PRESBYTERY' OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1207, 16 January 1878, Page 3

PRESBYTERY' OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The Presbytery of Christchurch met in St. Andrew’s Church schoolroom on Thursday, 10th January. Sederunt —The Revs. Messrs Burnett (Moderator), Fraser, Cree, McCallum, Hill, Horner, Waddell, and McGregor (clerk). The Moderator stated that the first business was to appoint a Moderator for the current year. Before retiring from the chair, he thanked his brethren tor their kindness and forbearance during the tenure of his office ; and nominated as his successor the next on the roll, the Rev. Mr McCallum, which was agreed to; and he welcomed Mr McCallum to the Moderator’s chair.

Messrs Miln and Duncan appeared as a deputation from the congregation of Papanui and St. Alban’s, and asked that in Mr Elmslie’s absence Mr McGregor be appointed Moderator. Mr llill moved —“That in consequence of Mr Elmslie’s illness Mr McGregor be appointed Moderator.” Mr Eraser seconded, and it was agreed to. The deputation further stated that they desired to have a minister settled in the district, and that they guaranteed the minimum stipend of £250 per annum ; and that they will take steps to build a manse on the sect ion they have for that purpose as soon as possible, After some remarks with reference to title deeds of Papanui Church, Mr Eraser moved—“ That the Moderator of Papanui examine the title deeds of the church property and report at next meeting” ; which was seconded by Mr Cree and unanimously agreed to. Mr Fraser also moved —“ That the request for moderation in a cull at an early date be granted.” Mr Creo seconded, and the motion was carried. The documents from Kurnnra vrere hid on the table, and the letter’from Mr Douglas, Akaroa, declining the call, was read. Air Fraser stated that be waited for two hours on 29th November, and as there was no quorum Die meeting lapsed. Mr Fiascr moved- “ That the decision of Mr Douglas, declining the call from Kumara and Stafford, be approved, and that instruction thereof be sent io the Presbytery of Westland.” Mr McGregor reported, as convener of the •ommittce on Prcsbytcrial visitation, that the work of the committee had been superseded by the Reverend the General Assembly, and he committee bad not met.

The treasurer’s account for the past year was laid on the table, read and confirmed. [mtructionH were given to those members ■resent whoso congregations had not paid heir Presbytery expenses to see that it was lone without delay, and also to the Modeivtoi i.,o' write to Sefton to the same effect. Mr Hill moved—“ That the Ivev. Messrs Fraser and McGregor be a committee to prepare the awegswent of the congregations for

Presbytery expenses for the past year. Agreed to. A report from the committee on theological training was postponed. Mr Cree withdrew his motion re Church Extension Association in favour of Mr Burnett’s amendment, viz.;—“ That ft sub-com-mittee be appointed by- the Presbytery to act and arrange for a conference with the-com-mittee of the Association at as early a date as possible, the committee to bo the Rev. Messrs Eraser and Hill, the latter convener, Mr Hill seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to.

A report from committee on statistics was postponed. The Commissioners to the Asecmlfly gave in their report. Mr Burnett stated he was prevented from going through scarlet fever breaking out in his family. Mr Waddell staled be could not attend the As-,-enibly ns be could not obtain supply. The Rev. Messrs Cree and Hill gave a brief resume of the proceedings, and referred to the Christian spirit that prevailed in the court. Mr Fraser moved, and Mr Waddell seconded —“ That their attendance and diligence bo approved.” The motion was carried. Mr M'Gregov reported the state of affairs at Wainui, but asked the Presbytery to postpone their decision until lie had a fuller report to lay before them, which was agreed to. Mr Burnett gave in his report of the separation of the Rakaia district from the Ashburton. Air Fraser moved—“ That Mr Burnett’s application, at the instance of the Presbyterian residents for the erection of South Rakaia and Chertsey district into a separate ecclesiastical district be granted, and that such district be placed under Mr Burnett’s temporary superintendence until they are able to support a a minister.” Mr Hill seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr Cree dissenting, desired his dissent to be recorded, as no application had come from the people, but only from the minister, Mr Fraser proposed —“ That a committee be appointed to welcome Dr. Somerville to the bounds of the Presbytery, to aid him in such a way as may be found practicable, and to arrange if possible for his visiting some of the centres of the country population, the committee to consist of the Rev. Messrs Hill, Cree, M'Gregor, and the mover.” Mr Hill seconded, and it was unanimously agreed to. The meeting was closed with the benediction.