CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7008, 12 November 1890, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

♦ An ordinary meeting of the Ch.-istciiurch Presbytery waa held in St Paul's schoolroom at 11 a.m. to-day; scderuni—l&evß P. E. Monro (Moderator), H. Irwin (Clerk), J. M'Keller, G. Webster, A. Blake, A. M. Beattie, J. Maxwell, J. Sniellie, E. Erwin, J. W. Cree, W. Findlayson, J. H. MacKenzie, W. West, and N. M'Callum; Messrs W. K. Allison, C. Young, J. Boag, S. C. Farr, A. Eitchie, J. Deans, Thompson, Smith and Donaldson (Elders). REV B. M'GEEQOB. The Eev H. Irwin moved—"That the Presbytery send a letter of sympathy to the Eev E. M'Gregor, of Kaiapoi, and express the hope that in the Providence of God he would soon recover from his illness." The motion was agreed to. DEFAULTERS. The Clerk mentioned that several congregations were in default* with their payments to the Assembly and Presbytery Expenses Funds. The hope was expressed that all the arrears would be paid up at once. AMBERLEY. The Eev J. Smellie reported on the services at Amberley. No satisfactory arrangements had yet been made. The Key K. M'Gregor was unable to attend to the district. The Eev G. Webster said .the Church Extension Committee would do all they could in the matter. It was resolved that the matter be held over till next meeting, the Eev J. Smellie to make the best arrangements in themeantime. The Clerk brought before the Presbytery the report on the best means of supplying the spiritual wants of outlying districts, which he had received from the Eev. J. Treadwell. It was agreed that the matter be referred to a Committee consisting of the Beys Dr Elmslie, P. R. Munro, B. Erwin (convener ), J. H. MacKenzie, H. Irwin, and H. Adamßon. A letter was read from the Otago Presbytery, enclosing a deliverance on the subject of Bible reading in schools in advocacy of the same. The Eev A. Blake spoke strongly in favour of reading the Bible in schools. The communication waa received, and the circulars distributed amongst the members. MALVERN. The Eev E. Erwin reported that, with. Mr Smellie, he had visited the Malvern district, and met representatives from the various centres. Promises of contributions towards the stipend had been received, and, as far as he could see, there was no difficulty in raising the necessary stipend. There was the utmost cordiality between the district and Mr Maxwell. There was some need for farther organisation, as in one place there was no Committee. There waa no desire for a division of the district, and the petition was recommended to be departed from. The Eev J. Smellie confirmed the report, which was adopted. The Presbytery then proceeded to consider certain matters in private, and shortly afterwards adjourned.