PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1924, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

I’ALMKifiSTON N., November Id,

At the Presbyterian Assembly last night, a report on the League of Nations was presented. The Her. Dr. Gibb. Wellington, said that the League was the hope of the word. It would save it from another war, which if it occurred might disrupt civilisation and might bring to a close the prerogative of the white race. The development of the League internationally had been amazing. In the Dominions branches of the I-oague of Nations I'nion had been established in Dunedin and Christchurch, and arrangements were being made for extending interest in the League. lie moved that the Assembly commend interest in and prayer for the Longue- to all ministers and congregations and appoint the Sunday nearest Anzac Day as League of Nations Sunday. The reolution was seconded hut a point was raised by the Lev. Dr. Merrington. of Dunedin, as to whether the Sunday next to Armistice Day would not be more appropriate, and for the settlement of this the date was adjourned. The report of the .Maori Mission was presented by the ltev. Asher, of Napier. This was adopted, and members of the Assembly retired to the Opera House to witness an excellent display of tableaux, representing home life and customs with a concert and dances by members of the Turahina Maori Girls’ School. Thereafter the Assembly resumed in the church. The election of Moderator-Designate of the General Assembly lesulted in the appointment of the Rev. .John Kilpatrick, of Green Island, Otago, who secured 100 votes. Mr W. 11. Ho.se, of Christchurch, was second with 79 votes.

It was decided to .send messages of congratulations to tin l Hev. das. Patterson, of Wellington, aged ilo, and to tile Hev. George Drown, of Oiiehmiga. aged 01. In the absence of the Hev. Gray Dixon, convener, the Hev. .Tames Millie (Thames) moved the adoption of the report on tile "Faith and Order” movement. lie explained that the movement sought to bring into closer association all the churches of Christendom by friendly conference. At. the last conference held in Geneva in 1020. every church in Christendom, save the Homan Catholic Church, had been represented. It. was proposed to hold the next conference in 11127, and the Assembly had been invited to send two delegates. Such conferences promoted unity, which created ail atmosphere favourable for the promotion of union.

Heference was made to the lamented death of .Mr Hallowcll Gardiner, late secretary of the movement, whose devotion and generosity had so helped it in its initiation.

The resolution was seconded liv the Hev Dr. Gibb who. wliil" expressing his devotion to union which made incorporation possible, yet had pleasure in supporting the Faith and Order movement its making for Christian unity. The resolution was carried. The Assembly voted a sum for propaganda in connection with the movement.