PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 1336, 18 November 1870, Page 2

PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHLAND.

The Presbytery of Southland met *on the 12th ult. The members present were Revs. Jas. Clark, A. It Stobo, A. Stevens, and Thos. Alexander, ministers j Messrs Jas. Fullarton, Wm. Grant, and George Dawson, elders. The Key. Jas. Kirkland (Inch Clutha) being present, was associated with the Presbytery. The Presbytery took into consideration the supply of Winton and Forest Hill. It was intimated [that Mr Wood bad entered on his engagement for supply on the 30th July, and that with the consent of the Church Extension Committee, this was an ordinary appointment. The Presbytery resolved to appoint the Bey. A. Stevens as moderator of that congregation, and instructed him to dispense the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and form a roll of membership as early as possible. Messrs Baird and H'Kercher were appointed to act as assessors for that occasion. The Clerk having intimated that he had a communication from Switzers regarding a site for a manse, it was agreed to intimate to Mr Morrison that the Presbytery had sanctioned the plan before them if substantially adopted ; but that any new plan must be first ! sanctioned by the Presbytery, and specifications and notification of the contract ! having been entered into must be laid before the Presbytery. The Presbytery then proceeded, in accordance with the Synod regulation, to appoint a minister and elder as members of the committee on bills and overtures. | Mr Clark and the elder from Invercar- [ gill were elected. The Moderator having called on Mr Kirkland to address the Presbytery, the rev. gentleman expressed his gratification at being present, . and at the evening sederunt addressed the Presbytery and church officebearers on the subject of the extension and revival of the Lord's work. At the evening meeting of Presbytery, Mr Wood was asked whether he was ready to accept a fresh engagement with the Presbytery, after the expiry of his present term. Mr Wood intimated his willingness to supply for a Sabbath or two after that, or longer, as circumstances i pointed* Mr Fullarton then gave notice

that he would move at the next meeting of Presbytery, that the following overture be transmitted to the Synod of Otagoand Southland, viz. :—" "Whereas it is well known that many children/ both in town and country, who reside within reach of a public school, neither attend Bchool nor receive proper instruct tion at Dome, it is humbly overtured by the Presbytery of Southland to the Synod of Otago and Southland to take the subject into their most serious consideration, with the view of their taking steps for having the Education Ordinance amended, by the insertion of a clause providing, as follows— ' That children between the ages of, six and twelve years shall be sent to school, unless the Board or local committee are satisfied that such children are receiving proper instruction otherwise. Provided always that the School Committee have power to grant exemption from this rule in exceptional cases.'" : ' The Presbytery then met^ in conference with the various office -bearers on the state of religion, and the best means of promoting it. It was intimated that a member of conference had important information to communicate regarding the steps taken towards putting a stop to Sabbath desecration at the Bluff. MrM'Pharson then stated that a letter bad been received from the head of the Customs department, intimating that instructions had been given to the Customs officials to prevent the loading or discharging of steamers, on Sunday, except those carrying the English mails. A variety of topics, bearing on revival and spread of vital godliness, were brought before the conference, and were discussed. The Presbytery then adjourned, to meet in the same place on Friday, the 6th Jan., 1871, at 11 a.m.