CHRISTCHURCH PRESBYTERY

An ordinary meeting of the Christ church Presbytery was held in St. Paul a Schoolroom at 10.30 a.m. yesterday, when there were present the Rev. R. Erwin (Moderator), J. Hill (Olerk), A. M. Beattie (Moderator of the General Assem bly), J. Elmslie, H. Irwin, J. W. Cree, J. Smellie, G. Webster, P. R. Monro, J. Maxwell, R. McGregor, W. Finlayson, R. J. Riddle, N. McCallum. H. Adamson, and Messrs J. Irwin and W. Gavin, Elders. The Clerk read a number of Elders' commissions as follows:—Ashburton, Mr A. Orr ; John Knox church, Rangiora, Mr Jas. Smith ; Kaiapoi, Thos. Millar; Lees ton, Mr H. D. McKay; St. Paul's, Mr W. Gavin; St. Andrew's, Mr W. Boag; Methven, Mr D. Henderson; Southbridge, Mr A. Storey; Sydenham, Mr D. Martin; Prebbleton, Mr R. Boyd. A letter was read from Mr J. Cowie, a 'student, asking that he be transferred from the Christchurch Presbytery to the Timaru Presbytery. The application was agreed to. Mr R. McGregor reported on behalf of the commission appointed to visit the North belt church. It was gratifying to find that the work was thoroughly and efficiently carried on. The average attend ance at the Sabbath services was about 300 and a week night service was also held. About 130 families were con nected with the church, and there were few members within the bounds of the district who did not atteud. There were 180 names on the communion roll, and the sacrament was dispensed eight times during the year. During three years 59 had been added, and there had been 22 removals. The various organi sation) in connection with the Church were also mentioned. In connection with the psalmody of the Church, the young were systematically taught in addition to the ordinary choir practice. The work of the Sabbath School was worthy of special mention. There were 350 scholars on the roll, with a staff of 31 teachers. The finances were in a most satisfactory con dition. The income for the past year amounted to £642, which was somewhat in advance of either of the previous three -rears. In addition to the ordinary income b* the Church, there had also been dona tions and subscriptions for special objects of £228. In conclusion the com mission expressed pleasure and satisfac tion at betas able to lay such a report on The Rev. R. 