The following address was delivered before the Presbytery of Clutha at its meeting at Milton, on March 9, 1904, when the Remit on Union and Overture (Appendix IV.) were under consideration. The Presbytery agreed not to transmit the Overture to the Synod, as, in its opinion, the objects sought in giving puplicity to the criticism of the Articles was sufficiently attained. On the motion of Rev. P. B. Fraser, the Presbytery unanimously agreed to a resolution requesting the Assembly to terminate the present Union movement, and to proceed in the direction overtured by the Presbytery in 1902 when the Assembly was requested to establish an annua Conference of representatives of Churches with a view to fraternal co-operation:—

Moderator and Brethren,—I do not need to make any apology for bringing this overture and the subject of it before this Presbytery. Nor will I say more than a sentence in reference to an attack made by Dr Erwin in his speech the other day before the Presbytery of Christchurch in reference to this same matter. To say that his brethren have no better motives for their opposition to this union movement than the vilest known to the human heart, personal animosity, is not a triumph either of truth or of charity, and shows how poorly equipped we all are to engage in controversy, and how difficult it is for us to practise what we preach. I will not do him the unkindness of thinking his statement is seriously intended, and will not waste precious time in further reference to it. I believe that Dr Erwin, on reflection, will withdraw the ungenerous calumny. Meanwhile, my indictment remains unchallenged and unanswered, and it will not be weakened, much less refuted, by a conspiracy of silence. I have received from all over the Church cordial expressions of appreciation of the service I rendered by that indictment to the cause of truth.