PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2237, 14 November 1907, Page 1

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 12. The annual report on temperanco stated that steady and well-directed .efforts had been made in a quiet way all over tlio Dominion. The Bible-in-Schools Committee report stated that advantage was being taken of what is known as the “Nelson system” to givo religious instruction in State schools.. The aggregate attendance of scholars is about 9500. The report on Maori missions showed con-

The gross congregational revenue for tlio year amounted to £114,798. The total number attending services was 70,124, an increase of 2322. The report on Church Forms referred to “the I’reseiiit state of chaos into which our Church services have sunk,” and urged that a new book should be written with special reference to the church laws and practice. 'Consideration of this matter was referred to the Presbyteries to make overtures to next Assembly if they think it desirable.

After much discussion the Assembly adopted the recommendation made last week by tlio Youth of the Church Committee that there should be two young people’s agents, and that the committee he authorised to appoint such agents as soon as their support is reasonably assured. WELLINGTON, Nov. 13.

The report on the sustentaition fund, which was adopted, covered tho following points: —That- the ■church shall aim at raisiiutthe mindmum stipend of a- minisfw to £250,. exclusive of house; that tho minimum contributions required from congregations to tho central fund for' participating in the annual dividend shall be £175 per annum from country congregations, and £2OO from town congregations. The report of the committee oil the applications for admission recommended that■ the application of the Rev. A. V. G. Chandlers be held over for another year, and ho be requested to give a written statement of the reasons which have led him to change his former views of baptism to those of the Church. These recommendations were adopted. It was decided that £SOO of the Malison bequest bo at Die disposal of the Church Extension Committee for the'purpose ‘of initiating and encouraging the establishment of not less than five new mission stations.