METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 53, 4 March 1925, Page 13

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

NEW COLLEGE SCHEME,

TO COST £50,000.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

At -the Methodist Conference to-day considerable time was devoted to a debate regarding the young people's department. All Church leaders and circuits are asked to co-operate for a period of years in order to establish the work. The conference placed on record its appreciation of the work of the Rev. E. P. Blamires, organising secretary of the department, who was referred to as second to none in the Dominion in young people's work.

The conference passed a resolution sympathising with the Sunday schools and the junior Bible classes in the conditions existing owing to the epidemic, and urged upon officers and teachers while the schools were closed to use every means available by home visitation and through the post to keep in contact with their scholars.

On the report of the Theological College, Dr. Laws delivered an impassioned speech on the necessity of intellectual ability, knowledge of modern conditions and sympathy with the unchurched masses as a background to any successful ministry. He pleaded eloquently for the proposals on behalf of the new college scheme, estimated to cost £50,000. it will make provision for students for various professions as well as students for the ministry. The sum of £10,000 is already in hand, and several substantial sums have been promised. The proposal was adopted, and permission was given to deal with the architects in connection with the building plans, etc.