Country Intelligence.

Dunstan Times, Issue 989, 1 April 1881, Page 3

Country Intelligence.

ALEXANDRA.

■ The constitution of the Dunstan Presbytery was authorised by la-t ■Synod of Otago, and the opening meeting was appointed to take place at Alexandra on March 24. Accordingly, the ministers and commissioners from the several churches within the bounds of the new Presbytery met in the chinch, Alexandra. Prise it— Revs. Smith, Telford, Lothian, and Blackie, ministers; Messrs Roland and Theyers, elders. The Rev. Mr Smith, ot Naseby, who was appointed Moderator to constitute the new Presbyterv, presided. After the usual devotions,

The Moderator delivered an earnest and practical address on the difficulties and hindrances ministers have to encounter in working scattered districts, and afto giving an account of

the origin and proposed objects of the new addition to tho Presbyteries of the oluirch. The first business consisted in the appointment of Clerk of Presbytery, ami on the motion of the Rev Mr Telford, seconded by the Rev Mr Lothian, Sir A. Rolland, of Blackstone Hill, was elected to the office, which he accepted, and expressed his thanks for the honor, and his desire to fulfil the duties of the office to the best of his ability.

The Rev Mr Smith was continued Moderator for the ensuing six months The Rev Mr Lothian then proposed that the Presbytery record its thanks to the Moderator for his opening address, which was seconded by the Rev Mr Telford, and agreed to. The Presbytery then took into consideration the appointment of a missionary tor the district between the pari-hos ot Alexandra and Naseby,and the following resolutions on the subject were agreed to : That the Presbytery, in conjunction with the Church Extension Committee, appoint a missionary for the ■district comprising Blacks, Matakanui, Cambrians, and St. Bathans, to bo called tbe Lauder district; and that the Presbytery, in conjunction with the Church Erection Cornmil tee, erect a cottage manse in the said district for the use of the resident missionary, in terms of the deliverance of last Synod. Further,that until the district be ready to be declared a sanctioned charge, it shall be under the superintendence of the ministers of Alexandra and Naseby, who shall at stated times dispense the sealing ordinances of the church therein. That the following Committee of Presbytery he appointed to visit the district and consult with the people as to the amount they are willing to contribute towards the support of a resident missionary; and also as to the most suitable site for a manse, viz:—Rev. Mr Smith, Rev. Mr Lothian, and the Clerk of Presbytery, and that they report at the next meeting of Presbytery. That Mr Adam Holland be appointed General Treasurer of the Lauder district. That a sura ol not less than £ls per annum be paid to the Rev. Mr Lothian out of the general fund of the district for occasional services in the district. That until these arrangements are. completed services will he conducted as usual by the Rev. Mr Lothian and Mr Holland as often as practicable.

It was also agreed that the minister of Alexandra should continue a monthly service at Ida Valley.

At tlio request of tho Rev Mr Blackie, the following assessors were appointed to act with him in forming a kirk session at Cromwell, viz—Rev Mr Lothian and Mr W. Theyers. The Presbytery expressed its hearty thanks to the Rev Mr Connor for his labors in preaching in the Pembroke district; agreed to renew the Presbyterial certificate issued to him 1 y the Southland Presbyterv, and commend his labors to tho attention of the people in that district. The next meeting of Presbytery was fixed to take place at Blacks on Wednesday, 15th June. In connection with the late meeting of the Dunstan Presbytery on Thursday last, a most successful tea-meeting was held in the evening in the Town Hall, which was well filled on the occasion. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens and flags, and the tables groaned under a profusion ot viands and fruits, grapes, peaches, plums and apples, contributed by friends in the town and surrounding district. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the tables were removed, and a public raeoiing took place, the chair being occupied by the Rev. Mr Lothian, who, in the name of the Presbyterians of Alexandra, cordially welcomed the members of the Presbytery to Alexandra. The Rev. Mr M'Oosh Smith, of Naseby, the Moderator of the Presbytery, returned, thanks for the kind welcome the Presbytery had received, and delivered an address. Admirable addresses were also given by tho Revs. Telford of Teviot, and Blackie of Cromwell. During the evening several hymns were tastefully sung by the church choir, and Messrs Rets, Austin, and Holland kindly contributed songs, which bellied much to diversify the proceedings. Mr Holland presided at the harmonium and accompanied the various hymns and songs, besides playing appropriate selections of music. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Theyers moved a vote of thanks to the ladies who assisted at the tea table, the speakers, and the choir, which was heartily responded to, and the audience separated after a very enjoyable evening.