CANTERBURY WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 8349, 7 December 1892, Page 6

CANTERBURY WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

The annual District meeting of the Wesleyan Church commenced its session in the Durham street Church on Tuesday morning. The following, members were present: —Rev. Geo. Bond, President of the Conference, (Chairman), Revs. H. R. Dewsbury, W. J. Williams, W. Baumber, J. Smalley, W. Tinsley, S. J. Garlick, L. M. Isitt, C. Griffin, J. Dellow, D. J. Murray, J. N. Battle, W. G. Parsonson, S. Lawry, J. H. Gray, C. H. Standage, T. W. Newbold. A dispensation of absence was granted to Rev. R. J. Murray, who is now attending College examination. Rev. J. Aldred was absent, suffering from indisposition. The Rev. W. F. James, Bible Christian, now on a visit from South Australia, was introduced to the district meeting by Rev. W. J. Williams. Mr James delivered an address, referring to the object of his miesion to New -"".aland, namely, to further Methodist union iv the colony, and spoke of the hopeful aspect of the question, and mentioned the kindness and brotherly affection with which he has been received throughout the colony. The Rev. L. M. Isitt replied on behalf of the. district meeting, reciprocating the brotherly sentiments expressed by Rev. W. F. James. The Rev. W. Baumber expressed the pleasure the district meeting felt in seeing Rev. Geo. Bond occupying the position of President of Conference and Chairman of the district meeting. The Rev. Mr Bosd, in replying, welcomed the Rev. H. R. Dewsbury and the Rev. C. Griffin, who had been appointed by the Conference to the Durham street and Springskon circuits respectively, and spoke hopefully of the work of God in the district. The hours of session were fixed for 10.50 a.m to 12.30, and 2.30 p.m. to 5. '-*•■'' The Rev. D. J. Murray wa3 elected Secretary, Rev. W. Tinsley Assistant, Revs. S. Lawry aud C. H. Staudage to report the meetings for the daily papers, Rev. J. N. Buttle to report for the Methodist. The Rev. Dr. Watkins, of the Victorian Conference, who was passing through Christchurch on a visit to New Zealand for the benefit of his health, came to the District Meeting. He was welcomed by the Chairman, and delivered a short address, in which he spoke of bis early connection with the first missionaries of the colony, and the admiration he felt for the colony ani its people, aud the great expectations he entertained for its future. The Chairman informed the meeting that Rev. Mr Harrison, a young minister of great promise, was on his way from England to join the ranks of the ministry in this colony. None of the ministers offered themselves for the Foreign Mission work, or preferred a request to be made supernumeraries. The usual questions as to ministerial character and qualifications were asked and answered satisfactorily. The various circuits reported that the circuit schedules were duly posted up, and correctly kept. The report of the Principal of Wesley College, Three Kings, was submitted to the meeting. The Rev. Wm. Morley has taken charge. Mr J. H. Turner, M.A., has been appointed Classical and Mathematical Tutor. The Lecturers appointed by the Conference have attended their respective classes. The students are doing acceptable work in the churches in and around the city of Auckland. The Maoris are receiving the advantages of English education. A good College library has been secured. The Rev. L. M. Isitt stated that his circuit had given him twelve months' leave of absence, to visit America and England. Upon the vote of the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that Conference be asked to give effect to the proposal.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in preparation for the financial district meeting, to be held to-day.