PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1307, 24 February 1885, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY.

Christchurch, Feb. 20. At tb® Presbyterian General Assembly’s morning sitting to-day thanks were accoided to the ex-Moderator for his sermon, and the Moderator for his address. The Rev. Mr Bruce having declined a settlement of the claim offered by the Committee, the matter remains in statu quo. The report of the examination Board was read and adopted. As to the students who failed, it was left with the Board in consultation with the Presbyteries where these students resided, to act as it deemed wisest. An overture from Auckland was recinded, that students should undergo a University training, and regret was expressed that at Christchurch and Auckland there was no chair for mental and moral science. On the motion of the Rev. W. Gillies, it was resolved—“ That it be required of all young men coming forward for the Ministry after this Assembly, that they taka a University course of study in one of the colleges of the colony before entering upon their theological course, the right of dispensing with these, and special cases, being reserved for this Assembly ; and that in. reference to. all students who up to this time have been employed by or have applied for employment to the Presbyteries, it be left to the Examining Board to deal with them under the regulations now in force.” The Board of Trustees reported to the effect that the total sum invested on first mortgage was £6120, and that a little over £I2OO was available for investment. The Maori mission report show®! there was a marked diminution of drunkenm-ss among the natives. At the evening’s silting a report on the state of religion and morals was rend by the Rev. VV. McLennan. It recommended the appointment of Presbytery Committees for securing an increase in evangelistic services. After a long discussion, the report was ndopli d on the motion of the Rev. VV. Mackie. The Commission of the deputies from the churches of Otago and Suilhland was read. The Moderator, on behalf of the Assembly weclomed Dr McGregor and the Rev, Finl&yson, inviting them to take part in the deliberations. The deputies then addressed the 4ssembly, and on the motion of the Rev. Mr Gillies, seconded by the Rev.Mr.lMfaclac, it was resolved—- ‘‘ That the thanks of the Assembly ho given to the deputation from the Southern Church for their presence and addresses ; that we express our continued interest in the Church which they represent, notwithstanding their recent rejection of proposals for union with this C-rnrch, and hope that for the general interests of religion, and of our common Presbyterianism throughout New Zealand) the Church qf Qtagq aqd Sjoqthlaqd m^y takp a higher and wider yiew qf the chunks of the whole of New Zealand, and of our earnest and united efforts to preach the gospel and establish its ordinances throughout the length and breadth of the land.” The Moderator, as convenor of the Union Committee, stated that he had no report to make, as he had not received any communication from the Southern Qhqfch. Tfiq Ooupqjlleq qn (fie Union wag discharged.