PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 14 November 1907, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Per Press Association. Wellington, Wednesday. At the Presbyterian Assembly to-day regulations for" the constitution and working of the proposed fire insurance fund were introduced. The regulations are largely based upon those of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. After some discussion the Assembly decided to obtain piore information on the subject.

Wellington, Last Night. There was considerable discussion at ♦he Presbyterian Assembly to-day on a liiotion by the Itev. James Paterson, Wellington: "That in future any Ministei coming from any of the Home churches fully accredited, and with a special commission to this church, be received by the Presbytery to whom his eredentiSls and commission are present ed." The motion met with strong opposition, imported clergymen coining in for some candid criticism. The Rev. A. Cameron, Duncdin, said the work of some of the men commissioned by the Church of Scotland was not up to that of the seventh standard. If it were not a matter of health or family considerations, good men dill not come out from the Home church.

These remarks were resented by some clergy from the Old Country, who said they came out with tJ'e best 0/ motives. Eventually the motion was lost by twenty votes. It was decided to officially recognise the Presbyterian Social Service anil Orphanage Association of Dunedin. The ivport of the advisory 'yiiiiuiittee was adopted recommending the following grants to presbyteries:—Auckland £355, Hnwkes Bay £l3O, Taranaki £155, Wellington £lO5, Nelson &115, Westhind £l7O, Wanganui £355, Christchnreli £IOO, Tiinaru £SO.

The report on evangelical union and co-operation stated it may be taken for granted that the first movement for union of the churches of the Dominion has come to an end. As to how long it will be before a second movement begins, the committee is not called on to speculate, but that there will be a second movement is among the certainties of the not far distant future.

The Assembly adopted the report; an amendment expressing regret at the failure of the efforts made, and discharging the committee, being rejected.

A letter was received from the Premier stating that the Department could rot make special concessions in the way of reduced fares for members. 'The Rev. Dr. (libb said it was evidently necessary that they should be actors, concert singers, or variety artists to entitle them to any concessions from thr Railway Department. (A voice: Or footballers.)

The question of Ministers solemnising the. marriage of parties either of whom has been divorced was referred to the committee on the state of religion to report to next Assembly. The Rev, D. Mac Donald, missionary i'l Die Congo Free State, addressed the Assembly on the atrocities associated with the rubber industry.—A resolution was passed calling on the British Government to intervene.

It was decided to endeavor to obtain legislation oil the subject of Sabbath desecration, special reference being made to Sunday public amusements at Miramar.

A resolution was adopted reaffirming the Assembly's attitude against gambling in connection with church bazaars. The Assembly then closed, after eight days' sitting. The next Assembly is to meet at Dunedin next November,