DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19472, 6 May 1925, Page 2

DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY.

The regular mooting of the Djunodin Presbytery was held yesterday morning m First Church Hall, the Roy. R. Scott Allan presiding. The Clerk of Assembly wrote suggesting that as the date of the opening of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition had been postponed till November 17 a quorum of the Assembly meet on November 3, not for the transaction of business, but merely to be constituted and adjourned till November 11. This suggestion was unanimously approved. An application from the North-East Harbour congregation for leave to mortgage was approved. The committee appointed to draw up a brief statement of faith was reappointed. A discussion took place on the order of service to be followed at induction services, and the matter was referred to the Ecclesiastical Committee to draw up an order that would secure uniformity of practice on these occasions. The Rev. R. L. Walker reported on the position at SeaclifF and submitted the following recommendations: "That in the opinion of this Presbytery this charge must be manned by a fully-ordained minister. That the Presbytery appoint assessors to strengthen the existing session in SeacliffWarrington; that the Presbytery ask the Home Mission Committee to find another position for Mr King." Mr Walker made reference to Mr King's fine service of the church, but said that unfortunately his health was not satisfactory. The Rev. J. J. Caimey seconded and supported the motion, which was carried. PUBLIC QUESTIONS. The report of the Public Questions Comniittoo was presented by the Rev. W. Trotter, who said the first matter the committee had considered was the running of Sunday trains. Approach was made to the Minister of Railways, and no doubt they had all seen the stereotyped reply sent by the Minister. The committee recommended that they get into touch with similar committees in other churches, and that they tako concerted action against tho running of these Sunday trains. The trains had ceased for the winter, but no doubt would be started again next summer. The recommendation was approved. Tho committee had also had before it tho matter of lotteries, and there was every reason to belie.ve that a coach and four was being driven through the Act. This was a matter on which they thought legal opinion should be had for the guidance of the committee and the Presbytery l.liey asked to bo given authority to consult some lawyer of standing that they might have a definite opinion on this matter. The authority asked was unanimously approved. CHURCH RALLY MONTH. The Rev. G. Miller presented the report of the Evangelistic Committee stating that a number of circulars had been sent out and cards distributed in prosecuting the Church Rally Month in which tho Anglican. Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches were all co-operat-ing. There were a few congregations not able to join in this month, but who were intending to do so next month. Tho Rev. W. Trotter asked if the convener had a letter from the Rev. R. Kno.v!?s Kempton on this matter. Mr Miller said ho had received such a letter immediately after the last meeting of Presbytery from Mr Kempton, the secretary of tho Council of Christian Congregations asking for tho co-operation of tho Presbytery in a united rally month. Mr'Trotter contended that that letter should have been part of the convener's report. Mr Miller said he had brought tho request of tho letter boforo last Presbytery, and the Presbytery had decided to go on with its own scheme. Mr D. Wright moved that the report bo received and the convenor' thanked for what he had accomplished. He was delighted at tho spirit abroad in the churches to-day. Ho had never in all his experience seen more cordiality abroad among the different churches than he had seen during the last month. Tho Rev. Dr Merrington seconded the motion, and reported something of what was being done in the city churches. A house to nouse canvass had been instituted and general invitations extended to attend church. A rough working census of tho religious adherence of the people had been obtained and waj proving of great value. Ha believed that they were on the eve of a big movement that would stir the city if they would go forward in the power of tho Spirit. He believod that tho Church Rally Month was bringing about a quiet but real revival of puro religion and undetiled in their midst. On the motion of the Rev. J. Kilpatrick it was decided to continue the discussion in private. Mr Wright's motion was carried unanimously. After discussion the following resolution, propoitcd by tho Rev. W. Trottor, was carried unanimously: "That in view of tho new conditions —namely, that a committee outside the Presbytery has entered upon an interdenominational rally, tho Presbytery does now set its members free to co-operate in this wider movement or not as they see fit." HOUR OF PRESBYTERY MEETING. Tho Rev. J. Kilpatrick reported on the question of changing the hour of meeting of Presbytery. Out of 27 sessions 13 had answered, nine being in favour of change and four against it. The Rev. E. J. Tinier moved that tho hour of meeting be changed to 7 in the evening for six months in order to give it a trial. A number of elders who wero business mon found it difficult to attend in the day time. The Rev. R. L. Walker seconded tho motion on tho ground that it would onablo more olders to attend. The Rev. T. Yuille pointed out that the present representative elders had been appointed with a view to their ability to attend morning meetings. He moved that a trial year of ovoning meetings begin from the beginning of tho Presbyterial year next December. Mr Kilpatrick seconded the amendment and combatted tho suggestion that the Presbytery was not well attended by elders. Mr Tipler agreed to accent the amendment, which was carried without dissent. WAIT ATI CHARGE. The Rev. R. L. Walker reported on the vacancy at Waitati, which had now been going on for over a year. During that time rhere had been three interim moderators. He had ascertained that the Supply and Appointments Committee would be willing to appoint a minister to Waitati with the concurrence of the Presbytery, provided tho congregation found £220 stipend and that the amount be increased to £275 from the Sustentation Fund. Ho had sounded tho congregation, and they seemed agreeable. The gentleman whom the committee thought suitable was the Rev. Mr Wilson, of Turakina. He asked the consent of the Presbytery to the appointment, and moved to that effect. The Rev. A. M. Finlayson seconded the motion, and asked what the position was about removal expenses. The Rev. J. Kilpatrick drew attention to the fact that this was the first appointment to be made in Otago or Southland by the Supply and Appointments Committee. MV "Kilpatrick and .others recommended that steps be taken to have a call sent forward from the congregation in the ordinary way. Mr Kilpatrick moved that the moderator of tho charge (Mr Walker) be directed to take the usual steps to call a minister. Mr Walker said tho motion would delay the appointment considerably. He was of opinion that under the new legislation tho Waitati congregation had lost its right of call. Mr Kilpatrick's amendment was carried on the voices. r 1 ' 1