METHODIST CHAPLAINS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 49, 26 February 1916, Page 9

METHODIST CHAPLAINS.

QUESTION OF FAT AND STATUS DISCUSSED AT CONFEREUCE. A somewhat lengthy discussion took place at 'the Bitting of the Methodist Oonferejice of New Zealand this morning in Pitt Street Church. It arose out; ~of a proposal that a probationer supply! be given to Wanganui. The resolution of last Conference was read: "That future appointments of chaplains to the Expeditionary Forces shall he for the current year only, that the chaplain shall pay the expense of his supply, and if the appointment last for another year, the Conference make another appointment, to the chaTge."

As the Rev. H. L. Blamires has been again called to. the Wanganui Church, the question -was raUed as to how this would affect his position. Some members argued that he should be treated as outside of the present question, and, in answer to a query, it was stated that a chaplain's pay as captain was 17/6 per day and mess allowance.

Rev. T. Fee said the Conference had to consider the interests of the connection, and if it was better when a minister was appointed chaplain, to fil\ the vacancy at the church, that' course, should be adapted. ' "~ •*>

Mr. W. G. Baasett, of Wanganui, said •when the Rev. Blamires became chaplain he laid the matter before the church, and they consented to his going to the front, and also promised to do their best to get him rcappomted to the charge. Mr. Blamires made no claim upon them, and said that if upon his return ho had any more money than he would nave had had he not gone that would belong to the church. Wanganui had requested that Mr. Blamires be again appointed, and -was willing still to continue its contribution towards the minister's wife. When ministers went to the front, tbe least the churches could do was to give them the utmost consideration. (Applause.) He could assure them that Mr. Blamires was not making any money out of his chaplaincy. He kjiew that, on the other hand, he was actually losing by the change. All Wangnnui asked was that the Conference would leave Mr Blamires alone. lie was sorry there was an impression that the chaplains made a good thinp out of it. They should not forget that the chaplains were not on a picnic, but at war. Wanganui asked no financial assistance from the Conference in this matter, and He trusted their request wjuld.be granted ./J la Sr be rea PP°i"t€d.. They wanted Mr. Blamires to know that while lie was serving with the Empire his wife and family were being taken care of. (Applause.)

vr3t2,?: 5l GarkDd remarked that the Methodiet Church of all others must not create a vested interest.

Kov. S Lawry said what he was most concerned about was the Wanganui circuit. The Stations- Committee ehould he left quite free to act as it deemed ■best for Wanganui district. Rev. Hammond, chairman of Wanga.nui district, said the quarterly meetin" wae weU attended; they were unanimous in tho desire for the reappoiniment of Mr. Blamires, and it would be unwise to upset the present arrangements. The Conference, unanimously agreed thai a suitable supply be sent to = Wanganui, thus leaving Mr. Bl&mires still minuter. Farther consideration of the report wue deferred until Monday morning.