused by the lack of men, which prevented mission work being undertaken in many necessitous districts. The war had been responsible for withdrawing many.men from the field, and reducing the number of those available for the work. A total of 130 agents bad been employed for mission work. Four new stations were opened during the year, and two others became sanctioned charges, while four had grown shong enough to dispense with a grant of money. The congregations of the Church had contributed for the work £<1527, and from oilier sources £132!) was received, making the total revenue for the year £5850. 'the expenditure had amounted to £SBIO, of which amount £1304 was given as grants lo stations and charges.