GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1209, 8 December 1873, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The General Assembly met for business this afternoon, at two p.m. The Rev. Junes Hill (Moderator) presided. It was resolved on the motion of Mi' McNiecol, seconded by Mr Norrie, "That the Rev. J. Elmslie be thanked for his sermon at the opening of th« Assembly, and that the sermon be printed." The Rev. Mr Paterson presented the report of the business committee, recommend-. ing the subjects for consideration at the next . sederunt. The report was agreed to. The Rev, Mr Macky then proposed, and - the Rev. Mr Paterson seconded, the following motion :—" That meetings of the General Assembly be held annually at Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland in turn." It was then resolved, on the motion of the Rev. Mr Paterson, that the following address be presented to his Excellency the Governor :— "To His Excellency Sir James Fergusson, X.C.8., &c, Governor of New Zealand. " May it please your Excellency. . ;. The Ministers and Elders of tljeJPrjfbyterian Church of New Zealand^" compai ' Assembly convened desire re/v3£"^ N >-.; convey to you the assurance ' of oiie/?«"S^ / devotion to our most Gracious Sovereign ia»»--Queen, and our sincere respect for your Excellency as Her Majesty's Representative. "We congratulate y..ur Excellency on your being entrusted by Her Majesty ,

with the Governorship of this important dependency of the Brilis.li Empire, and on your safe arrival, together with your family, to cuter upon the responsible functions of your high office. " "Aware of the memorable historical associations which your illustrious house has with the church of your native land we are persuaded your Excellency will not feel uninterested in the work of those who in thair new country are endeavouring to inculcate the same principles which form the basis both of the religion and the patriotism of the people. " We desire to express the hope that your Excellency's administration may be greatly distinguished by the blessings of peace and prosperity, and that the wisdom and energy of your counsels, the unification of the ininterests of all the native tribes with those of the European colonists may speedily be consummated. " That it may please Almighty Godlong to preserve your Excellency, and make your presence be everywhere promotive of the welfare humanity is the prayer of, may it please of your Excellency, the minister and elders of the Presbytery of IS'ew Zealand." . [Left sitting.]