PRSBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

Western Star, Issue 9, 10 January 1874, Page 5

PRSBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

The quarterly meeting of the Prerbytery of Southland was held on Wednesday last. There were present the Revs. James Thomson (Moderator), Thomas Alexander, Andrew Stevens, Donald Ross, Charles S. Boas, and Andrew H. Stobo (ministers), and Kenneth Finlayson and Walter Henderson (elders). The Presbytery having received reports from all the Deacons’ Courts, with the exception of Switzers, in reference to providing bursaries, expressing their general concurrence, and the Deacon’s Court of Invercargill having agreed to provide a scholarship of £25, and Mr. Ross having reported that Riverton would undertake one of not less than £ls a-year, it was resolved thut ?he Presbytery should undertake to provide one of not less than £2O, it being understood that these scholarships extend over a period of three years. It was unanimously agreed that the Presbytery scholarship should go to a theological student. It was also resolved that the brethren should consult their Deacons’ Courts with a view to be able to offer suggestions in regard to the condition on which the scholarsliip should be granted, and report to a future meet-

ing. Mr. Stobo reported that he had held one evangelistic service at Winton, which was encouragingly attended ; Mr. Stevens reported that he had not been able as yet to hold such meetings along with Mr. Ross, but hoped to do so soon. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Morrison, expressing his sorrow at his continued inability to attend the Presbytery meetings, on account of feeble health. The Presbytery agreed to express their sympathy with Mr. Morrison, and the earnest hope that he will soon be able to discharge this part of his ministerial duties, and request him to forward his records for next meeting. Mr. Stobo asked leave to withdraw the overture anent baptism, of which he had given notice at last meeting. Leave was granted accordingly. The circular sent by the Central Committee of the aged and ipfirm ministers’ fund having been read, it was agreed not to make use of it,, but to record the thanks of the Presbytery to the Presbytery’s own Committee, and to request them to continue to act until the Synod shall have made further arrangements. The Presbytery enjoined the of Sessions and Deacons’ Courts, as also

the annual financial statements and communion

■, bo brought up at next ordinary meeting, ''snd/the Presbytery agreed to appoint the Keys. Messrs. Stevens and Donaid Ross their members of Committee on Bills, With respect to the Synod's recommendations auont preaching to the young, and sermon on Sabbath observance, the Presbytery found that the brethren had generally attended to them. Mr. Ross having asked leave to dispense the Lord’s Supper at Orepuki, leave was granted

accordingly. The records of Queenstown Kirk Session were examined, and fovmd correct. The Presbytery then adjourned, to meet at Invercargill on Wednesday, the Bth of April next, at 11 a.m.