Presbyterian Assembly.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 40, 16 February 1901, Page 3

Presbyterian Assembly.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wanganui, last night. The Presbyterian Assembly met this morning. ' It was decided that the Rev. W. Thomson hand in his ministerial certificate before being hoard at the Bar of Assembly on Monday morning. The discussion on foreign missions was resumed. A resolution expressing thankfulness to God for the great blessings in Tanna, and also expressing regret at the increased aggression of the French in New Hebrides, was adopted. Several members of the Assembly spoke highly in favor of the good work done by Mr Furlong, a Christian trader, in the Now Hebrides.

The Rev. Mr Painter, a missionary from China, addressed the house, giving a most interesting account of China’s spiritual needs.

The Assembly then dealt with a reference from the Wanganui Presbytery re the resignation of the Rev. Chisholm, of Palmerston. The reference was not sustained, and the matter was referred to the Presbytery to deal with. The Assembly met in the evening at 7 o’clock. The report on union, read by the convener, Rev. J. Paterson, recommended that the Assembly accept the basis of union adopted by the last Synod of Otago. The Assembly unanimously and enthusiastically adopted the report, and requested the Moderator to call an in hune effectum meeting to arrange for the consummation of the union.

The Assembly then rose arid sang the Doxology and psalm 183. The Rev. Dr. Elmslie also led in prayer.

The meeting was one of the most impressive and enthusiastic ever held by the General Asscmhlv of New Zealand.

The Rev. Grant and Mr Bell, elder, spoke warmly of the kindness they received at the recent meeting of the Otago Synod. The deputies from Otago were then introduced. Rev. Spence (Moderator), Gibb, Borric, and Fraser, the deputies, gave splendid addresses, and wore heartily thanked for them.