TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14276, 17 August 1910, Page 6

TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

REV. J. E. GRAPPLE'SAt the ordinary meeting of the Timaru Presbytery on the 2nd inst. ; itwas resolved—'-That in view of Air. Chappie having -appeared and presided at a lecture delivered by -Mr McCabe, and in view of the statements made by Air Chappie at that meeting, and or other disquieting utterances, the Prosbvterv ask him to meet them in conference at Triuitv Hall. Timaru on August 10th at'll.ls a.m." In pursuance of this decision the Presbytery met yesterday morning, there being nine ministers and live elders present, Dr. Black being moderator. The meeting was private. The '•conleience" did not last long. Rev. Mr Chappie following closely after the reporters who left on the Presbytery determining to sit in private. The Presbytery, we learned, after a. long conversation following Rev. Mr Chappie's departure, decided to call upon him to meet the Presbvtcrv at St. Andrews on Tuesdav. 30th inst

Seen'after the occurrence. Mr Chappie stalccl that he had a full written explanation and defence with him. but Ik- objected to the sitting being pvivat:', hecau.se he felt that he had been wron.ged by previous private dealings with bis position by tho l':esbytery. whose resolutions were published but not his defence, and the "proceedings therefore, affected him detrimentally. lie had wished the reporters to lie present, so that both sides would he fairly put before the public, lie had determined beforehand that if the reporters were not present lie would take no part in the meeting. Mr Chappie stated that he thought of publishing his defence in pamphlet form.

It is stated that the meeting yesterday was to have been a fraternal <onl'erence, as provided for by the Hook of Order, which also provides that such conferences shall he-private. Tho nicotine; at St. Andrews will be held under the disciplinary rules of that book, and Key. Mr Chappie will bs required to attend.