WAIKATO PRESBYTERY.

Waikato Times, Volume 120, Issue 10010, 7 October 1936, Page 11

WAIKATO PRESBYTERY.

i OCTOBER MEETING. ‘ l l i BOUNDARIES AND VISITATIONS. ‘ BUDGET CONTRIBUTIONS. i i The monthly meeting of the Fresh}?tery of the Waikato was held in St. Andrew’s Bible Class Hall, Hamilton, yesterday, there being present: The Revs. R. J. Grifiith (Moderator), S. J. Atkins, J. T. Burrows, T. H. Burton, J. H. Coombes, C. L. French, J. J. Heard, J. H. Hasiop (clerk), H. J. Lilburn, A. C. McLean, D. C. McIntyre, G. A. Naylor and A. C, Whitelaw; Messrs. \V. ’l'. Brabyn, A. Fotheringham, A. Hopkirk, J. Jones, W. Ingham, H. A. Moore, D, C. McLeod. J. Riddell, W. C. Sayers and W. H. West. ‘ Election of Moderator. On the motion of the clerk, the Rev. A. C. McLean, of Cambridge, was elected Moderator for the ensuing twelve months. The retiring Moderator, the Rev. R. J. Grifliths, congratulated Mr McLean upon his election, and thanked the members of the Presbytery for their whole-hearted co~operation during his term of office. On taking the chair, Mr McLean thanked members for the honour conferred upon him. Taumarunui. An invitation was received for the Presbytery to attend the celebration of the 30111 anniversary of the establishment of that charge. to he held during the current week. It was announced that a conference was to he held between all organisations interested to consider the future working and administration of the charge. The Rev. 'l‘. H. Burton reported that as the outcome of a visit of the General Treasurer to the charge suggestions had been made which would greatly modify the idifii‘cultiesnof the

Eongré'galion. ”These included. the reulisation of some of the congregation's assets, as opportunity offered. This proposal had been favourably received by the congregation, and a move had already been made to that end. The Presbytery expressed approval of the action being taken, but stipulated the need of following the customary procedure. 'l‘he Presbytery adopted a memorial minute to the late Rev. Michael Joseph Byrt, minister at Taumarnnui, who recently died. It paid a glowing tribute to the deceased’s work in the several charges in which he had administered. Congregatlonal Vlalntlon’a. Reports of commissions were submitted on congregational visitations. The Rev. S. J. Atkins stated the prospects in the VVflikato East. charge were encouraging. Good work was be—ing done amongst the young people. The Presbytery adopted» e‘flndins to be read to the congregation ‘by the Rev. H. J. Lilburn at an early date. It commended the congregation upon its decision to erect a hall for social purposes, expressed pleasure at the evidence of co—operation between the Methodists and Presbyterians in the charge, and placed on record its appreciation of the present and previous ministers.

The Rev. G. A. Naylot reported on the visitation to Rotorua and warme commented upon the fine spirit evident in the congregation, there being active co-operation in all branches of work. There was evidence of health and vigorous life. The Rev. A, C. Coombes is to dellve’r the finding.

The Rev. A. ‘C. VVhltelaw reported on the conditions at Ngaruawahia. Things’ had in some directions been allowed to drift in a chaotic state, but the present minister was working on a definite plan to get affairs in order and had met with considerable success. The congregations were increasing and work amongst the young people was prospering. The Rev. D. C. Mclntyre referred to some of the peculiar difiiculties in working the charge and commended the e’ndeavours of the Rev. A. Fotheringham in his efforts to overcome them. Mr McIntyre was commissioned to read the commission‘s finding to the congregation.

A healthy state of afi'airs prevails in the Te Aroha charge according to the report submitted by the Rev. C. L. French. The unique fact was recorded that the services in each of the five preaching stations are held in churches and not halls and schools as is generally the case. The church debt had been materially reduced, and there was a satisfactory tone throughout. The Rev. W. McKinney was de—putcd to deliver the Presbytery’s finding. Faith and Healing,

The Rev_. R. J. Griffiths submitted a report on the retreat recently held at Rotorua expressing the opinion that it had been a. time of refreshing to all who had attended. The subjects considered had all been helpful, and it was hoped that similar meetings would be regularly held in future. Arising out of a discussion at the retreat on "Faith and Healing.” it was decided to hold a special all-day meeting of the Presbytery on the third Tuesday in February, when several papers on lines suggested by the Rev. “G. A. Naylur will be read.

.unl IL is hoped In :n-ramru for one 01' two nn‘mhl-‘rs nl' Hm nmlirnl profession to utlcnd and {Kim their \'i(‘\\'s.

Boundaries of Charges. i The committee set up to consider: the determination of boundaries sub? mitted its report. It showed that at present there was considerable con? fusion. There was overlapping in some instances and neglected areas in others, it was decided to send out a questionaire to all ministers and sessions to ascertain the position in each parish. When this information is obtained, a committee is to be set up to go thoroughly into the question and define boundaries for each charge and home district. Miscellaneous. The statistics convener submitted his report. which indicated that through drastic purging of the rolls in some of the charges the total membership in the Presbytery showed a slight decrease compared with last year. The aggregate budget contributions over the Presbytery for the year amounted to £1096 13s 3d. the alterations had amounted to £1493. Cambridge and Te Aroha had each raised the amount allotted lhemi The next meeting or Presbytery will the held on 'l‘ue'sday. November 3.