WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9585, 27 November 1896, Page 3

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.

The Synod resumed its sessions at 10 yesterday morning, the Chairman of the District presiding. Messre J. RadcliSe and R. Krwin, representing the Timaru circuit, took their seats. After devotional exercises the various connexional funds were passed. Tbe affairs of The Advocate were then dealt with. The Secretary read the report of the Committee, in which it appeared that the paper was of very great value to the connexion by the circulation of connexional news and announcements, and fostering the connexions! spirit. Mr Dawson moved a vote of thanks to the Rev. P. W. Fairclough, the editor, for his able and efficient services during the year, and cordially recommended his re-appointment for another year. On the motion of the Rev. P. W. Fairclongh a vote of thanks was accorded the assistant editor, the Rev. J. N. Buttle, ! of Dnnedin.

The Rev. D. J. Murray was then elected District Representative "to the Conference, the election being by ballot. The formation of "a Maori Synod was considered impracticable at present. The following gentlenieu were appointed a Committee for the loau fund:— The General Secretary, the Superintendents of the three Cbristohurch circuits, with Messrs W. Harris, R. W. England, G. H. Blaokwell and G. Bowron.

It was decided that the recommendation of the last Synod, re Sunday school rules, be re-affirmed.

The general returns were then read, showing —Churches in the district 73, increase 19; other preaching places 59, increase 19; ministers and probationers 29, increase 9 ; Home Missionaries 4, increase 2; local preachers 138, increase 30; church members 3262, increase 663; Sunday schools 67, increase 14 ; teachers 672, increase 140 ; scholars 6436, increase 1131; attendants on public worship 16,055, increase 1982. The Band of Hope returns showed 37 Bands of Hope and 3606 members, an increase of 11 Bands of Hope and 1454 members.

On the motion of the Rev. — Brooke the following resolution was carried :—"That this Synod desires to express its satisfaction at the progress made in the cause of Temperance reform, and would strongly urge our people throughout all the electorates to record their votes in favour of no license on the polling day." The following recommendations were made to the Conference :—l. Seeing that so much money is spent insuring the buildings of the connexion, a guarantee fund be formed by our Churches throughout the colony. 2. That the Secretaries of Sunday School Union be ex o.ffieio members of the district Synods in which they hold office. 3. That a minister be set apart for evangelistic work for one year. 4. On the motion of Mr R. Evans it was heartily and unanimously carried that, in the opinion of this Synod, it is absolutely necessary the Rev. W. Morley be reappointed Connexional Secretary for another term.

Th« CiiAißiiAN expressed his pleasure at the attention given to business throughout' the sessions, and with devotional exercises closed the financial session.

The ministerial session will be resumed at 9 a.m. to-day.

In connection with the Synod at 7 o'clock last evening a Methodist rally was held in Cathedral sq\iare, where addresses were given by the Rev. T. G. Brooke of Ashburton and Mr Stevens of Little River, and a solo was sinig by the Rev. J. Dellow. The meeting then proceeded to the Durham street Church, where there was a large audience. The Rev. W. Morley presided, and the Rev. T. G-. Carr spoke on the outlook of Methodism, Mr Clarke of Methven on home missions, the Rev. J. Dukes on Sunday School work, Mr S. S. Chapman on country Methodism, the Rev. C. B. Beecroft on Christian Endeavour work. A collection was taken in aid of the home mission fund, in connection with which the Chairman said the Church was expending £7 per day. Daring the collection the Rev. J. Dellow sang in an artistic and effective manner " Arm, arm, ye brave." The meeting was closed with the Doxology.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

AUCKLAND, November 26,

The Wesleyan Methodist District Synod opened to-day. The Rev. H. Bull, in his annual Presidential address, referred to the following topics :—Consummation of Methodist Union, Church Property Trust Act, 1896, meeting of General Conference to be held in Auckland in 1896, death of Archbishop Benson, Prince Albert College, theological institution of the Church, foreign missions, Maori mission work, general statistics, visit of the Rev. D. O'Donnell, and the coming elections. On the motion of the Rev. S. J. Seryell, it was unanimously resolved: —"(1) That this Synod recommends through the next Conference to the Board of Treasurers of the Supernumerary Ministers and Ministers' Widows Fund that, prior to the ineetingof the General Conference, 1898, the services of a professional actuary of good standing be employed to investigate the position of the fund and report thereon, such report to be laid before General Conference at the next session. (2) That the advice of the said actuary be obtained with respect to some revision of the present scale of allowances as would diminish the amount now assured to younger ministers and widows and proportionately increase the amount payable to ministers who may be compelled to retire in middle life, and similarly to the. widows of euch ministers who may die in the work." On the motion of the Rev. W. J. Williams, the. Synod, without discussion, passed the following resolution unanimously amid cheere :—" That this Synod heartily rejoices at the deep interest awakened throughout the colony in the prohibition of the liquor traffic, and, in view of the great moral and social benefits that would thereby be secured it earnestly hopes that the 'no license , vote will be carried at the forthcoming local option poll."