IX.

Wednesday, 17th January.—Three motions were submitted. The first as follows, by the Rev. Mr. Stobo:—"That the Synod express its deep regret at the state of things existing in the First Church, as disclosed in the papers on the table and in the pleadings at the bar; find that this state of things is due largely to the course pursued by the minister; regret that instead of striving to conciliate those dissatisfied with the course pursued by him, the minister has acted in a way rather to irritate and increase the aberration of those dissatisfied with him. Find that from the statements made by the minister and other parties at the bar, as representing the sections into which the congregation is divided, there is no hope of a reconciliation between the minister and those dissatisfied with him, and that in consequence his usefulness is so impaired as to destroy all hope of his retaining the congregation originally committed to him, and therefore with a view to the interests of the congregation and of religion and the good of the church, the Synod recommend the minister to resign his present charge."

Mr. Millar moved as an amendment to add to the above—"That in the event of Mr. Sutherland resigning, the office-bearers be requested to resign also."

The Rev. Mr. Riley proposed a further amendment—"That the Synod having considered the reference from Dunedin Presbytery anent First Church, expresses its regret that differences should have arisen between the pastor and a large number of his congregation; find that faults and irregularities have been committed by both parties, and resolve for the good of the church to ask the minister and officebearers to resign, and appoint assessors to form an interim kirksession."

On a vote on the two amendments, Mr. Millar's was carried against Mr. Riley's by 22 to 13. On the vote between the motion and Mr. Millar's amendment, the motion was carried by 19 against 17. Three members and one elder declined to vote.