THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2938, 25 November 1916, Page 6

THE PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

YESTERDAY'S SESSION

THE TEACHING OF PURITY The Presbyterian Gonoral Assembly resumed its business at 10 a.m. yesterday, the Moderator (the Rov. R. M. Ryburn) presiding. Churcli Life and Work. The first business taken, was the resumption of tho debate on tho coinmitteo on "Church Lifo and Work," adjourned from the previous day. It was resolved to take the recommendations of tho committee seriatim. The first one wan tho proposal for tho Assembly to adopt the homo prayer-book that is being prepared by tho Dunedin Presbytery. To that proposal the Rev. J. Jolly sought to add a homo prayer-book issued by tho United Free Church of Scotland. Mr. William Allen objected to tho proposed amendment or addition being adopted, on the grounds that it was not suited to their people (in Now Zealand). He also protested at tho ciders bciiifj practically shut out of the discussion, in the Rev. Mr. Asbor's announcement that he had arranged with ■ six ministers to support tho -report. Dr. lirwcn said that such an arrangement. was contrary to the traditions of Gonoral Assembly. Tho Rov. J. Paterson thought that a book prepared by their own people was more likely to appeal to a greater extent than one issued by others. Such a publication would havo a personal interest that a foreign publication would not have. That had been proved in Australia.' The Rev. Dr. Gibb said that with two homo prayer-books it would, be tho same as if they were between two stools, and they would fftll in tho same way. On a vote being taken, it was decided almost, unanimously to, adhere to the publication of the family prayerbook to be issued by tho Dunedin Presbytery only. ■ The second recommendation wis:— "That ministers bo enjoined to explain from time to time the significance of the sacrament of baptism.'—Carried. Dealing With Impurity. The _ third recommendation was: "That in wise and useful ways the subjeot of impurity should be discussed." This was seconded by the Rev. R. 15. Davies (Dunedin), who said that they had. gone into this matter very thoroughly in Dunedin, and had come to the conclusion that the greatest good could bo done by personal advice to young men and women by those who have their confidence. In connection with this subject, Mr. Davies said that he bolievcd that an injustice had been done the soldiers. He knew that the Government had instituted inquiries with' the aid of the medical authorities, and the outcome of those inquiries was proof that there was not so much trouble now as there was in the year before tho war. Professor Dickie was strongly against the proposal. . The Rev. O. Porter spoke strongly in favour, of the _ recommendation, and thought that if they decided not to discuss this subject publicly and privately there w.ould be a serious lack in their duty to the community. The Rev. Mr. Miller (Foilding) said they could not blink facts, and they would be neglecting their duty as expounders of the Word, if this subject was suppressed. On taking of a show of hands the recommendation was passed, v The fourth recommendation' was: "That the present arrangement with Mr. Cumming be continued for another twelve months." An addition was proposed that the missioners should be given a set salary. The convener declined to accept the amendment, and the motion was passed, with the recommendation that Mr. Cumming's position be considered by the committee. Recommendation No. 5 read: "That the first Sabbath in July be appointed Sabbath Observance Sunday, when (a) ministers will bring before their peonle the claims of the Lord's Day; (b) Bible classes and Sunday schools will give particular attention to the need of preserving the Lord's Day as a day of worship." _ To these recommendations were added the amendments made bv': the Rev. Mr.j Miller (Auckland) the previous day.—Referred to committee _ It was decided: "That the Lord's Day_ Alliance be again commended to ministers and congregations, also that the committee be empowered to'publish suitable literature on Sabbath observance." Consideration of Applications. , Tho whole of the extra session of the Assembly yesterday afternoon was devoted to the consideration of appli-' eatious. The convener of the Apphcar tions Committee (Dr. Erwen) presented the applications. As will be judged' from the length of time occupied, many of the applications were disoussed 1 at considerable length. The following applications were granted:—Received as ministers: Revs. T. G. Butler and Frank Hales; probationers, Messrs. R. R. Hume and Andrew Alexander. Other applications received were not granted. Maori Missions. The Rev. Alex. Doull (convener of the Maori Missions Committee) moved tho adoption of that committee's ropoit. ibis stated that the committee's efforts to set the Manunui Boys' College going again wero fruitless ,awl after consulting with the Church Property Trustees the committee disposed 1 of the farm at a price that will more than cover all the money that has been expended on the property, buildings, furnishings, and implements. . At the same time negotiations were entered intx. with the European congregation at Taumarauui for the disposal to them of the Mission Church there. For some time past it had been used solely by European services. It was agreed to sell them the church for £200, and that offer was . accepted. The Mananui manse ■ globe has been" surveyed into buildings sections, antll have disposed of four of these at £2o each. The roport also said:— "Turakina Girls' School has had another good year. Tho work there has impressed the Board's Inspector as of a high order. This is tho first year that tho school has not boon examined by tho Nativo Inspector, and tho report of tho Wanganui Education Board's Inspector is worthy of note. "A temporary arrangement haß been made with Mr. J. G. Laughton, the energetic home missionary at l'iopio, where he. is released from home mission work in order t<> devote himsolf more immediately to the needs of tho Maoris in bis large district." Reports on the Turakina Maori Girls' School, and from the deaconesses of Taumarunui and Nuhaka wore also presented- . , Tho adoption of tho report was seconded by the Rex-. T. Milter, who paid a warm tribute to tho chivalry, and bravery of tho Maori race, as chivalrous when mission work was firßt begun as they were to-day, fighting side by side on the battlefields of Gallipoli and Flanders, with our own men. (Applause.) The Rev. R. E. Ward, anothor missionary among tho Maoris, impressed if. on thoso present that tho Maoris were never conquered—they became a part of tha British nation by, treaty,,

Ho gave great credit to the Maoris for the manner in which they were working at dairy farming. Both the report and tho recommendations were adopted. Nurses Edith Walker and Annie Henry wore ordained as deaconesscs to the Maoris. Social Service. The Rev. Andrew Cameron (convener) presented tho roport of the Presbyterian Social Service Association, which said:—"The number of children now in our homos is as follows: —Wellington, 47; Christchuvoh, 54; Duncditi, 172; Auckland,. 44: total, 317. The care of these children is, however, only a small part of tbe work of our association. . Much is <lono by our agents to help thoso who havo stnmbled into our Jnvenilo Courts .to recover themselves and their place in society." Reports of tho Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland Associations were apponded. Interesting addresses, wore given by several social workers, including Mrs. Mills (of tho Wellington Presbyterian Orphanage) and Sir, Axelsen, of Dunedin. ' • Tho reports were adopted.