young on alternate Sabbath evenings with the object of exciting a greater interest in Biblical studies amongst the families of the congregation, and of doing something towards supplying the lack of Bible reading and religious instruction in the public day schools. Unless when interrupted by circumstances over which he has had no control, Dr Stuart continued the catechetical lessons with such success as to fulfil in a measure the purpose for which they were begun, affording as they did opportunity for more simple and familiar teaching of the young, while at the same time they were not unacceptable to the congregation generally. The attendance of young people able to handle their Bibles might have been improved, but parents too readily yielded to their wishes in not requiring them to occupy the space in the church set apart for them. After an experiment of over nine years the minister gave the service up, in deference to the wishes of some of his elders whose judgment he greatly respected. Such catechetical service was a part of public worship in the Jewish Church, and was universal in the Reformed Churches for two hundred years.
In the beginning of 1878 Dr Hislop, having received the responsible appointment of Secretary of Education for the colony, which required him to reside at Wellington, gave in his resignation of the eldership. The Session, in accepting it, adopted the following minute:—"The Session record their appreciation of Dr Hislop's services to the congregation as member and elder during the many years of his connection with it. But, while regretting his departure on account of our several church organisations—as the Sabbath School, the Bible Class, and the Young Men's Society, to all of which he was an active, constant, and zealous friend—they are confident that in the place of his habitation he will manifest like activity in every good word and work. The Session unanimously commend himself and his family to the grace of God in the Gospel of Christ."
In January 1879 a number of settlers on Mount Cargill expressed a strong desire for the establishment of regular Sabbath services, and stated that they were willing to defray the cost of a conveyance for office-bearers of the church and others willing to conduct public worship in the district once a fortnight. Dr Stuart was requested by the Session to endeavour to make the desired arrangements, and in this
