Presbytery of Dunstan.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 411, 24 March 1904, Page 5

Presbytery of Dunstan.

The Presbtery of Dunstan met for ordinary business at Alexandra on March 16th. There were present—Revs M.ckie (moderator),. Telford, Smith, G4lie, and Tait, and Mr Bowie (elder). The Rev A. M'Donald, of Otautau, being present was associated.

Commissions from the sessions of Cromwell, Mt Ida, and Teviot, in tavor of Meesrs Bowie, Wilson, and M'lntosh respectively weie received.

1 A remit on the Union of Churches was considered and 'after discussion the following motion was unanimously adopted : —" That this Presbytery, having duly considered the Assembly's remit regarding the union of our church with the Methodist and Congregational churches, while sympathising very heartily with the movement, does not think the time has yet armed for an incorporating union 2 but is strongly of the opinion that it would be a substantial gain to Christianity in our countiy if the Assembly's committee could join with committees of the other churches in devising an arrangement similar to that which exists among the Fiee Churches in England, whereby overlapping would be prevented." Mr Smith, as moderator of Ida Valley Station, reported that finance* there were somewhat weak through the freqnency with wlrch the church'* igent had been changed. A missionary, if settled for a lengthened period, could work up a good charge. Mr Tait, as moderator of Wanaka, reported that the finances were considerably in arrears ; that Mr Smith was leaving at the end of the current month ; that the Rev Mr Dyer had been temporarily engaged by the Church Extension Committee to work in the district; and that a bazaar to be held shortly was expected to meet outstanding liabilities.

It was resolved that in accordance with regulations of Assembly the e'erk be instructed to forward the name of Mr Dyer to the Registrar-general as empowered to celebrate marriages in the district of Wanaka.

An application from Cromwell session for leave to introduce the Individual Communion Cup was granted. The Rev A M Dalrymple, M.A-, of Clutha, was nominated for the position of Moderator of Synod for the year 1905 1906.

The resignations of Revs Gellie and Telford from the charges of Lauder and Teviot respectively, were accepted. A commission of Presbytery was appointed to investigate, and if suitable, sanction the severance of Rae's Junction from Teviot parish, the former place to be taken over by Clutha Presbytery. A call from Wairio, Southland, to Rev T Tait, of Cromwell, was placed in his hands and accepted. The Rev J Mackie was appointed moderator of Cromwell pro iem, and authorised to declare the pulpit vacant as from March 3lst.

Mr Mackie was appointed Presby tery clerk pro tern.