METHODIST SYNOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 277, 22 November 1934, Page 21

METHODIST SYNOD.

FINANCE IMPROVEMENT.

CIRCUIT BOUNDARIES. The financial position of the district funds of the Methodist Church shows an improvement, according to a report presented by Rev. R. B. Tinsley yesterday afternoon. A number of the circuits this year showed a credit balance for the first time for a number of yeais, he said, and this was taken as an evidence of returning prosperity. The debits this year are lower by nearly fIOOO. The lowest credit was 1/ and the highest debit £275. Kaukapakapa, which last year showed a credit of 1/4, this year increased it to 7/4. The Rev. E. H. Patehett said the report was very encouraging, and showed that the superintendent ministers had accomplished great work. It was decided to recommend to conference the division of the Pukekolie circuit, the present circuit to retain Pukekohe, Buckland, Paerata, Mauku and two preaching places at Karaka, and the new Bombay circuit to comprise Bombay, Tuakau, Paparata, Ramarama and Ararimu. The name of the Northern Wairoa circuit was changed to that of Dargaville. Silverdale is to bo added to Kaukapakapa. To help the financial position at Devonport, conference is to be asked to relieve the circuit of a minister for twelve months, and the Rev. Percy Knight, who is to retire from the active ministry, offered to take charge for a year as supernumerary. This offer was gratefully accepted. The Rev. Dr. H. Ranston, principal of the Methodist Trinity College, presented the annual report. It stated that the year opened with 17 men in residence, also two students for the Congregational ministry. Seven students, Messrs. Duder, Hanna, Luxton, Mills, Taylor, Tliornley and Witheford, would leave the college this year, having completed their three years of training. A young Maori also had been prepared in his candidature for the ministry. The students had been attending the university, and the principal had been conducting classes in Greek, both New Testament and classical. The vice-princi-pal, the Rev. W. T. Blight, had taught theology, and Dr. C. H. Laws, the first principal of the college, gave lectures in homiletics. All the students took part in the practical work of the Church by taking services on Sundays, attending Bible"classes, and helping with boys' brigades. They spent their vacations in mission work.