PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12607, 18 November 1926, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

CONCLUDING STAGES MEMORIAL MINUTES PASSED. The Presbyterian General Assembly ilosed its meetings yesterday. It was decided to cable to the Prime Minister, Hon. J. G. Coates, to take no action with regard to the New Hebrides, that does not safeguard the interests of British traders and Christian. missionaries. The home mission committee was instructed to consider and report on the establishment of a training institute for them. A missionaries’ committee was set up to preserve the historical records that are to be plaoed in the church office in Wellington. Where written or printed records, or other relics aria; known, these are to be forwarded to Wellington or reported to the committee. Memorial minutes were passed in connection with the following deceased ministersßevs. R. Francis (Bluff), A. W. Kinmont (Dunedin), C. Macdonald (formerly of Temuka), G. McDonald (Tasman), Jas. Paterson (Wellington), J. W. Shannon (Morere and Matawhero), and W. Watt (New Hebrides). Messages of sympathy were passed to the following ministers who are in illhealth :—Revs. W. McDonald, A. I.aisliley, R. H. Catherwood, J. C. Paterson; and warm congratulations were offered to the Rev. John Ryley, Wamaka, who is over 90 years of age, and has faithfully attended the meetings of the assembly. The thanks of the assembly were passed to Sir John Ross for his great services to tho church, and to Rev. J. Kirkpatrick, retiring Moderator; Rev. G. H. McNeur, Moderator; Rev. R. S. Watson, for his address at tho communion service; Rev. W. H. Howes, convener of the business committee; Rev. J. H. MacKenzie, clerk of tho assembly; Rev.

W. J. Comrie, general treasurer and staff of church office. Thanks were also given to the officebearers of St. John's, organists, and the choir nnd caretaker, Rev. R. Inglis, convener, and the assembly arrangements committee, the Press for reports on the meetings, hosts and •hostesses, who have provided hospitality, and ladies of the Khandallah congregation for their gatherings on Saturday afternoons. The Moderator delivered the closing address.