Congregatioual Union

ANNUAL MEETING. [per tress association.] Nelson, Februaiy 19. At the' Congregational Union Mr Lynn brought forward a scheme for the forma tion of a Pasters' Provident Fund, to provide, when the fun:l reaches £3000, annuities for ministers incapable of active work. Several members warmly advo cated the fund, and the Council enthusiastically passed the scheme as drafted by the Committee, and appointed a Board to take charge of and invest the fund, which commences with £100 m hand. Nelson, February 20., The Congregational Union considered and approved a proposal to support the Cambden College, Sydney, and a college fund was initiated. A vote of thanks was passed to Colonel Sargood for his liberal donation to the Pastors' Provident Fund. A letter from the Rev Seth Smith was read on the best method of promoting the union of churches m religious work, and an able paper was read by the Rev C. Cecil on Sunday schools m rela tion to the maintenance of Congrega tionalism. Votes were passed expressing deep sympathy with temperance reform and the New Zealand Alliance, and a resolution was passed m favor of admitting women on the Council, and extending the fran chise to women. The public meeting m connection with the Congregational Union was held m the Provincial Hall, and presided over by MrC.YFell. A jubilee fund of £1000 is to be raised for the purpose of paying off the debts on churches, providing for the pastors' retir ing fund, and church extension. The next annual meeting will be held m Wellington, it being the jubilee of Congregationalism m New Zealand, and the Australasian Intercolonial Conference is to be invited to meet at the same time and place.
