ECCLESIASTICAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 72, 26 March 1891, Page 6

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The farewell meeting to the Rev. A. J. Smith book bho form of a tea and public meeting in the Alexandra-street Church on March 9. A large number sat down to tea, which was presided over by the ladies of the congregation. At the public meeting afterwards Sir William Fox took the chair. Mr E. C. Carr, on behalf of tho temperance workers of Auckland,presented Mr Smith with a framed address as an expression of their hearty appreciation of his labours in tlio tempcrauce cause. Rev. W. Laycock, on behalf of the ministers of tho Auckland and Thames churches, presented an album of New Zealand views. Mrs Kerr, on behalf of the Young Ladies' Bible-claes, presented a large photo of tho members of the above class. Mr Goldie then presented an illuminated address from the Alexandra-street Church. The lasb presentation was ono of a most substantial character. On behalf of tho friends and members of the Primitive Methodist Churches in Auckland, Mr Tronwith presented a purse of forty sovereigns. Addresses were also <_ r iven by Revs. Chew, Dawson and Woodward. The Rev. A. J. Smith replied in feeling terms, thanking the friends for their many kindnesses, urging them to greater diligence in their Master's service, and pointing them to tho homo where partings are no more. The choir was a capital one, and sang most effectively "Ho Wipes all Tears Away," also those touching lines from Sankey beginning with " Farewell, Faithful Friends." Mr"Smith sailed on bhe 10th en route for England by the Hauroto. Rev; J. Guy, of Invercargill, is Mr Smith's successor.

A special meeting of tho members of the Baptist Tabernacle was held on March 2nd ab the close of tho weekly prayer meeting, for bhe purpose of taking into consideration a letter written by Pastor Birch and handed to tho secretary (Mr S. H. Matthews) immediately prior to the departure of the reverend gentleman for Sydney. Mr S. H. Matthews, road a letter from Pastor Birch, dated February 24th, 1891, in which he stated that he was prepared to resign his position in tho church on certain conditions. Ono condition was bhat ho should bo released fiom all liability in respect of his private residence in Kyber Pass, and the' other that he should be paid arrears of salary up till the date of his release. Mr Matthews added thab aboub £130 would bo required for bhese purposes. So far promises had been made of donations amounting to £40, and he now appealed to those present to help the church in this matter. The church had already an overdraft, and they could not very well call on their bankers for more money. He proposed thab Pastor Birch's resignation be accepted, Mr J. T. Garlick seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr Birch's supporters are intending to present him with a testimonial on his return to Auckland next week.

The annual meeting of the Papakura Presbyterian congregation was held in the

church on the 13th March, the Rev. T. Norrie in the chair. The treasurer's report was read, from which ib appeared thab .163 12s 3d bad been received for all purposes during the year 1890. The report was adopted and thanks given to the outgoing Committee, tho choir, and the Sabbath school teachers. Tho following gentlemen wero elected the Committee for 1891—viz :—Messrs S. Fergie, R. White, J. Black, J. Walker, W. Richardson, A. McNeil, A. G. Fallwell, J. J. Niblock, and E. D. MoLennan secretary and treasurer.

Tho annual meeting of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church was held on March 4th in the form of a social gathering in the church, J ervois Road. Tho Rsv. Mr Robertson occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of church members. The annual report was read by Mr W. J. Roes, and stated :—" Your Committeo of Management havo pleasure in stating that the Treasurer's report will show a considerable improvement in tho income from pew ronts and collections during the pasb year. They aro specially grateful for a contribution of £50 from the members and adherents of the congregation to meet the loan obtained to pay off the balance of the stipend of tho former minister. Tho contributors havo the satisfaction of seeing this debt of £94 19s entirely wiped' off. Thanks are duo bo bhe ladies of the congregation for their successful efforts to collect by small monthly contributions sufficient bo pay tho inbereab of bho building debt. Thanks are also duo to Mr Philpotb and tho choir for two sacred musical enterbainments. The Session havo bo report an addibion of twenty-five members to the communion roll, thirty-four having joined and nine left during the year. The balance-sheet for the year, read by Mr Haslett, Treasurer, showed that the inconic had totalled £372 17s Id, and che expenditure £366 3s 4d, leaving a credit balance of £5 8s 9d. The Sunday-school report, which was also road, showed that tho average attendance for the pasb year was 133 againsb 160 in tho previous year. The collections had totalled £10.

On March 22 the anniversary services of St. James's Sunday-school were held in the largo hall adjoining the church known as St. James's Hall. The morningservice was taken by the Rev. A. Reid, always a favourite with St. James's people. He took for his toxt, " The promiso is to you and to your children," and bhe discourse was bobh carncsb and practical. The afternoon service "was conducted by the Rev, Scott West, who selected bhe sbory of the Centurion's faith as the basis of his discourse, which was griven in his usual homely 'style. The evening servico was presided over by the esteemed minister of the congregation, tho Rev. R. F. Macnicol. Ho selected his text from Deuteronomy, and preached a most practical sermon on tho duty of parents with regard to the spiritual training of their children. The choir, under the eonductorship of Mr Walton, with Mr T. Macky presiding ab the organ, rendered their part of the service in avery satisfactory manner. At tho morning eorvice the hall was well filled, but in the afternoon and ovening, after every available seat had been brought into requisition, many had to go away unable to find accommodation. Altogether the anniversary was a great success. The collections during the day amounted to £19 2e 6d. The certificates gained at the late Exhibition were given oub in the hall on the following evening.

The annual meeting of the Maketu Presbyterian congregation was held in the schoolroom on Friday lasb, the Rev. T. Norriointhe chair. From tho treasurer's report it appeared that for the year 1890 £6 4s had been received. At the branch station of Ararimu South £4 2s 9d had been received, making a total of £10 6s 9d. The report was adopted, and thanks given to the Committee and the Sabbath school teachers. Tho folio-wing . entlemen were appointed the Committee for the current year, viz. : —Messrs Stembridge, T. Harkness, J. Freegard, G. McDowell, and W. Fergueson; sub-committee for Ararimu, Messrs G. Sutton and M. Sinclair. WESLEYAN METHODIST CONFEREE CE. The annual Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand was opened in the Pitb-streeb Wesleyan Church, Auckland, on the 4bh March. President's Address.—The Rev. J. J. Lewis delivered a lengthy address, reviewing tho work of the past year. He mentioned that during the lasb bwelvo monbhs their ministerial ranks had been untouched by death. The Revs. Wallis and Fellows had gone to the mission field, and tho Rev. J. J. Mather had returned from the old country refreshed. The Rev. J. S. Smalley had also returned, his merib having been recognised by being elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. A graceful tribute was paid to the memory of Cardinal Newman, Canon Liddel, and Mrs Booth, who had been removed by death during the year. As an instance of the progress made by bhe church, the President mentioned bhab in 1874, when their first Conference was held, they had 54 ministers (including native teachers) ; now they numbered 84. Then the local preachers totalled 193; now they numbered 397. During the years intervening since the members increased from 2,937 to 8,113, and the attendance ab public worship from 22,793 to 54,472 ; and the Sunday scholars from 8,460 to 19.587, and the teachers from 900 to 2,023. Speaking of mission work, the President said that Stanley's explorations in Africa had pointed oub immense fields for missionary enterprise. They had also to consider Darkest England, and ib was high time to ask whether pastors, iustead of dancing attendance upon their members who ought to ba able to stand alone, should nob be released trom such molly-coddling, in order to pay more attention to the heathen around them. Speaking of Tonga, the President said, without going into the cause, he would express thankfulness that there now appeared signs of a return to the spiritual prosperity of olden days.

Officers.—A ballot was then taken for the election of President, when the Rev; H. R. Dewsbury was elected by a large majority. The Rev. W. Lse was elected secretary also by a large majority. He nominated the Revs. John Dellow and Josiah Ward as assistant secretaries ; Rev. J. T. Pinfold, journal secretary ; Rev. D. McNicol, corresponding secretary ; and. the Rev. Mr Dellow, precentor. The Rev. Mr Dewsbury then took the presidential chair, being congratulated by the expresident, who said, " If you aro as happy in receiving as I am in resigning oflice, you will be happy bulbed." He then handed tho Conference Bible and seal to the President, and said he could assure tho Presidenb of bhe hearty sympathy and support of his brethren and the people throughout. The President then addressed the Conference, thanking the brethren for the honour they had done him. On the motion of the Rev. Mr Berry, seconded by Rev. J. Crump, a vote of thanks was accorded to tho retiring President. The Rev. Mr Lewis briefly returned thanks, after which a vote ot thanks was accorded the Secretary, Mr W. Lee, on the motion of the Rev. H. Bull, seconded by the Rev. Mr Bond.

Transfer.—The Rev. J. Berry applied for a transfer to the Victorian Conference. Mr Berry explained that he had been invited to the Hawthorn circuit in the Melbourne disbricb. The proposed transfer was a subject of discussion ab the Conference on several occasions, and eveubually ib was decided chab, owing to a suitable supply nob being offered, Mr Berry's transfer could not be entertained.

Examinations.—The Rev. J. H. Simmends road the reports of examiners far 1890. It was stated that the marks gained were mostly high.

The Rev. Becro-T.--The Wellington circuib applied that the Rev. E. E. Becroft) be admitted to the New Zealand Conference, he having severed his connection with the English Conference. Several members present spoke in very high terms of Mr Becroß's ability, and tho Rev. Mr Berry proposed, "That Mr Becroft be received into full connection," which, after discussion, was agreed to.

On March 6th at the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church, a most interesting scene was witnessed, viz., the setting apart of tbree young men to tho solemn work of the ministry. Their names were Messrs Joseph Blighb.T. A. Joughin, and C. H. Laws. These three probationer had fulfilled the;? four years of trial, and were recommended by Conference for ordination.

Deputations.— The secretary of the Conference introduced Revs. Chew, Cox and other membersof bhe Ministers' Association. The deputation was heartily welcomed. The Rev. Mr Chew, president, conveyed a very cordial greeting to the Conference. Tho Rev. Mr Lee introduced a deputation frcn tbe Congregational Union consisting of tha Rev. Lewis, Capt. Daldy and Mr Bailey.— The deputation were also warmly welcomed by the Conference. A deputation from the Women's Cnristian Temperance Union was likewise heartily welcomed by the President. Thedeputation included MesdameoSchnackenberg, Best, Carr, Daldy, Carr, Kerr and Miss Huskison.

Dkaet (. Stations.—The final drafbol stations was adopted as follows :—

Auckland.—Pitt-street. J. Berr.v, J. H. Sim. nioiids ; North Shore, J. Ward ; Grafton Road. \V. Lee. S. J. S»rpe!l: Wesley College, A. Reid; Mahurapgi. S. Griffiths ; Thames. I). MoNicot!.; Upper Thames, J. Law; iUanukau, .1. S. Rishworth : Franklin, T. G. Oar;': Cambridge, C.H. Garland ; Hamilton ana 'J'e Awamutu, J. Thomas; Kaipara, HaumkiPaul; Puparoa, J. .). Mather; Northern Wairoa, T. F. Jones; Hokianara, T. F. Jougliin, Hori Te Kuri, and. Piripi Rakena ; Whan sjarei. A. C. Lawry; Tauraiii,'ii,«G. T. Marshall. Maori Mission: Waikato, W. Gittos and Wi Warena: Bay of Islands, Coronianclcl, Helensvllle. aud Wade, Home Missionaries.

Wanganui.—New Plymouth, P. W. Fairc!ou?h; Waitara, J. T. Pinfold: Hawera, T. N. Grifiin: Opunake, C. E. Beecroft: Wanganui, H. R. Dewsbury; Rangitikei, T. Fee: Sandoa and Feildinpr. W. Cannell, and one to be sent for ihe Kiwitea Mission: Falmcrston North,. W. Keall; West Coa3t Maori Mission, T. G. Hammond. _~..,■_ Wellington.—Wellington Circuit. J. J, Lewis, W. H. Beck, and C. H. Laws; Kutt, WJ J. Watkin, and one wanted; Greytcwn, W, l?owe ; Masterton, J. Dukes; Napier, E. Rest; Hastings, W. Sinclair (student); Gisborne, J. Dollow; Otaki, Homo Missionary; Scandinavian Mission, B. Neilson; E_cta__na, Home Mi-sionary. Nelson.—Nelson, F. W. Isitt; Richmond, in charge o£ tho chairman of the district, and J, Crump, supernumerary; Blenheim, H. Bull; Blenheim Maori Mission, Heteraka Warim; Hokitika, S. J. Gibson: Greymcuth. T. G. Brooke; Kumara, J. Smith, supernumerary; Motueka and Haveloek, Home Missionaries. ■ Canterbury. — Durham - street, Christ* church, W. Alorlev. L. M. Isitt, K. J. Murray (assistant to Mr Morley); Sydenham, J. N. Buttle; St. Albans, W. Baumber, D. J. Murray; Lvttelton, W. Tinsley: Spring3ton, S. J. Garlick; Leeston, W. G. Parsonson, J. G. Chap- ; man : Kaiapoi, G. Bond ; VVoodend and Amber* ley, C. 11. Standage ; Rangiora, W. B. Marten; 1 Timaru, W. J. Williams: Waimate, J. S. Smalley; Temuka, C. Griffin; Ashburton, S. Lawrv and J. H. Grey; Malvern, one to ba pent;~Methvcn, Home Missionary. Otago. — Trinity Church. Dunedin, W- C, Oliver. G. W. J. Spenee; Mornington.L. Hud. ton ■ l J ort Chalmers, J. D. Jory: Balclutha. W, G, Thomas; Milton. J. Blight: Lawrence. B. V* Rothweli: Invercargill, R. Taylor; Oamaru, J. A. Lnxford ; Gore, O. Abernethy ; Wakatipu, J. T. Burrows; River ton, J. T. Nott, 8.A.; Roxburgh, Tapanui, Palmerston, Maniototo,, I Home Missionaries.

Ministerial Term of Residence.—Tha question whether the term of ministerial residence in a circuit could be extended from three to five years formed one of tha chief topics or discussion at the Conference. Legal opinions were obtained on the matter. Sir Frederick Whitaker opined thab bhe ex- ; tension to five years wouid be ultra vire_ as bhe General Conference -iiad nob tha power to authorise the Annuak Conference to frame a regulation for that purpose. Ao the same time, Sir Frederick atited.thafc hei expressed the ' opinion with \diffidencei 1 : After a long and full discussion, lit was proposed and carried :—" That tin consequence of the grave doubts whichl exist as bo the power of the Conference to \|ake advantage of the permissive legislation last General Conference relating to the appointmenb of ministers to the same circuit for more than three years in succession, this Conference is of opinion bhat such legislabion should nob be brought inta operationbhisyear." Itwasalsocarried that* the permissive legislation be brought into operation as soon as that can legally ba done, audit was referred to the Committee of Privileges, with power to act. The interim report and statement of accounbs of the Jubilee Fund Execubiva stated that in some places the collections for the Jubilee Fund had been devoted to local objects. The amount received for the fund during the year was £8,966 Is Bd, and added to this there was a bequest by tha late Mr James Rees. estimated to yield between £500 and £600.

Church Members.—A pamphlet laid on the table showed the return of Church membership as follows : — Auckland district, 2,058, or an increase of 43. Wanganui district, 714 ; increase, 93. Wellington district, 1,032 ; increase, 81. Nelson district, 591. Canterbury district, 2,335 ; increase, 63. Otago districts' 1,036 ; increase, 69 ; Maori members, 36 ! Total membership, 8,113 ; increase on tha year, 335 ; on probation, 278. Attendant, at public worship, 54,502. The Sundayschool returns showed : — Number of) Sunday-schools, 242; number of scholars, 23,000. Report on Church Property. —-Tbs general report on church property for tha year ending September 30th, 1890, was sub-; mitted. The statement of the properties in each circuit shows that beside the eighteen general trusts for education, Maori and Home Missions, and general purposes there are 375 freehold properties, and 23 leasehold, the titles of 40 of these being still incomplete. The vacant sites number 127. There are 212 churches, seating 36,552 persons ; and 51 schoolrooms, with accommodation for 10,957 children. Thera are also 66 parsonages, and 14 other buildings. The total cost of land and buildings,' exclusive of connexional trusts, is reported as £202,450. Debts have been reduced during the year by £2,854 2s Id. District Secretaries.—The following, gentlemen were appointed district score-, taries :—Auckland, MrF. A. White; Wau-:-ganui, Mr J. Stevenson; Wellington, Mr, W. D. Buttle; Nelson, Mr James Boon; Canterbury, Mr R. Dawson ; Otago, Mr C. Ford.