WESTLAND PRESBYTERY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2959, 26 April 1886, Page 3

WESTLAND PRESBYTERY.

A meeting of the West'anil Presbytery was held in St. John's Church, G-reymouth, 20th April. Sederunt— Kevs. W. J. Gov/ (Moderator), Douglas, Westbvook (clerk), and Mr Ring, elder. Mr Malcolm and Mr Bain being prosent, "were associated as elders.

Minutes of lii'- puvious meeting wcrg read, aad. wa&vcied.

The Clerk reported having carried out the instructions of the Presbytery re Rev. George Hay, now of New South Wales.

The Rev. W. Douglas reported that he had cariied out the instructions of last Presbytery to Kumara. The Presbytery approved of Mr Douglas's conduct and expressed devout gratitude to God for the altered state of things in that congregation, as compared with what it was a short time ago.

, Mr Malcolm, on behalf of the Brunnerton congregation, expressed the disappointment felt at Mr Ramsay's deciding to remain at Kumara. After discussion the following resolution was carried : —" The Prpsbytery having been informed that Mr Peter Ramsay had expressed his intention to remain at Kumara instead of proceeding to Brunuerion, deeply sympathise with the Bruuner people on account of the disappointment they have sustained ; appreciate their energy and zeal in seeking to maintain ordinances in their midst; rejoice at the success that has attended the labours of Mr Fairmaid ; and, in present circumstances, deem it the best thing to recommend to their favourable notice Mr David Anderson, Home Missionary, of Tapanui, Otago, whom, if after trial, they should wish to retain the Presbytery, from what tbey know of Mr Anderson, anticipate the best results.'"' The Moderator of the congregation of Brunnerton was requested to communicate the foregoing to the people there without delay.

A letter was read from Rev. Dr. M'Leod, asking that his services in giving supply at Ross be recognised by the Presbytery ; also, that he himself should be recognised as one of tho preachers connected with the Presbytery of Westland. After consideration it was resolved to acknowledge with thanks Dr. M'Leod's kind services.

The Presbytery approved of Mr Ramsay administering the Ordinance of Baptism.

It having been reported that Mi Fairrnaid was about to leave Brunnerton to resums his studies in Duneclin, the Presbytery expressed their confidence in the Christian character of MrFairmaid, and felt much gratified at the reports which have reached them of liia energy and diligence in household visitation and faithful and evangelical pleaching; and commended him to the care and blessing of God, for whose service ho was now preparing. The usual inquiry was made regarding congregations making the prescribed collections for the schemes of the church.

The Rev. B. J. Westbrooke gave a full and interesting account of the proceedings of the last General Assembly. The next meeting was fixed to be held in Hokitika on Wednesday, July 7th, at G 30 p.m., for ordinary purposes, and to conduct a visitation of the congregation in accordance with the rule of the Assembly. The meeting was then closed in the usual way.