PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1854, 16 February 1889, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ASSEMBLY.

Auckland, Feb. 13. jLThe general assembly of the Presbyterian Church opened last night. On the motion of the retiring moderator, the Rev. J. Duncan, seconded by Mr J. M. Lennox, the Rev. A. M. Beattie, of Ashburton, was appointed moderator. The moderator-elect delivered an interesting opening address on the principal requisites of the colonial Church. After the election of committees, the assembly adjourned until to-day. At the Presbyterian General Assembly to-day, permission was granted to Mr J. M. Smith, student, and Mr G. Limburne, of Hawkes Bay, to baptise and marry, The Rev. A. McCallum, who had resigned his charge at North Shore, was allowed to retain his seat in the A uckJand Presbytery. The question of the overlapping of ecclesiastical interests was considered, and the waste of strength which took place when several denominations strove to occupy a district which could support only one or two of them was pointed out, but the matter was left for the consideration of the presbyteries. It was decided to petition Parliament during the ensuing session on the subject of gambling, and also to request Government to exempt the widows’ and orphans’ fund and aged and infirm ministers’ fund from tbe payment of the property tax. Feb. 14.» The Presbyterian General Assembly have resolved to petition Parliament against the totaliuator and pugilistic '.exhibitions, and to instruct presbyteries tWgive greater attention to evangelistic work.