UNION OF CHURCHES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7069, 10 April 1901, Page 3

UNION OF CHURCHES.

« THE PRESBYTERIAN BODIES OF NEW ZEALAND. ABOUT TO COMBINE. [From: Our Correspondent.] DUNEDIN, April 10. The final steps towards the consummation of the union of the Presbyterian Churches •A New Zealand were taken at a pro re nata meeting of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland held in the Old First Church Hall last evening. Several •obstructive motions were proposed and numerous points of order cropped up, the decision of the Moderator being twics reversed by the vote of the Synod. But though there was a vigorous debate and strongly-expressed opposition, the resolutions were carried with but three dissentients. It was stated that the Bill concerning the disposition of the properties of the Church which was adopted at last Synod had been taken charge of by Mr M'Nab, and the Union Committee will take all steps consequent, and necessary upon the passing of the Bill thanugh Parliament. A conference of the Union Committees will be held, probably in Christchurch, to arrange details. The Synod, by a resolution, fixed the last week in October as the time for the inaugural meeting of the United Assembly. In all probability the day will be Oct. 31. Some appropriate and striking ceremonial will be determined upon, and as far as possible the proceedings will correspond with those which characterised the recent union of the Free nr.d United Presbyterian Churches of Scotland.