PRESBTERIAN CHURCH.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1917, Page 1

PRESBTERIAN CHURCH.

HEN M 8.4 L ASSEMBLY

DUNEDIN November 21

Tlie Presbyterian General Assembly opened witli a' .service last evening and subsequently Hon. J. G. M. Aitken, M.L.C., was installed as moderator. At to-day’s session the Rev. Comrie presented the treasurer s report which stated that the past year had been a record one in respect to had been a record one in respee to the amoiiiiK kjontriblnted st'o the general funds of the church. He said that the total congregational collections came to £22,777, and contributions of n more or less personal character had to he added. It was to be regretted tlift money was so sent as to get past the treasurer thus evading assessment for assembly expenses. •Between £'(>0,000 and £70,000 bad passed through his hands as treasurer.

A special committee' on beneficiary fund recommended that regulation 14 of the Ministers’ Widows and Orphans Fund should he altered to provide that a member who attained the age of sixty-five should, on resigning his appointment be entitled to an annuity of £SO with £1 additional for each year of Ministerial service prior to January 1, 1917 and £2 for each subsequent year. The Assembly, may on the rejeommondation of the committee tin charge of the fund, alter the increment for services prior to January, 1917, up to hut not exceeding £2 for each year the increase to remain in force till next Assembly. As the result of a special appeal for £15,000 for increasing: annuities to aged ministers practically the full amount was promised. The report was referred to a committee to report at a further sitting of the present sessions.

The Beneficiary Fund Committee reported that the income wa s £8044 and expenditure £4096. The credit balance was £92,386. Miss Jessie Cairns, Dunedin, was appointed second Sunday school agent at a salary of £l5O with £SO for travelling expenses! It was stated that the church had 735 Sunday schools 0928 teachers and 08,225 scholars aim the revenue for the year was £6868.

The Fire Insurance Committee reported insurances in force amounting to £269,111. The amount to credit of the fund was £2358. Losses for the year were, £53 . The .Rev. J. Balfour stated that all eligible men from the Theological Hall had gone to the front. No exemption had been asked for. Eight of them had lost their lives.