PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 14 November 1924, Page 7

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

WORK OF THE COLLEGES

A HARD ROW TO HOE.

ARMY AND NAVY CHAPLAINS

(by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION. PALMERSTON N., Nov. 14. The Presbyterian Assembly resumed this morning. The report of the Board of Education Avas presented by Professor Gumming, in the absence, through sickness, of; the convenor_ the Rev. Davies. The report dealt* with the lona,'Columba, St. Andrews, and John i McGrlashan .Colleges. He also stated that the conference between the board and the principals was not held last year, changes on the staff and the fact that vacations did not coincide making such a meeting difficult. It was hoped to arrange one at Dunedin at the end of 1925. Reports of. the colleges were appended, each recording steady progress during the past year. Speaking on the report. Professor Cumming said the responsibilities of those controlling the schools had been heavy, but were dutifully carried out Dr. Gibb presented the report of Scott’s College and Queen Margaret’s, > remarking that during the past few years they* had had a very hard row to " hoe, but he was pleased to report that they were fighting their wav through successfully. The Presbyterian Assembly has set up a committee to go into the question of the unification of regulations. „ The report of the chaplains’ committee was presented, and stated, inter alia, that now that the Defence Department lias definitely brought into vogue the policy of an annual period of training in camps with chaplains detailed for - duty therein, arrangements from the point of view of the church mav be considered fairly satisfactory. A new phase of work has originated as a result of New Zealand maintenance of a cruiser. In the absence of authoritative information as to the regular procedure of appointing a naval chaplain, . the Department of the War Offce in London was communicated with in regard to the question of uniform. A subject of caustic comment on the part of chaplains of all denominations in the last few years seems likely to be settled at last. It is understood that the Defence Department has decided to revert to the uniform in vogue during the Avar. A tribute Avas paid to officers of the Defence Department for their courtesy. Omniums Avho had been in camp reoorted an improved tone in camp life. Whatever the churches’ pronouncement about the general question of Avar, it cannot neglect the men. Avho are compelled by law to undergo military training. The committee recommended the reappointment of the Revs. Watson, SJuiav and McLean as representatives on the C.A.C. of the Northern, Central and Southern Commands; also to authorise the committee to outline definite procedure AA'ith reference to the nomination of chaplains. The report recommendations Avere adopted.