CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9211, 14 April 1908, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY.

The Christchurch Presbytery met in St Paul's Schoolroom this morning ; present—the Revs J. Watt (Moderator), J. M'Kenzie, C. Murray., R. Francis, W. Spence, J. J. Bates, B. J. Westbrooke, P. J. Riddle, D. J. Steele, J. Craig, R. W. Jackson and J. Maxwell (clerk), and Messrs W. Gavin, D. B. Bowie, Robert Shaw, James M'Cleary, Samuel M'Cleary and Alexander Calder. An apology was received for the absence of the Rev T. Tait. The Rev R. W. Jackson reported in regard to travelling expenses that he had received no reply to the communications which had been sent out, and nothing had been done in the matter of country ministers' expenses in attending Presbytery meetings. The Rev A. Begg stated that attention should be called to the fact that the examination of congregational records was not done as it should have been, and moved that a date should be appointed for such an examination. The motion, which was seconded by the Rev J. M'Kenzie, was, after discussion, lost. A commission consisting of the Revs J. Craig and D. D. Rodger and an elder was appointed to visit the Waiau charge. The Rev C, Murray's report on Church balance-sheets was received, and adopted. The report on foreign mission work was read and adopted, including a motion of condolence with, the Rev D. Milne, in the New Hebrides, on the l death of his wife, expressing sympathy with Mr Milne and appreciation of the work done by the late Mrs Milne. The motion was carried in silence, members standing, " and the clerk was ordered to forward a copy to Mr Milne. A motion was brought forward by the Rev Mr Murray to the effect that a "rally" in connection with Sunday school work should be held. Mr Mur- | ray said that there were many parents who Bent their children to school, but did not go near the church themselves, and he considered that the proposal would do much to bring people nearer the church.

The motion was seconded by Mr Bates, who said that there were many people who had stopped going to church, and they were worse off than the heathen. Such an idea might do a great deal towards the drawing closer of Church members. The Rev J. Craig said that if a day could be appointed on which every Presbyterian family would be represented at church, it would be a good thing for the faith, and he hoped that such a state of things would be brought about. The Rev J. M'Kenzie said that if the principle were carried out new Sunday schools might x be started. A motion that a "rally" should be held on a date to" be fixed was carried unanimously. In connection with the plans for a new church at Hornby, Mr M'Kenzie, Mr Murray, Mr Bowie and Mr Spence (convener) were appointed to go into matters. » The Rev J. M" J Kcnzie reported in regard to Mr Lochore, .a student who is now in tho jurisdiction of the Presbytery, and tho Moderator welcomed Mr Lochore to the meeting. It was reported that Mr Knight had resigned from the Springburn charge, and Mr Robert M'Lean had been appointed to the position by the Church Extension Committee. The clerk reported that the Erwin testimonial fund had been collected, and presented a receipt for the money expended. This concluded the business.