PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALEXANDRA AND CLYDE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1087, 30 March 1883, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ALEXANDRA AND CLYDE.

The annual tea meeting of this congregation was held in the Town Hall Alexandra, on the evening of Wednesday, the2lst mat. There was a good attendance, though not so numerous as on former occassions. The tables were abundantly supplied with good things, including a boitatifcl supply of the ■splendid fruits of the district. The ch-dt was occupied by the Rev J Lothian, Pastor of the cdiigregalinn. who in the course of his opening remarks referred to the diminished minim/ population of the ebstrict, which was of course ilue to the slackness of the mining industry. He thought it would be a good thing if the miners of the goldfield towns and district were to combine an i form a strong and united association to watch over the progress and development of their special work, and to demand of Government some encouragement in opening up the resources of the goldfields. For ■many years past the Government and the country at large had reaped truly golden harvests from these districts, and yet they had done wry little either directly or indirectly to foster and op n up means for work that won hi develop the, as yet almost untouched mineral resources of these goldfields. He had no fear but that agriculture would make its way, particularly in suitable districts such as Sputtis. Laud r, 1 a Valley, Ac., and I hat the country of that nature would be. thrown open as require 1 fo l, settlement. But the mining industry wis just at .that stage when it needed every effort and every encouragement ; an I i was not necessary that Government should launch out, into expenditure ; but assuredly the Government so-med to take no practical interest, in this important an 1 work, whereas by a httlo judicious expenditure and by helping the people to help themselves, a vast impetus might he given to mining ■operations throughout the colony. It might be thought that this was a secular theme on which to address a church meeting, yet it was most important, because they could not in these districts have large and influential congregations without population, a d in order to support the people there must be the natural industries set a-going and encouraged. Interesting and suggestive reports were read by the session clerk, Mr M‘Neill, and fey the hen. secretary, Mr Finlay. The tv ik Session reported a slight decrease in m mhership, and a falling off in the Sabbath school, in consequence of the removal of several large families. The financial statement showed a debit balance of about £4O at the beginning of the present year, which was accounted for, by extra expenses in fencing Ac., and also,by the unusually small amount contributed by the Clyde portion of the parish. The report conveyed tha 'ks to all contributors and also to the collectors, and appealed to the Christian liberality of the people during the present year to make up all deficiency. A very p'easing pa-1 of the evening’s proceedings. was the presentation of a handsome Family Bible to Mr Georgs Gregg, one of the ciders of the Church, who is leaving the district to settle in the Mataura district. Mr Finlay, on behalf of the office bearers and members made the presentation. , and said that he was sure lie expressed the {■“ sentiments of all when he assured Mr Gregg r ’that ho had their highest respect as a Chrisv tian man ; and they were all of one mind in ‘ wishing both Mr and Mrs Gregg every success and happiness in their new abode. Asking him to accept this gift he believed he would value it, first for the records of its own contents, and secondly, as a token of remembrance of those he was leaving. Mr Gregg replied in feeling terms. During the evening the choir sung a number of hymns with much taste and Mrs Lothian kindly presided at the piano. Mrs Shaw, of Clyde, contributed greatly to the evening’s enjoyment by singing with much effect, the beautiful sacred song “ Ton late, ye cannot enter now.” Mrs Wardale, of Clyde, likewise gave achoioe reading entitled “ The Angel and the Child” whilst Mr T. A. Nome after a few interesting remarks on “ Alexandra North,” gave a stirring recitation called the “ Buttle of Busaeo.” Mr Finlay also contributed an enjoyable and amusing reading named “Scotch Words.” Brief and excellent addresses were given during the evening by the following gentlemen who were listened to with much attention. The Eev Mr Telford spoke on the duty of systematic giving to the cause nf Christ. The Rev Mr Clinton (Episcopalian Church Clyde) commended the subject of prayer for the clergy by the people. The Eev Mr Blackio in an earnest and and interesting speech,illustrated by several anecdotes. showed how much the people could do to encourage their minister by kind words and by showing that they all took an active interest in the work of the congregation. At the close votes of thanks proposed and carried as follows :—To the ladies, by Mr Theyers ; to the speakers, by MrM'Neill; to the singers, readers, and reciters, by Mr Gunnion, Galloway Station ; to the visitors and donors of gifts, by the Mayor (Mr

M‘Donald.) Mr McKenzie proposed a : special vote of thanks to the choir and Mrs I Lothian, and Mr Hansen proposed - " the I usual compliment to the chairman. The | meeting was concluded with Benediction pronounced by the Rev R. Telford. I The office bearers and committee desire to taks the opportunity of stating teat they are much indebted to the kindness of the following donors for their liberal gifts of beautiful fruit &o Mrs Dawson, Conroys Gully; Mr Noble, Alexandra ; Mr Anderson, Wai Keri Keri; Mrs Gunnion, Galloway Station ; Mis Beck, Alexandra; Mr Simmonds, Mr Finlay, and Mr Theyers. DDNSTAN PRESBYTERY. An adjourned meeting of this Presbytery was held at Alexandra on the 22nd'j inst. sederunt, Rev. Messrs Blackie, Telford, Lothian (ministers); Mr W. Hanson (elder), Mr John M‘Kenzie (elder), Alexandra, being present was associated. Mr T. A. Norrie, missionary student at Lauder,- was also present. Rev. R. Telford was elected moderator for ensuing teim. The report of Lauder district having been heard, it was intimated from the convener of the Church Extension Committee (Ur Stuart) that Mr Roberts (of Handyside and Roberts) had offered the use of Lauder Station for two years as a residence for a minister ; and also that the first a vail aide probationer would be sent to the district. After consideration the Presbytery unanimously adopted the following deliverance—- “ That the Presbytery express their satisfaction with Mr Nome's report and labors, and rejoice that the cause of Christ is prospering in the Lauder district, and that the foundations of a thriving change are being laid there. Further that the Presbytery on behalf of the district, and of the church very specially, record their thanks to Mr Roberts for his handsome offer of the use of Lauder -Station for two years, and accept the same in the firm belief that it will be the means of giving the district an imuisnse advantage at its outset as a new charge, and that 11 will greatly encourage the people in all their efforts. The Presbytery likewise hope that the Church Extension Committee will not fail to send probationers to the district shortly, so that tcey may be called upon a no distant date to officiate at the liar monious settlement of a permanent minister in that district, It was agreed to appoint the Rev. Messrs Biackie and Lothian a committee to confer with the people of Wauaka an-' Hawea district iu reference to securing b site for church pm poses, and also to ascertain whether they are prepared to take any steps towards obtaining the services of a resident missionary. Mr Lothian gave notice of overtures regarding a Book of Prayers for the use of lay readers conducting public worship ; and also regarding an endowment fund for cliurcti extension purposes. The Presbytery agreed to take up remit of Synod anent revision of regulations tor buduiug grants in September. The usual grant for repairs to Teviot was sanctioned. The clerk was requ -sted to invite the Rey.'B. Drake to attend meetings of Presbytery. After some routine business the Presbytery adjourned to meet at Opnir iu September.