PRESBYTERIAN SERVICES ON THE PENINSULA.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 190, 14 May 1878, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN SERVICES ON THE PENINSULA.

To the Editor of the Akaroa Mail,

Sir.—Will you kindly allow me through your columns to convey to those concerned the following intimation :—

It is well known that for some time past the need of an assistant to me in my work on the Peninsula has been strongly felt. There are Presbyterian families scattered all OA r er the Peninsula; so Avide as to make it quite impossible to attend to them, and at? the same time to do the Avork required at the three leading places—Pigeon Bay, Head of the Bay, and Akaroa. The conviction has been forced upon me that it is not right for me to attempt more than I can do fair justice to. It is only keeping up my connexion with several places in name, while really they are not attended to.

Accordingly I put the case before the Presbytery of Christchurch at its last meeting, and it was resolved that I should give my attention to the three places already mentioned ; and aid and encourage the outlying districts to secure the services of a student missionary.

Some students have arrived and others are coming; but they are appointed as soon as they come, and even designated to places before they arriA T e. It is quite necessary then that practical steps should be taken in the Avay of offering the requisite stipend—the mininum being £100 per annum—so that an application may be sent in to the Presbytery backed with tangible promises. It will give me the greatest pleasure to aid in this matter. If tbe Presbyterians outside the places directly under my charge were to get more frequent Sabbath services I feel sure they Avould support ordinances liberally.

If the arrangement I contemplate is carried out, Wainui and Le Bon's Bay could have fortnightly Sabbath services, and Little River and Little Akaloa and district monthly Sabbath services. Detached families could be visited once a month or oftener. Thus something like work could be done.

Until the arrangement above referred to is completed, I shall do my best to visit on week evenings the places named. But I cannot undertake to give Sabbath services.

With regard to Wainui, it seemed to be the mind of the Presbytery that I should hold my services in the Government school, in consequence of the Avillingness expressed to support ordinances there, and the impossibility at present of getting; all to meet in one place. Of course it is my duty to acquiesce in my Presbytery's wish, but no Sabbath services can be held until such time as an assistant is secured.

In course of visiting, I shall take an early opportunity of asking a definite expression of opinion, and endeavour to secure what is required. Meantime, lam beld responsible by the Presbytery for the thorough Avorking of the three places 1 have mentioned, and am expected to give such time only as I can spare to tbe other districts.

Trusting this will meet the notice and wishes of all concerned, and apologising for taking up your space with somewhat personal matters, I am, &c,

WM. DOUGLAS,