PRESBYTERY OF CLUTHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2894, 25 August 1909, Page 12

PRESBYTERY OF CLUTHA.

The Clutha Presbytery met a* Balclutha on the 11th inst., when there were present — The Rev. Mr* Dalrymple {Moderator, pro tern.), and Messrs S. 'W. Curxie, Eraser Howes, Allan, Blair, Chisholm, W. T. Currie, Ponder, and Spence (mdnisteore), and Messrs AT'Hattie, James Clark, Young, Parlane, Cawley, Welsh. M'Caw, and John Clarke. Apologies for absence were received from the Revs. Miller, Orr, and Brown, and from Mr Jchn Johnston. It was agreed to appoint the R«v. Mr Orr Moderator for the ensuing six months. On the motion of Mr Blair, seconded by Mr Howes, it was agreed to direct the clerk to convey the Presbytery's sympathy to the Rev. Mr Williams in his trying illness. On the motion of Mr Ponder, it was agreed 'to make application to the convener of the Sabbath School Committee for the long-service diploma for Mr W. H. Miller, of Manuka Creek, who had completed 27 yeans of Sunday school teaching. It was agreed to appoint a committee consisting of Messrs Chisholm, Fraser, and Ponder to bring the inadequacy of the grant to th© Ratanui Home Mission before the Church Extension Committee. It was also agreed to direct the same committee to bring the matter of service to men working on the Owaka railway line before the Church Extension Committee. The following were elected representatives to the Assembly : —Ministers : Messrs S. W. Ourrie, Howes, Miller, Allan, Brown, Williams, and Spence, with Messrs Fraser, W. T. Currie, or Chisholm io take the place of any unable to attend. Elders: Kirk Seeeioriß cf Kaitatvgata, Milburn, Belolutha, Waiwera, Loveli's Flat, Waitehuna, and Owaka, each to appoint an elder. On the suggestion of Mr Fraeer, it was agreed to postpone till next meeting of Presbytery the consideration of the overture of which he had ptjVen notice re a Short Statement of Belief. Mr Fraser explained the position at some length. Before next meeting he would be able to put a copy of the statement in the hands of oach member of the court. The remit from the Assembly ro. the Cinstitution of the Canton "Villages Mission was laid on tho table, when Mr Ponder (as convener of the conMnJttee appointed to examine the same) gave in a detailed report. Several amendments were agreed to. notably one protesting against the suggestrcl allowances (for both China and the New Hebrides) as being extravagant in comparison with the eums paid to other church workers. ,