PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 14, 17 January 1905, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph.—fens association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. The first reading of stations at the Primitive Methodist Conference has been completed as follows:—New Plymouth, John Nixon; Wellington IL. John Dawson, Rev. B. Metson (candidate); Wellington 111., Rev. James Cotter; Auckland 1., Revs. William Potter and K. Warburton; Auckland IT.. Rev. G. Clement; Auckland 111., Rev. G. W. Smaitee; Invercargill L» Rev. Robert Raine; Invereergill 11., Rev. T. A. Pybus; Thames, Rev. S. Henderson-. Greendale, Rev. T. H. Lyon; Christchurch, Rev. G. H. Mann; Ash burton. Rev. J. Guy; "Dunedin. Rev-s. William Laycock, S. Bailey; Waikooaiti, Rev. Coatesworth; Wellington L. Revs. P. J. Cossum. R. J. Liddell, W. J. Dean (sup.), J. Dumbell (cup.); Tinraru. Rev. C. E. Word; Feilding, Revs. J. Olphert. C R. Sims. P. W. Jones ; Geraldine, Rev. R. Hall; Foxton, Rev. J. Featherston; Ha-lcombe, Rev. G. P. Hunt; Stratford and Eltham, Revs. J. Clover, P- ■J. Marrs: Waimate and Oamaru, Rev. J. Snaip; West Coast Mission, Rev. J. Harris; Inglewood (branch New Plymouth), to be supplied;. Bluff, Rev. J. Dudley; Waihi, Rev. J. Southern: Wanganui. Rev. E. Drake; East Egraont Mission. Rev. T. R. B. XVoolloxall; Temukn (branch Geraldine), Rev. D. Campbell; Edendale. to be supplied ; without pastoral charge, Rev. R. lA. Robyison. The conference received a deputation from the Christchuroh Ministers' Association. Able addresses were delivered by the Rev. S. Lawry (president of the ! Methodist Conference), who spoke on the prevailing indifference iind the attitude to soc-ial problems, nnd. Dr. Erwin. who urged the need of attention to spiritual realities. The Rev. W. S. Potter and Mr C. M. Luke replied. The report on church properties stated that there were G9 churches (an increase of five). The amount paid off fche d»»bt was £1138, and the income was XI 1.689 18/. There were 14,226 sittings, and 9083 hearers. A temperance deputation was received. Dr. Russell and Mr Whiehther giving addresses. The Rev. R. J. Dawson and Mr Leadlpy replied. The latter stated that prohibition had been successful in Ashburton, the moral status being improved and prosperity increased. The Gas Company had declared 1 per cent, higher dividend than ever before. The deposits in the Building Society and in the Savings Bank had increased. A • public meeting was held to-night. the Rev. Mr Mann, Mr T. E. Taylor, and Mr f. M. Lvike delivering addresses on temperance Mr Taylor spoke of the eomhitr licensing campaign, predicting SHceess for ,the no-license party. He said the Selwyn and Courtney electorates wonld almost certainly join Ashburton in the prohibition ranks.