THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY AND UNION.

Evening Star, Issue 4247, 6 October 1876, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND PRESBYTERY AND UNION.

[By Teleqbaph.] (From our own Correspondent ) Auckland, October 5. At tbe quarterly meeting yesterday the subject of Union with Otago was raised by The Rev. Mr Bbuce, who read the followingoverture which he wished sent to the General Assembly for. the consideration of that body:—

Whereas the subject of Union between the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand and the Synod of Otago ' and Southland has, at the instance of the latter body been seriously considered in the Supreme Court of both Churches for several years past, and whereas further the basis of Union, prepared and recommended by the Synod of Otago and Southland, and submitted for a pproval :o the General Assembly of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church, was, after careful consideration, finally and unanimously agreed to by the Genual Assembly At its meeting in 1875, and finally by a majority of the Synod at a special meeting held in September of the present year, and whereas an opposition to the consumation of the Union has been offered by a minority of the Synod of Otago aud Southland of su.’h a character as to constrain the majority to stay fur‘■her procedure in the* matter, it is hereby humbly overtnred by the Presbytery of Auckland unto the venerable General Assembly to take the whole subject of Uaion into consideration at its next meeting and without pronouncing as to the reasons of opposition of the the minority of Synod -or as to the reasons of the majority for delaying proceedure, to determine all negotiations relative to the proposal for Union at an end for the present, reserving however the right to extend the orgauisation and jurisdiction of the Presbyterian church of New Zealand into the district of Otago and Southland, at a time and in the manner which the Assembly in its wisdom may deem the best altogether, irrespective of any communication with the aforesaid Synod, and solely on its own authority.

He would not discuss the matter now, but wished it discussed in the Asiembly. The overture having been adopted. The Clerk objected to being bound by the decisian of the Presbytery to approve of" the proposition; he was informed that the motion was only t6 the effect that the overture be sent to the General Assembly. The Rev. P. Mason brought forward the following overture to the New Zealand University to have a representative of the Presbyterian Church in tbe senate of the University : - m

Unto the venerable the Gene.’al Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, summoned to meet at Auckland, on the day of whereas the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand is not represented in tho Council of the New Zealand Uuiveisity, it is humbly overtimed by the Presbytery of Auckland that the subject be considered by tbe Assembly, for tho purpose of tailing such action as may be thought proper.

He thought from the number and influence of the Presoyterians they were entitled to it. The Rev. Mr Bruce seconded the adoption of the Rev. P. Mason’s proposal. He thought as there were seven vacancies in the Senate, Presbyterians were entitled to share in the representation. There was a Bill before the Legislative Assembly which would do away with the Senate, and substitutes constitution, but he hoped that Bill would pot pass. The overture was agreed to.