PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

THE FINAL SESSION. KBy Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Friday. At the final session of the Presbyterian Assembly to-day, on the. motion of Rev. Ryburn, a committee was ap- | pointed, to be called the Committee of I Friendly Relations with Sister Chur- | dies, to collate information as to what ! measure of co-operation between the I churches was already operating in the '' matter of church union, and to promote closer association in whatever way possible. » The Assembly resolved that tl* scientific teaching of temperance instruction for young people become coordinate with the youth department, and that Band of Hope movement be encouraged and continued, i It was also resolved that the advisability of restoring local option should be considered. Rev. Comrie, chairman of the standing committee of the New Zealand Alliance, said they were faced with reconsidering the' whole position. The Alliance executive had been called to meet early in December. The whole position was being considered with the utmost care. When it was suggested that the New Zealand Alliance be thanked for its zealous work, Mr Comrie warned the assembly against doing anything that they misunderstood. The Moderator: Do you think they know we are grateful? Overture from Walkato. The view that overdrafts on church property are increasing beyond the bounds of financial safety, and that their purpose as a temporary financial arrangement has been largely lost sight of is held by the Walkato Presbytery. It sent forward an overture proposing that no congregation should be permitted to make arrangements for an overdraft exceeding £IOO without the consent of the presbytery concerned. The overture was supported by the Rev. L. K. Rogers. An amendment to make the limit £2OO was lost, and the limit obtainable without consent of presbytery was fixed at £IOO. Mr J. W. Jack, Wellington, was appointed church auditor at a fee of 60 guineas. The next meeting of Assembly was fixed to take place on Wednesday, March 5, 1930, at First Church, Donedin. Ugly Churches. Criticism of the church buildings said to be "a disgrace to the Christian Church" and a "perpetual torture to preach in," was made by the Rev. L. H. Hunt (Mount Eden.) Even the Moderator, the Rev. Professor W. Hewitson, added his word of condemnation. He said: "I was going through one of the most beautiful towns in the Dominion, and I said,, that's the Presbyterian Church, for it was the ugliest building you could wish to see!" It was decided to refer the question to the Advisory Committee for a report.