THE MOUNT MAGDALA GRANT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2473, 7 March 1893, Page 3

THE MOUNT MAGDALA GRANT.

[Wanganui Herald.] The Presbyterian General Assembly had this matter before them on Monday evening, and condemned it as a piece of sectarian favoritism. The Rev. Dr Elmslie moved, and the Rev. G. Webster seconded, a motion in condemnation of the grant. This caused the Rev. C. S. Ogg to enter a vigorous protest against the narrow spiritedness of the resolution, which he could not support. He thought it was a great pity that the discussion had commenced, because it would be attributed by the public of New Zealand to clerical intolerance and jealousy. (No, no.) Yes it would. He was very glad that the Government had treated the remonstrance of the Baptists in the way they had. Was the establishment of an institution by the Roman Catholic Church for the purpose of rescuing unfortunates from a life of vice, a destruction of the principles of religious equality / He was astonished to hear such a thing. It was not a question of religious equality, but going to the relief of poor suffering humanity, and trying to deliver those who had been tempted and had strayed from the paths of virtue, He was very glad that the Church of England proposed to follow the example of the Roman Catholics and apply to the Government for a grant, and he hoped that the Government would give them what they asked for. And he would like to see the Presbyterians engaged in the same charitable cause. In a ease like this they should lay aside all religious feeling, and go upon a platform of common humanity, and help those who were downfallen, and endeavour to restore peace and happiness to broken hearts and blasted lives. If they passed this motion he would enter his protest, and concluded by saying, 4 1 hope that Mr Ballance, when your proposal and protest come before him, will give you the answer your deserve.’ There was the ring of true Christianity in Mr Ogg’s remarks, which, however, gave dire offence to the other members of the Assembly, one of whom, the Rev. Mr Thomson, had the bad taste to refer to them as “ drivel and bumbug,” and that lie did not wish to heqr another speech like it in the Assembly.