[PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 130, 26 February 1919, Page 5

[PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

PROGRESS OF THE MEN'S LEAGUE. By Telegraph-Press Association Christchurch, February 25. At the Presbyterian Assembly Professor P. B. Waters submitted a report on the work of the Presbyterian Men s League. The annual report to November, 1918, stated that the Hev.- W. Scorgie, organiser, had done an enormous amount of work, visiting many parts of tho Dominion. It had not all been smooth sailing. Opposition froin unexpected quarters was encountered, 'and on occasions that opposition was vigorously attacked and broken down by Mr. Scorgie. The fact that many branches had been formed in a short time throughout New Zealand was ample justification for the action of the Wanganui Presbytery in founding the league. The financial question called for immediate attention. Mr. Soorgie complained, of, apathy and opposition, especially in certain Presbyteries. The report on the churcnesr schools and colleges contained a"-paragraph, inserted at the instance of the Auckland representatives, constituting the committee which comprises the boards of the Columba and John M'Glashan Collegee in Dunedin, together with two representatives of each of the other boards throughout the country. A committee of college interests is to consider the questions submitted by the several boards and to report to the next Assembly. This committee marks the first move for coordination of the various college interests and will include, besides the Rev. Andrew Cameron, the Chancellor of the University of Otago, and some of the leading educational authorities of the Dominion. It was further resolved to fourid a superannuation scheme for teachers in the churches' schools " and colleges, basing it upon the Government National Provident Fund. '

The Eev. Mr Davies (Dunedin) presented the report on aggressive work. It urged a strenuous forward policy on this the eve of a reconstructed world. In seconding the report, the Eev. Mir. Comrie agreed with the mover that they should make more use- of the post and the Press. He thought they might well have their chaplains going round among the people to develop that point of contact which: had been secured with the men at the front.' The Eev. A. L. M'Donald Aspland wag admitted to the ministry. : The committee on the Beneficiary Fund reported that thanks to the perseverance of Mr. W. H. Eo.;e and to the generosity of the people, the very large sum of .£25,424 had been promised, of which over .£19,200 had been paid. The. total cost of raising the fund had been under =£250. This addition to the- fund justified increased annuities. It wae recommended that the regulation requiring all ministers to join th'e fund, unless exempted 1)V the AesOTibly, 'be more strictly ■ entforced. It, was : further, recommended that the provisions of the National-Pro-vidint Fund be availed of for all women workers employed by the Church residing in New Zealand. The report was adopted. , . : • !