AUSTRALASIAN WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 4520, 24 November 1884, Page 2

AUSTRALASIAN WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Debate on Methodist Union,

(BY TEtEGRArn—OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

CmiISTCHURCIj, this day. The question of Methodist union for Aus. tralasia occupied the attention of the Conference during the whole of Saturday, the debate lastingl till nearly two o'clock. Next to tho question of Now Zealand independence, this discussion proved the most interesting and able. The Rev. Mr Burgess, of South Australia, moved the following resolution :—" That the Conference, recognising the desirability of tho uiiion of the Methodist churches throughout Australia, and believing that tho basis of the union that has taken effect it, Canada will be found gonorally suited to tho circumstances of Methodism in tliQse colonies pommenfls th,e subject to tlip favourable cpnsideratipn of the annual Conference, and directs them ta open .communication with tba other branches of the Methodist family in their respective colonies, to take such other steps as may appear advisable to bring about a Methodic union on the general principles of their basis, and to ra. port to the noxt General Conference." On this an amendment was moved by the Rev. J. B. Stephonson affirming that union wa9 premature. The motion was supported by the Rev. Messrs Baniell, Lewis, Williams, Wills, Berry, and Mr Horder ( while the Revs. Dr. Wanghe,. Blamieres, and F. Thomas advocated-the amendment. .The votes for tho motion were 30; for the.: amendment, 25. ' Fof'Mr Burgess's motion' -1 as it substantive resolution, 34 against Hi. '