TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17945, 2 May 1928, Page 5

TIMARU PRESBYTERY.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The monthly meeting of members of Timaru Presbytery was held at Trinity Hall yestqrcay. Present —the Rev. C. G. Wilcox (Moderator), the Revs. T. Stinson, A. Begg, F. R. Charman, H. R. Fell, A. McNeur, AV. McNeur, A. Alexander, W. F. Nichol, and Messrs J. Henderson, S. Brown, H. Cowie, AV. Reid, AY. PI. Walton, J. C Hay, T. Archibald, A. R. Plotting, A. Ward, AV. Brown, R. Taylor, E. R. Kingsbury, and A. G. Crossman. OFFICE-BEARERS’ CONFERENCE. Reporting for the committee appointed to go into the question of the advisableness of holding an office-bearers’ conference at the Jiiite meeting of Presbytery, the Rev. AV. McNeur said the committee had gone into the matter and were of opinion that the time was not expedient for holding such a conference. A better suggestion, they thought, would be a pastoral letter from Presbytery giving an outline of the various schemes which they proposed putting iito operation l'or the benefit of Presbyterian work generally. The Committee were thanked for the report, and the suggestions made were adopted..

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS ENDEAVOUR The Rev. AV. F. Nichol leported on behalf of the committee appointed to present a report t<j Presbytery in regard to the evangelistic year. „ He said that with a view to carrying out Assembly’s resolution in regard to special evangelistic effort this year, the committee suggested that Presbytery recommend ministers and sessions to make*the month of dune a time of special services. That, the month of May be used in preparing the congregation and creating the required atmosphere. That members of congregation be asked to make the matter a subject of special prayer and that mid-week meetings be used for that purpose. It was further recommended that the special services in June have as their definite object the deepening of spiritual life among church members and the clear presentation of Jesus Christ as Saviour. The Presbytery suggest that preachers seek to stress the responsibilities as well as the privileges of church membership, and Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the AVorld as well as of the Individual with reference to Foreign Missions and tlicir needs. That the campaign embrace all church organisations, Bible classes, and Sunday schools, as well as the congregations. As a fitting close to the special effort the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to be observed on tlic last Sunday In June, when a special appeal be made for reconsecration and decision. The Rev. H. R. Fell said he considered a better time could have been selected for the special serdees than June. The Rev. AV. F. Nichol said that the committee had considered that aspect, but, owing to the busy periods in the summer time, liad agreed (hat June would be the most opportune time. The report was adopted and the recommendations agree! to. The committee were thanked l'or their work. SABBATH OBSERVANCE. The following; letter received from the Assembly Sabbath Observance Committee was read, and after some discussion a sulj-committee was asked to consider the contents and furnish report. The first -portion of the letter enumerated the penalties involved in the

acts of non-observance of the Lord's Day, and concluded with a request for answers concerning the desecration of the day set aside within the bounds of the Presbytery. The letter was as follows: —• “It should bo generally known by our people that the present law of Mew. Zealand protects the Sabbath in two ways: (1) Sunday trading is illegal, and the penalty ior this has been recently increased to £5. Sunday picture shows and Sunday concerts are regarded as breaking this law, even when held after Church hours, and when no charge is made, for admission but only a col.action taken unless the proceeds are given wholly to some charitable purpose, (b) Any noise that disturbs public worship on the Lord’s day is an offence against the law, such as the barracking at a football or other match, shooting, band practice, the persistent honking of motor horns, etc. . “Our ministers and people should make use of these provisions up to their full value so as to safeguard the Sabbath, by laying information against offenders and calling in the help of the police. “The Assembly’s Committee would ask answers to tins following questions(l) In what way is a proper observance oi the Sabbath injured within the bounds of your Presbyfbery ? (2) Are there breaches of the law by tl» Government Railways in your district m pro\idmg pleasure excursions on the Lord s . . (3) Is it the practice in your district to hold Railway picnics and othtr picnics on the Lord’s day? (4) Has the Summertime Bill afecW in any nroner observance of the U ll s Sabbath?” • .. . Mr Charman consideied that rerunning of trains for Pieces Sundays should he stopped by ® Department. Last Sunday week three light trains passed Lhr °"B“ Morven. He did not know what they were running for. Mr Fell: “Perhaps, it was for exercise.” . , .- . Mr Charman: “I have brought this matter of Sunday trains up before. They should not run on Sundays.” ... Mr Fell said lie did not agree with a clause in the letter in regard to ihe assistance of the ponce benia summoned and information lam against the offenders. That, lie thought, was objectionable. A committee, consisting o. rue Rev. Nichol and Charman and thenelders was set up to go into the matter, and to report to Presbytery. The Moderator said that the Committee would, no doubt, take K.c-tice of what Mr Fell had said.