PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 8999, 11 January 1895, Page 5

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

(PBS3S ASSOCIATION TKLBafcAM.)

: WELLINGTON, January 10. The Primitive Methodist Conference resumed this morning, when the retiring President delivered his address. The annual finaucial report showed that the trust properties in the New Zealand district were in a sound and healthy condition, there being fifty-two chapels in the .district, being an increase of five for the year. Their cost with; enlargements is set- down at £26,579. During the year £2987 was paid off the debt, leaving the present debt .at £5290. The total income, of the past year was £2889, and the expenditure £2862. There are thirteen parsonages and cottages, which cost £3833, the present debt upon which is £961. The total value of church properties in the New Zealand district, taking the original cost with enlargements, is £30,412, being an increase of £1844 for the year, whilst the total of the present debt- is £6253. Iα his address the Rev. C. E. Ward, the : retiring President, said it was his duty and privilege to addrew the second Conference of the church in New Zealand, being the twenty-third annual assembly of the Primitive Methodist connexion in this colony.. They met as a conference of Christian workers, ministers and laymen,, upon absolute equality, and moreover admitted women on an equal footing, giving them a voice and vote on every question. During the past year two young ministers, the Revs. B.Henderson<andO. H.Maon, had made a favourable impression in the pulpit and on the platform, and he wished them each a long, nappy, and successful ministry. Speaking on the education question Mr Ward said they did not' wane a denominational or sectarian system of education supported by the Government. He bad little sympathy with theory of " Godlesa schools," echoed so frequently in certain quarters. Our schools were not Godless, and they aimed at the proper development of physical, mental, and moral condition of the children in public schools. The chasm between rich and poor was filling up, and race distinctions were forgotten. The rev. gentleman also spoke on the subject of gambling, and said our racecourses Had b«come little better than moral cesspools, in which vulgarity and rascality collected in poisonous masses, . .

CABLE -jBTEWS.