Friday, Nov. 17.

Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2668, 18 November 1871, Page 3

Friday, Nov. 17.

The- lay-representatives were again assembled with the ministers.

The committee appointed the previous day to consider the reorganisation of the Home Mission and contingent fond presented their report, recommending that the two funds be divided ; the income of the contingent fund to be derived from a levy upon the quarter boards of the several circuits, and collections in the district town. The income of the Home Mission Fund to be obtained by collections, donations, and subscriptions in the various circuits : the expenditure of both these funds being under the control of the financial district meeting. During the afternoon's session, a long discussion took place as to the method of electing the district representative, and it was ultimately agreed to recommend to the Australasian Conference the adoption of the rule recently passed by the British Conference, by which the laymen join with the ministers in this election.

A resolution, was also passed, recommending that the rule which prevents a minister from returning to a Circuit until he has been absent eight years, should be abrogated. The question of a New Zealand Conference was then discussed. All were agreed as to its necessity, and, it was thought that if the. matter were rightly put before the Melbourne Conference, in January next, the request preferred by the district meeting for years past would be granted. Resolutions were handed in from several quarterly meetings, asking for special-re-presentation on this ground, and agreeing to contribute to the expense. It was agreed that the Revs. A. R. Fitchett and R. Bavin attend the Conference, and Messrs Turner, Garrick, and Harris, attend the Laymen's Committee meeting during the Conference session. The report-of the District Book Committee was read and adopted. - It was unanimously resolved, "That the cordial thanks of the meeting be presented to the Rev. A. R. Fitchett, for his valuable services as editor of the New Zealand Wesleyan, and that he be re-appointed to that office." Mr Fitchett acknowledged the compliment in suitable terms. It was stated that the book depot in Colombo street, Christchurcb. would be opened in a few days. The Connexionai Committees for the district were nominated ; and after fixing the appointments for Sunday next, the meeting was closed by the chairman pronouncing the Benediction.