MAORI METHODISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 282, 28 November 1929, Page 31

MAORI METHODISTS.

NORTHERN MISSION CONFERENCE. A conference of ministers and representatives of the northern section of the Methodist Maori Mission was held in Probert Chambers this week. In the absence of the senior superintendent (Rev. Tahupotiki Haddon), whose wife is seriously ill, the chair was taken by Rev. E. Te Tuhi, superintendent of the North Auckland circuit. The Rev. A. J. Seamer was present as adviser on organisation and finance. The early part of the morning session was spent in devotional exercises.

Permits were considered, and it was decided to urge ministers to stay three years if possible in their pastorates, but it was recognised that very long terms were seldom advisable. An increase of interest was reported from the Hokianga and Kawhia areas. The question of the co-operation of the Maori and English work was carefully considered, and the fullest cooperation consistent with the continued freedom of the - Maori circuits was strongly favoured by most of the speakers. It was agreed that co-opera-tion be developed, especially in North Auckland,. where the mission has been in existence for 107 years. The establishment of a supernumerary fund on an actuarial basis was carefully considered, but no action was taken, as it was considered that the Maori members' contributions were too small to justify further expenditure in this direction. Circuit finance was also carefully considered, and it was reported that the contributions were larger than those of last year. Satisfaction was expressed that the Maori ministers' stipends were now £200 per annum with a free house. It was reported that a Maori girls' school of domestic science and hygiene had been established in the King Country, and that another scheme for a school in Auckland or Taranaki was under consideration.

The report of work amongst the children and general educational and social activities showed that progress was being made, and speakers expressed high appreciation of the work of the deaconesses, teachers and nurses.