METHODIST SYNOD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9476, 13 December 1918, Page 7

METHODIST SYNOD.

SOUTH CANTERBURY DtSTRIGT.

■TIAIARU, Dw.. 13

Tho Synod continued its sessions yesterday morning, the Rev. T. A. Jouginn presiding. '

The report of the Deaconesses' Institution was presented, and a resolution ot appreciation was curried tor the work done, and the. claims of the work were commended to tin; .sympathetic help of the various circuits. The work and claims _of tin; South Island Orphanage' were considered. It, whs reported that there are at present 41 children in residence, and six awaiting admission, who will be received as rtouu ay the staff, can be increased. Appreciation was expressed <>1 the handsome bequest made to the. Orphanage by the late, N 1! . Morrow, of Ashburton.

The report of the Military Committee was received, showing that in response to an appeal made for iinu.ucii.il/ assistance £1138 had been received. A resolution of appreciation of the splendid service rendered by the various chaplains during the war was carried. Deep regrot was expressed that early in the year Chaplain A/ Allen wud killed in action, and that a life of such great promise had so suddenly ended.

A proposal to inaugurate ;.i Men's Loague was endorsed, and tho following ■ resolution carried: "That the Synod urges the Conference to set up a committee for the purpose of establishing a-Men's Methodist League in connection with each circuit or church throughout the Dominion, the object to be. to secure the hearty co-operation of all the male members of our church from 16 years of age and upwards to promote the 'various interests of the church."

A lengthy discussion took place on the proposal to reduce representation to Conference, and it was agreed "That we do not approve of the proposal for the. reduction of the sizo of Conference." ■

The Synod expressed its appreciation of the spirit of unity existing between the churches, and its conviction that the organic union of consenting churches would be for the progress or the Kingdom of God.' A scheme to fittingly celebrate the centenary of^ the Methodist Church in New Zealand was submitted and heartily endorsed., The constitution: of the Local Preachers' Association of Now Zealand was submitted and approved after a few minor alterations.

The following resolution was passed: "That this Synod expresses its gratification that the recent Licensing Amendment Bill gives the- electors of the Dominion the first opportunity in I its history whereby on this question the electors cast their votes on the basis of equality, the simple majority having been conceded. The Synod regards the forthcoming poll to bo hold in April, 1919, as being the best opportunity yet afforded of ridding the Dominion from the curse of the liquor traffic, and urges the people to vote for the efficiency Board s recommeudaI lions and furthermore pledges itself to secure total Dominion prohibition on July 1, 1919." ■■- . The, next Synod is to be held in Waimate, on a date to be. determined. Hearty votes ;of thanks were extended to Rev. J. A. Joughin for presiding over the sessions, to the hosts and hostesses who entertained the delegates, to tho secretary and assistants and Press reporter for the services rendered, and to the Rev. S. Bailey, for preaching the Synod ser--1 mon.

It was decided to place oa record hearty appreciation of tho splendid sclf-sacriticmg efforts of tho V.A.D. w;orkers duriug the roceut iafluenza epidemic. The following resolution on the war was 'carried:' "That we express our deep gratitude to Almighty God for the splendid and long sustained heroism of tho Allied forces and for the ultimate issue of their efforts inthe signing of tho armistice. We trust ' that an honourable and permanent peace based on righteous principles I will be'obtained." - I After the reading and signing 01 j tho journal the chairman closed the I session.