DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

Evening Star, Issue 3366, 3 December 1873, Page 2

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

The Presbytery met in the First Church this morning. Present—Rev. Mr Will, Moderator; and the Revds. Gow, Johnstone, M'Naughton, Copland, Chisholm, Watt, Blake, Gregg, Dr Stuart, and William Gillies (clerk); and Messrs Rennie, Davidson, Paterson, Buchanan, Wales, Williamson, Moore, Kunciman, Hutton, Samuels, Stevens, and Johnson, On the motion of the Rev. Mr Gillies, the Rev. Mr Chisholm, of Tokoma.iriro, was associated with the Presbytery. Dr Copland gave notice of motion for the evening’s sittings—“ That this Presbytery memorialises the Provincial Government against the running of trains on the Port Chalmers Railway on Sundays."

ACiKD AND INTI RM MINISTERS* FUND REPORT,

Mr Rennie said he had no report to hand ih, but that it was undecided as to whether a subscription or collection for the object would be preferable. Rev. Mr Gillies remarked that .a collection amounting to L’47 11s had been made at West Taicri. REV. MR flow's OVERTURE. Rev. Mr Gow was inclined to abandon the overture aud move the Synod to send down an injunction. Leave was given to Mr Gow to withdraw his overture. MR MILLER’S OVERTURE. This overture, to the effect that the Free Church collection of hymns be put into general use, was considered, being proposed by Mr Paterson. Rev. Mr Gow did u<>t agree with the view of the overture. Rev. Mr M'Xacghto.v would second the overture, being of opinion that congregations should be allowed to select their own hymn books. Rev, Dr Con, and moved as an amendment that it be not transmitted, as it would open up discussion, and disturb the unity of the Church by raising dissension as to what books should be used. The amendment was carried by 11 votes to 2. MEMBERS UE. SYNOD S BUSINESS COMMITTEE. Rev. Mr Watt and Mr Johnson were appointed as above. NORTH TAIKIU REPORT, Rev. Mr Will said, for one tiling, he wished to be relieved from the Moderatorship ; and also that the-Presbytery should recommend the Synod to authorise the congregation to cull a minister. Alsu that Mr Stevens had been preaching lately in the district. . Rev. MrM‘hJ auchton moved that Air Will be relieved from the Moderatorship, and that Mr Watt take Ids place; but did not agree with the proposition as to a callheingauthorised. The motion was agreed to, and after discussion, the other matter was referred to the Synod. Rev. Dr Stuart introduced the Rev. James Skinner, M.A., a propationer, who arrived by the ship Jessie Headman, amd bis certificates from the Presbyteries of Dalkeith and Strath Bogie, were read, speaking in highjterms of that gentleman. STUDENT OF DIVINITY. ' Rev. Mr Gillies moved that Mr David Borrie, a member of his congregation, and a student for three years, be taken on by the Presbytery, the committee to superintend his studies to consist of Revs. Messrs Gillies, Watt, and Will. Rev. Dr Stuart seconded the motion, speaking to the diligence displayed by Mr Borrie, anti it was carried. CAVKKSHAM. 5.-v. Mr O.av reported that, owing in 11! health, Mr Johnson would b-' compeUe l to give

up Ilia labors. Dr Stuart and the sneaker had arranged for Mr Fleming to preach morning and evening instead, and the arrangement ha<l been very successful. Hev. Mr Blake asked if any arrangement had been made for some one to address immigrants on their arrival at the barracks, a thing which (should be done before the immigrants get engagements and leave the barracks. It was decided that the matter should rest with Rev. MrGimv APPLICATION FOR MINISTER, Rev. Mr Johnstone handed in a memorial from residents of Blncskin and Merton, asking that the district lie constituted a charge, and showing that Ll2B (is (id had been collected there in furtherance of the object, and lie said that from his own knowledge a larger amount could be relied on. Rev. Dr Stuart felt interested in the application, and although Mr Morris had labored there energetically and conscientiously, still it was a district that had as great a claim as any in Otago to be constituted a charge. Rev. Mr Gillies agreed with the last speaker, adding that he had heard that other residents would subscribe, but for the fear of injuring Mr Morris. However, the Synod would of course find another field for that gentleman. Rev. Dr ( 'on,and regretted having to oppose the application. He hesitated to suppoit it, looking at the necessities of other districts. _ Rev Mr Watt also opposed the application, but eventually it was agreed to remit it to the Synod, with a recommendation from the Presbytery. [Left sitting.]