N.Z. METHODISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 50, 28 February 1935, Page 24

N.Z. METHODISTS.

CONFERENCE DISCUSSIONS. YOUTH WORK DEVELOPMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Wednesday. The annual conference of the Methodist Church was continued to-day. The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt, of Christchurch, urged the necessity for fostering a true co-operation between all churches in the development of work among the youth of the Church. First, however, it was essential that they should stand by their own church, he said. He suggested to youth leaders that they should follow this course and encourage the study of the Methodist Church religion and doctrine. The Rev. W. G. Slade, of Levin, deplored the fact that young people were frequently misled by their elders in the matter of church attendance. He said young people of Bible classes were hardly to be blamed for non-attendance at church if they were taken away on Sundays on picnics to beaches by those who should encourage them to support their church.

The Rev. E. P. Blamires, of Wellington, director of young people's work, said lie was not optimistic enough to think that everything was going to be all right as a result of the discussion that had ensued. As the years went on there would be the utmost need for senior and junior members of the Church to draw closer together and come in more direct contact with one another.

The Rev. A. J. Seamer was reappointed for a further term as general superintendent of the Home Mission Department, and a resolution was passed expressing appreciation of Mr. Seamer's services. The Rev. G. I. Laurenson was reappointed assistant general superintendent and clerical treasurer of the department, while Mr. F. Penn was reappointed lay treasurer.