Presbyterian Assembly.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1921, Page 4

Presbyterian Assembly.

CHURCH UNTON. DUNEDIN, November 21. The Presbyterian General Assembly heard a report by Dr. Gibb on tlio result of the negotiations with the Congregational Churoli on elmrch union. He moved that the name of the United Church lie. the Presbyterian Church o" New Zealand, with which is united the Congregational Union of New Zealand. Consideration was deferred. Another article which it was proposed to recast provided that the United Church contribute to the London Missionary Society funds annually a sum not less than that contributed by the Congregational Church during the years ISHI-2CL

The articles of the basis of union between the Presbyterian Church and the Congregational Church were ordered to l>o sent down to the Congregational Church as provisionally approved by the Presbyterian Assembly. They were also ordered to be sent down to Presbyteries for consideration and report, through the committee, to the next. Assembly. It was resolved: ‘‘That the Assembly desire to emphasise the sincerity and eagerness with which they seek the accomplishment of this union, and assure their brethren of the Congregational Church that they will carefully and sympathetically consider any further proposals that, the Congregntionalists might deem it desirable to make to them.”

It was also resolved, in connexion with the union proposal, that the Assembly empower the Union Committee to send down to Presbyteries any suggestions from any source as to the name that may come officially from the Congregational Church. The Assembly decided to receive the Rev. P. .1. Wainwriglit (previously a Baptist minister) and the Rev. A. E. Hunt (Congregational). A deputation from the prohibition forces in Dunedin was introduc'd bv the Rev. J. S. Connie.

Mr H.. d. Adams, the principal speaker, said the deputation represented the Dunedin organisation of the New Zealand Alliance, hut had to-day taken upon itself the representation u! the Alliance for the whole of New Zealand. They came for help and asked that the elmrch should put its utmost efforts into the work. Air .1. It. Waters also spoke on behalf of the Efficiency I.eager 'l'll,, Rev. Paterson moved and it v.as carried unanimously: ‘'That the Assembly vxpress thanks to the deputation of the New Zealand Alliance and Efficiency League for its visit, and nsmiics it of our sympathy with the objects ot the Alliance and urges Alitiisj"fs. members, and adherents to give i heir utmost support in prayer. wort. ..,.1 liiianeia! assistance to the purpose ~| the Alliance l‘> <a i r.\ inohibil ion at I lie next, poll."

Interesting speeches were deliveied , deputies from the World's Slu-

.lilts’ Christian .Eederation. Ibis is ~n Association of the Christian youth attending the universities of the world, til,- New Zealand branch of this tarliung fcdeiauoti used to he associated with that of Australia, but now the Dominion has secured the nationhood i.mle, the League of Nations, a bianwh with organisation complete, has been formed in New Zealand. The promoi is of this federation have had in in tlie Christian enlightenment of the intellectual youth of the nations, in the 1 . i*li i-1 that in the universities of the world are found the luture leaders ol humanity in the moral, social, economic political and inlet national spheres. One of the delegates informed the Assembly that in such countries as China and India there were now branches of the Christian Students’ Eederation. The deputies further explained that their branch in the Dominion desired the recognition of the Church and its sympathy. The deputation was thanked for its visit by the Assembly, and assured of the interest ond backing of the Church. Til, following iesolutiou was adopted : "That, in view of the. growing strength of the League ol Nations, and having regard to the linnncial pressure on nil classes, this Assembly resolves to urge on the Government the necessity for drastic retrenchment of expenditure on defence, tliLs year set down at over .6851,000 and so set free money for reproductive works which would give employment to men at present unemployed.”

I'.msideruMe discussion took place in regent to tlie new ,MV„,v regulnti.,iis riinorrniug chaplains, and some heat was engendered when flies,. were under con-idei at ion. The chaplain's uniform as now provided, came in for strong condemnation at the hands ol several sneakers, one alleging thill. “iL disligurcd a man and made him look a guv and plastered him all over with black.” The Assembly also resented verv strongly the constitution of the Board of Chaplains to lie set up in each of the three commands, which specifies four representatives for the Church of England, two for the Roman Catholic Church, and throe for all the noil-episcopal bodies. The convener of the Chaplains’ Committee also complained that the Chaplain’s Committee was ignored by the Defence Department and the Church slighted. The committee, in a report submitted to the Assembly protested strongly against tho attitude adopted by the Defence' Department, and the Assembly agreed to give its unanimous support to the chaplains’ protest. Copies of the resolutions ai’e to be Bent to the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister and the Presbyterian members of Parliament.