THE METHODISTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 33, 18 November 1942, Page 4

THE METHODISTS

THE SOUTH CANTERBURY SYNOD PROGRESS OF THE WORK. SESSION AT ASHBURTON. The South Canterbury Synod of the Methodist Church! opened its session m Ashburton last evening, when the D - trict Ministerial Committee met in the Baring Square Church, under the chai - manship of the chairman of the distuct (the Rev. W. W. Avery). The secretary (the Rev. R- R- Go ' nell) congratulated the chairman on his appointment to the charge ot the South Canterbury Synod. After examination, it was unanimously recommended that the Rev. J. 8. Waite be passed in his final year ot probation, and received into full connexion and ordained at the Conference of the Church in. Christchurch. The Synod reopened this morning when the chairman conducted a Communion service, which was attended by representatives from all tlie circuits. The Rev'. Chas. H. Kendon delivered the address.

The Representative Session was continued in the Church Hall. The chairman welcomed the circuit representatives and Mr G. H. B* Lill as vice-president of the Conference. The Revs. B. J. James and R. W. May son, who are supplying in Waimate and Oamaru, in place of the Revs. A. T. Kent .and W. R. Francis, who are away as chaplains, were admitted as members of Synod. It was decided to send greetings to the past chairman, the Rev. Angus McBean, and to the two chaplains. The chairman reported a healthy position in Timaru South Circuit, which will shortly be taking a married minister in full connexion. A site and funds are available for a parsonage when building is possible. The financial returns from the various circuits showed a good position. Tho* excess of credits over debits was over £204. Geraldine was congratulated for a particularly fine .and steady improvement over the last two or three years. The Statistical Returns. The statistical returns showed an increase of 49 in adult membership, the junior membership showing a decrease. The youth work showed an improve-' ment as far as returns were concerned. Increases in membership of Bible Classes and Sunday Scliopls were reported from a number of circuits. Sixty-one young men and two young women were on active service.

The new District Youth Council had been instituted and had worked successfully. The secretary reported that it was expected that the wholo of tho youth work would he co-ordinated within a few months. It was recommended that the Youth Council remain in Timaru. Tho work of tho Bible-in-Schoo 1s ’ League was received and the Synod reaffirmed its: support of its work. ‘ ‘No person having the welfare of the citizen of this country can view without the deepest concern and everincreasing alarm, tho present moral and spiritual landslide in the social life of this Dominion. It is significant that an astounding acceleration in the drink trade, tho public expenditure on liquor since the war began is accompanied by an appalling increase in crime and social disease”: So reads the report on temperance. Tlie police report, it was stated, revealed that prosecutions for illegal, sales of liquor to youths under 21 increased by over 400 per cent, since 1933 and for sales to Maoris by 500 per cent. Members spoke strongly about the failure, and while commending the Government for the steps taken, urged that the Government be .asked to take more drastic action to check the activities of the liquor trade. A proposal to institute temperance teaching in the public schools and the whole matter of temperance education generally was discussed and received the complete support of the Synod., Resolution on Gambling. Mr Gosnell was elected ministerial representative to tho Conference in Christchurch, and the Rev. H. C. Orchard was substitute. The chairman reported fully on the position in the mission field" in the Solomon Islands, explaining how •it came about that so many workers were now in New Zealand. The mission work was still going on, he said. Sister Merle Far!and, and the Revs. D. C. Alley and J. It. Metcalfe were still in the islands, and according to latest reports were still at their work. The native teachers, too, could he relied on. The cost of rehabilitation was going to be great and contributions were as urgently needed as ever. Mr G.' H. B. Lill proposed a motion calling on all Methodists to refrain from participation in raffles for any purpose whatsover. “The end never justifies the means,” he said. The secretary read the district secretary’s report to Synod, concerning the state of the trust properties. As a result of the centennial effort the position all round was improved. The chairman expressed regret /that Mr A. L. Hudson, of Timaru, was not present ofl account of sickness.