PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18231, 15 November 1924, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

YESTERDAY'S SESSION.

(FHES3 ASOOCIiTIOH TET.TGKW.) PALiIEROTON N., November 14, The Presbyterian Assembly resumed this morning. Tho report of the Board of Education w*s presented by Professor J. Gumming, in the absence, through sickness, of tho convener, Professor R. B. Davies. It dealt with lona, Cohiraba, St. Andrew's and John McGlashan Colleges, and also stated that a conference between tho Board and principals was not held last year. Tho on the staff and tho fact that vacations did not coincide were making such a meeting difficult, but it was hoped to arrange one at Duncdin at the end of 192-j. The reports of college's were appended, each recording the steady progress made during the past year. Speaking on tho report, Professor Gumming said that though the responsibilities of those controlling the schools had been heavv, they had been dutifully carried out.

Dr. Gibb presented the report of Scots College and Queen Margaret's, remarking that during the pact few years they had had a very hard row to hoe, but they were pleased to report that they were fighting their way through successfully. The Chaplains Committee presented its report, which stated, inter alia: ■Now that the Defence Department has definitely brought into vogue a policy of an annual period of training in camps with chaplains detailed for duty therein, arrangements from the point of view of the Church may be considered fairly satisfactory. A new phase of work has originated as a result of New Zealand's maintenance of a. cruiger. In the absence of authoritative information as to the regular procedure of appointing a naval chapw' *^ e Cna Plams' Department of the War Office, London, has been communicated with. The question of uniform—the subject of caustic comment on the part of chaplains of all denominations for the last few yearsseems likely to be settled «,t last. It is believed that the Defence Department has decided on the uniform in vogue during the war. xi A * ri °it© is paid to the officers in the Defence Department for their courttesy. Chaplains who have been an camp reported improved tone of camp life. Whatever the churches pronounced about the general question of war, they could not neglect men who were compelled by law to undergo military training. The committee recommended the reappointment of the Revs. R. S. WatO.A.C. of the Northern, Central and Southern Commands. ?v e , coni:m it.tee was authorised to outline definite procedure in reference to the nomination of chaplains. Ihe report and recommendsition were adopted.

(BTBMAL TO "XHS MUSS,") PALMERSTON N., November 14. At the Assembly this morning the report of the Board of Education show-, ed that the various colleges were now in a flourishing condition, although certain of them had suffered through the financial stringency cvf ths times. Professor Gumming reported that he had: examined the new buildings for St. Cuthbert's (Auckland), and they represented the latest in schoolrooms and dormitories for schools of the kind. During the discussion on the report of the Chaplains' Committee, the Rev. Walter McLean (Oamaru) said most ministers believed in the League of Nations, and wrought for its perfecting. This was especially the wori; of tile churches,- but until the attainment of such an ideal, armies would; be wanted, and. men wearing uniform needed spiritual care as well as others. In the camps suoh could' readily be found, as the authorities gave every encouragement to th© chaplains. . The - adoption of the report of the Supply and Appointments Committee was moved by the Rev. D. Herron, and seconded by Mr Sydney Harbutt (Auckland). The work of the committee is to facilitate the transference of ministers from one charge to another. It was enacted by the last Assembly, and has been working for a year. Two overtures were sent down by Presbyteries against it, on the ground that it challenged the right of congregations to call a minister. After a discussion, on the motion, of the Eev. John Paterson (Wangaimi) it was agreed to refer the overtures afcd the report to a committee for consideration of the whole matter, a report to. be returned to the next meeting of the Assembly.