Provincial and Colonial Intelligence.

Circulation of the 'Evangelist.'—The 'Evangelist' is placed on a new footing this years, so that the whole profits, after paying the printer's bill and necessary expense of publishing, will be devoted to the Mission Fund of the Synod. The price has been considerably reduced, while the size remains as before. At the same rate of circulation which was attained to last year—about 700—the magazine at the reduced price will do no more than pay expenses—that is, provided no loss be incurred through the neglect of subscribers. Every additional hundred subscribers however will (we expect) yield a profit of about £20 in the year. Looking to the vast number of Presbyterians in Otago alone—according to the last census—over 27,000 (not including Southland), surely it would not be an extravagant expectation to look for a circulation during the present year double that of the past. If the office-bearers of the church generally would use their influence on its behalf, we feel confident it would be done. We would respectfully request them to give this matter their consideration

Annual, Missionary Meeting of Synod.—This meeting is arranged to be held on the evening of Monday, the 15th inst., in the First Church, Dunedin, at 7 o'clock.

page 21

Meeting of the Synod of Otago and Southland.—The meeting of the Synod, the Supreme Court of our Church, takes place on Wednesday, the 10th inst., at 7 o'clock, in the First Church, Dunedin, when the opening sermon will be preached by the retiring moderator, the Rev. D. M. Stuart,

The Dayspring.—This vessel is appointed to leave Melbourne for the New Hebrides, not later than the 10th March. There is still time for the preparation of boxes of clothing, calico, ironmongery, &c., which the friends of the mission may design to send.

The second of the course of popular lectures in aid of the Building Fund of the North Dunedin Church, was delivered on the 22nd day of December, by Mr. Black, on Astronomy. With the aid of diagrams he expounded, in a lucid and most attractive style, the nature of the solar system, and shewed himself thoroughly master of this interesting and elevating department of science.

Death of the Rev. George Mackie of South Yarra.—It is with deep regret we have to announce the death of the Rev. G. Mackie, on the 12th December. On the 5th he became unconscious, and continued so with few brief intervals till his death. He was chosen Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church during its session the previous month, and had acted for years with the utmost zeal and success as convener of the Chinese and aboriginal Mission Committee. He was born in 1823, in Fettercairn, Scotland; licensed and ordained in 1848, was settled for ten years in Kiama, N. S. W.; afterwards at Lake Learmonth, Victoria, for three years; then a short time at Horsham, Wimmera District, and settled at South Yarra in 1862. His loss is deeply felt throughout the church.

The Provincial High School for Girls brought its labours to a close for the year on the 13th December, by an exhibition of the accomplishments of the pupils in music, recitations, needlework, &c., attended by a large concourse of the parents and friends. The great success attending it has shown the wisdom of the Government in establishing it, and reflected the highest credit on Mrs. Burn, the Lady Principal, and the teachers conducting it.

The University of Otago has concluded its first session, having met with a degree of success far exceeding the most sanguine hopes of the promoters of it—seventy-nine students in all having been enrolled. Of course only a part of these can be regarded as regular students preparing for professions, and intending to finish the curriculum prescribed for the degrees. Still, the benefits of the University to the community at large will be felt to be most satisfactory. Next session Professor Black is expected to begin his work as Professor of Chemistry and Natural Science, a department which we are sure will prove most attractive and useful.

University of Otago.—The Richardson Scholarship, value £30 a year, will be competed for in the course of a month or two. It is open to present and former High School boys. Two scholarships, value £25 and £15 respectively, open to all within the Synod of Otago and Southland who intend to study for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, will be competed for previous to the opening of the session.

page 22

Presbytery of Dunedin.—This Court met in the First Church, Dunedin, on Wednesday, 6th December—Rev. A. B. Todd presiding. There was a full attendance. The minutes of previous meetings having been read and confirmed, Mr. Johnston called the attention of the Court to a report which appeared in the 'Daily Times' of the services in the First Church on a recent Sabbath, in which the usual singing had been dispensed with. Mr. Sutherland having been asked if said report was correct, intimated that it was substantially true, and gave explanations regarding the circumstances. The Presbytery thereupon expressed its strong disapproval of such interference with the usual course of the public services. An overture sent down from the Synod to Presbyteries, desiring the enactment by the Synod of the Barrier Act, and also desiring all proposals affecting the administration of the Sustentation Fund to be sent down to Kirk Sessions and Deacons' Courts, as well as Presbyteries, before being adopted, was considered. After full discussion, it was resolved to intimate to the Synod the Presbytery's disapproval of said overture. An Interim Session was appointed for the North Dunedin Church, and the Presbytery next appointed committees to examine records and report. An overture to the Synod on the subject of Sabbath Schools, proposed by Mr. Johnston, was adopted by the Presbytery. The evening sederunt was occupied with the consideration of a complaint by the Rev. G. Sutherland against certain of the office-bearers in the First Church, relating to the holding of a meeting of the Deacons' Court without being summoned or sanctioned by their minister, and to their opposing his exercise of authority in dismissing the precentor. Parties having been heard, the Presbytery unanimously resolved that the holding of the meeting was illegal, and the proceedings null and void, and that the appointment and dismissal of the precentor was not within the authority of the minister, and therefore declared the precentor, who had been dismissed, to be legally the precentor of the First Church. The Presbytery met again by adjournment on the following day. An overture, proposed by Mr. Watt, desiring the Synod to authorise the Kirk Sessions to appoint any elder to act as their representative in the Synod—though not belonging to their own session—was adopted by a majority of 18 to 5. Mr. Gillies's overture on the Moderatorship of Synod was, after discussion, rejected; and his overture on instrumental music was fallen from. The evening sederunt was occupied with the consideration of a memorial from elders and deacons in the First Church, setting forth complaints respecting the minister. Parties on both sides were heard at great length, and the Presbytery resolved to delay any judgment until a presbyterial visitation of the congregation should be held, which was appointed for Monday, the 18th December, to which all parties were summoned. The Presbytery thereafter adjourned. The Presbytery met again on the 18th December, and, after conference with the minister and office-bearers of the First Church, resolved that all hope of effecting a reconciliation between the two parties being taken away, the Presbytery meet on the 8th January to consider the memorial from members and adherents of the First Church, respecting the present unsatisfactory state of matters in the congregation, and advise the page 23 congregation to appear there by memorial indicating their feeling on the subject.

East Taieri.—The first annual tea meeting of the East Taieri Total Abstinence Society was held in the Drill Shed, Mosgiel, on 28th November. Mr. James Allan occupied the chair. The Rev. Mr. Chisholm, of Tokomairiro, the Rev. Mr. Gillies, of West Taieri, and Messrs. Rennie, Jago, and A. J. Burns, delivered addresses. Messrs Ross and Barton gave a dialogue on the advantages of abstinence. Music by the band, and a song by Mr. P. Brown, enlivened the proceedings. The number on the roll of the society is 165.

The Clutha Presbytery met at Tapanui, for the purpose of moderating in a call. Mr. Arnot preached and presided. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, of Inch Clutha, having declined to accept the call sent to him, it was proposed that Mr. Allan, of Waihola, be asked. A call to that gentleman is being numerously signed. In the evening, the Rev. William Bannerman delivered a lecture on the "Restoration of the Jews," in aid of a fund to procure prizes for the district school.

The First of a series of popular lectures in aid of the building fund of the North Dunedin Presbyterian Church was delivered in that building by the Rev. Dr. Copland. There was, considering the state of the weather, a fair attendance. Mr. John Marshall occupied the chair. The subject was—"A visit to Luther's home;" and the lecture was illustrated by diagrams. At the close, a vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. lecturer.

Waitahuna.—A few of the ladies of Waitahuna have presented the Rev. Dr. Copland with a handsome epergne and a barometer, as a token of their esteem.

The Rev. Mr. Bruce, of Auckland, left Scotland to resume his duties as Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Auckland, on the 20th September. He brings with him the Rev. Mr. Sidey, to occupy Napier in room of the Rev. Mr. Morrice, the present minister, who intends to return home on the arrival of his successor.

The Rev. Mr. M'Gregor, who was inducted into the pastoral charge of Meanee, near Napier, leaves for Canterbury, the reason being, we understand, the contracted nature of the charge at Meanee.

Auckland.—At a meeting of the Presbyterians of the North Shore, Auckland, on the 14th November, Mr. R. Somerville was presented with a handsome gold watch and chain, in acknowledgment of his gratuitous services in conducting the services during eighteen months when they were without a stated minister, before the settlement of the Rev. P. Mackenzie, the present pastor.

A movement to establish a "Bishop Patteson Memorial Fund" has been originated, under the most favorable auspices, at a meeting held in Auckland. The purpose of this fund is to support the Melanesian Mission, in connection with which Bishop Patteson lost his life, and to aid in the training of missionaries for this work.

page 24

The Congregation of Lawrence have given A call to the Rev. R. Morrison, of Switzers, to be ther pastor.

Blueskin.—This little township is beautifully situate on a shallow bay of the same name, which, when seen from the ocean, appears very close to the northern side of the Otago Heads. It is surrounded on all sides, but that facing the ocean, by a range of lofty hills, which were once densely and almost impassably covered with bush, but which now present numerous clearings, and afford a living to a pretty large population scattered over the district for miles. The main road to the north passes through it. Leaving Dunedin by the North-east Valley, a tortuous road conducts gradually to the top of the range, from which Port Chalmers and the delightful scenery around it, are seen to great advantage. The road to Port Chalmers diverges to the right; that to Blueskin and the North, to the left. Pursuing the latter, we are able, from the altitude at which it is cut on the mountain side, to command a wide and pleasing prospect. Wood and water, two great requisites in a good landscape, are picturesquely blended. From the Junction, 5 miles from Dunedin, the road is for the most part downward; winding through what was once an unbroken forest stretching from the bottom of gullies far below, to the top of hills which rise to a considerable height above the road. The township, 13 miles from Dunedin, lies in a flat of no great size, and presents a cluster of houses on each side of the road. A beautiful clear river, crossed by a wooden bridge, which forms part of the main road, flows along a pebbly bed to the bay. A furlong or two beyond the bridge, on the right side of the road next the bay, stands the Presbyterian Church, a building of wood intended for about 150 sitters, having a porch in front and a vestry behind. Within the enclosed ground there is also a stable. This district forms part of the parish placed under the care of the Rev. Mr. Johnston, of Port Chalmers. It is attended to by Mr. Morris, missionary, who has laboured there for a number of years. He holds service in the Church every Sabbath forenoon, and in the afternoon goes on one Sabbath to Merton, a place having a school, 5 miles beyond; and on the other to another station nearer Port Chalmers. The congregation held its Annual Soiree in Bhieskin Church, on the 28th November, and the occasion brought together a very full representation of the inhabitants of the surrounding country, as well as visitors from Port Chalmers and Dunedin. The church was completely crowded. After tea, the Rev. Mr. Johnston, who occupied the chair, read a statement of the financial position of the church, from which it appeared that after clearing all expenses for the year, there was a balance in hand of upwards of £8. Mr. Morris spoke of gratitude for their continued prosperity. The Rev. Dr. Copland spoke of the resources which even the poorest now possessed, compared with what the wealthiest in other ages could command, as for instance, in the means of communication, books, artificial light, &c., and argued from the greater gifts we had received, the stronger call for gratitude to God. He pointed to the way of showing this gratitude which christians should follow, namely, engaging in the work which Christ gave his church to do on earth—"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." He then spoke page 25 of the mission work of the church, and its claims on their support. The Rev. Mr. Stuart recalled the great labours which Mr. Johnstone had pursued when he was wont to travel on foot from Port Chalmers to Oamaru, visiting every house by the way, and the obligations of the residents in that wide tract of country for his self-denying labours, when there was no other minister to attend to them. He then gave an interesting address on the influence of America on the colonies—pointing out the great experiments in education, religion, government, &c., which are being carried on there. Since the war of emancipation, which ended in 1864', and which liberated about 4,000,000 of slaves, there had been established for their benefit 5000 Schools, a number of Grammar Schools, and three Universities. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. Wilson, of Mertou, and Gray, of Blueskin. During the evening a number of sacred anthems were sung by a numerous choir, under the leadership of Mr. Wilson. Messrs. Drysdale, Martin, and Wilson, proposed the usual votes of thanks.

West Tamaki—Province of Auckland.—A complimentary soiree was given to the Rev. John Macky, M.A., by the congregation of this place, on the 22nd November. Mr. W. J. Taylor presided. Mr. A. Thomson said that this was the oldest country congregation of Presbyterians in the Province. It had been organized about twenty years ago. For the first three years of its existence it had had no stated minister; but they wants of the congregation in this respect had been kindly supplied by the ministers of the Wesleyan and Independent Churches, one of whom (the Rev. Mr. Hamer) he was happy to see present on that occasion. For thirteen years they had worshipped God in the first church which they had erected, and at the end of that time they had replaced it with the much handsomer one in which they now met, which was quite free free from debt. He spoke of the love and esteem in which he (Mr. Macky) was held by every member of his flock at Tamaki. Seventeen years had now elapsed since he became their pastor, and during all that long period not a single cloud had ever come between him and them to darken their friendship. He referred to the faithful way in which he had discharged his duties as a minister, ever showing readiness to counsel them in perplexity, and to comfort them in sickness and trouble. He assured Mr. Macky that he had the grateful love and sympathy, and also the earnest prayers of all his people, and he expressed it as their united hope that he might be long spared by Almighty God to go in and out among them, and that his labors for their welfare might be even more blessed than heretofore. Mr. Macky and the people of Tamaki all knew he (Mr. Thomson) took great pleasure in attending to the duties of the Sunday school in connection with the church, and that being an amateur at photographing, he had taken the portraits of all the teachers and scholars at present in connection with that school; he had mounted these portraits on a shield, and now having got the picture finished and framed, he begged Mr. Mackay to accept of it as a memento of the young of his congregation in the Tamaki district at the present time. He also wished to take this opportunity of presenting to Mrs. Micky a portrait of Mr. Macky himself, and as the substance was better than the shadow, he hoped page 26 that Mr. Macky would be long spared to her and to his family, as well as to his much attached people. Mr. Macky, after expressing his satisfaction at the feelings thus manifested towards himself, referred to the congregations under his charge—Otahuhu, Tamaki and Howick—which he said, though each could not receive full supply from him, yet were best attended to under the present arrangement. The Revs. Messrs. Hamer, Macnicol and Cosh also addressed the meeting. The united choirs of Otahuhu and Tamaki sung various pieces of music.

Books and Tracts for the Chinesr.—The convener of the Mission Committee has received a large consignment of the above through the Mission Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, which will prove very serviceable in our efforts to evangelise the Chinese in this country. The selection includes copies of the Old and New Testaments, Catechisms, Pilgrim's Progress, Short Treatises on the Glory of Christ, on Human Nature, Outline of Christianity, Chinese and Christian Doctrines Compared, On Heaven, Earth and Man, &c., and a variety of smaller tracts. Small packets of tracts have been forwarded for distribution among the Chinese in the principal parts of the gold-fields where they are located. Any Christian friends who are interested in the evangelization of the Chinese, and desire to have tracts or books to give to Chinese, will receive them on communicating with the editor. As our missionary Paul Ah Chin is located in Tuapeka, it is only by means of tracts and books that the knowledge of the Gospel can in the meantime be imparted to the Chinese in other parts. It is very desirable that the committee were placed in a position to procure another Chinese missionary to settle elsewhere; but the want of funds presents a barrier. Will our readers use their influence to remove it?

The Mission Vessel, the "Dayspring."—From a letter by the Rev. Mr. Cosh, printed for circulation among the children of the Presbyterian Church in the Province of Auckland, we present the following extract:—"The mission schooner "Dayspring" is at present in need of very large repairs. She has been sailing on missionary work among the New Hebrides Islands for the last eight years; and the sails, and ropes, and other things with which she was fitted out at first, are all getting so much worn, that it would be quite unsafe to put her to sea again without new ones. The missionaries are, therefore, very anxious that when she goes to Melbourne, next January, she should be completely overhauled, and every weak part in her and about her made strong again. To pay for this a large sum of money will be required; and the missionaries have written to request all the children in connection with the Presbyterian Church in Australia and New Zealand to do what they can to provide what is needed. The ministers in Australia have said that the children of their Sabbath Schools will do their share; and at the last meeting of the Presbytery here, your ministers all said that they were quite sure that you would not be behind others in this good work. They instructed me to write to you on the subject, and in their name to ask you all to make a vigorous effort this year to double your contributions for the mission vessel. Last year the Sabbath Schools in the Province of Auckland sent altogether about £50 for the support of the "Dayspring;" this year we page 27 wish you to send £100. I am sure if you knew how useful and how necessary the "Dayspring" is, and what a blessed work she is helping to do in the New Hebrides Islands, you would feel very great pleasure in contributing as largely as possible to her support. The missionaries could not live there without her." Contributions and collections for this object should be sent to the Treasurer, Mr. E. Smith, Savings Bank, Dunedin, before the meeting of Synod.

The Rev. James Cameron, of the 2nd U. P. Church, Newburgh, Perthshire, has demitted his charge for the purpose of going to Otago.