METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12444, 6 March 1906, Page 8

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

■SPECIAI, TO "THE FllESS.'') DUNEDIN, March 5. When tho Methodist Conference resumed this morning, there was a very poor attendance, .au immediate endeavour was made to biing the debate on an independent Conference for New Zealand to a close. The Rev. J. N. Buttle, a strong supporter of the proposal, took the initiative, and moved the "previous question" on the ground that the small vote that would be taken could not be a satisfactory one. After a brief discussion, the motion was carried on the voices.

The Rev. H. Bull then moved—'That the committee be thanked for its services and be disbanded." An amendment was proposed by the Rev. W. J. Williams—" That the committee be requested, to submit proposals to the quarterly meetings and Synods for consideration prior to next Conference.''

The amendment was lost by 35 votes to 30, and the motion was agreed to on the voices.

The question of an independent Conference for New Zealand is not now likely to come before the next General Conference, which meets in Sydney next year. It has been generally regretted that the introduction of deputations to the Conference last Friday, when tho debate was at its height, not only stopped the debate, but prevented a full vote being taken upon the question. It is uncertain how the vote would liave gone on Friday, both sides claiming a slight majority of members. : In consequence of some alterations in the final reading of stations, necessitating a change in tho status of some circuits, Home Mission grants and Contingent Fund assessments were readjusted. The Oxford-Malvern circuit is among those becoming a probationer's circuit without a home mission grant. The Rev. W. Slado (Onehunga) was appointed successor to the Rev. J. J. Lewis as general secretary and cotrcasurer to the Home Mission Fund.

The Rev. J. Ward (Port Chalmers) was appointed to tho position of Methodist editor of "The Outlook."

The Rev. W. Sinclair presented the report on temperance and public morals, and moved several resolutions which were adopted by tho Conference. The resolutions expressed gratitude at the largo increase in the vote for No-license at the last local option poll, and expressed tho hope that tho Methodist people everywhere would do their utmost to secure the extinction of the liquor traffic in New Zealand. Tho Conference appointed the last Sunday in November «s Temperance Sunday. It also re3uested ministers and local preachers to eal frequently with the question of gambling, and entered its protest against the continued legalisation of tho totalisator, as- being subversive of tho best, interests of society, and also against any part of the country s revenue being derived from this source. In the course of some discussion, Mr Sinclair said he held out little hope of anything being done in tho present Parliament for tho abolition of the totalisator. He had been in correspondenco with all the candidates, and ho believed that only about twenty votes would be cast for such a proposal.

A Christchurch committee was appointed to deal with oil matters pertaining to the new hymn book, and report to next Conference, the Rev. S. port to tho next- Conference, the Rev. S. Mr J. T. Smith (Christchurch) reported on the local preachers' examinations. The work of tho local proachers throughout tbe colony was eulogised by members of tho Conference, and an appreciative vote was placed on record. Tho Conference practically concluded its sessions this.afternoon. Tho next Conference is to meet in I Christchurch in 1907, the date to be fixed by the president.

(rBESS ASSOCIATIOK TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, March 4. Tho appointments of the'-home missionaries for the coming year are as follows:— , Auckland district—Morriusville. J. Richards; Waiuku, W. A. Porter; Tc Awamutu, A. Hislop; Coromandel, M. J. Evans; Rahia, F. Martin; Tauranga, A. Hopper; Helensville, 'W. H. Speer; Kawak-wa, B. Grubb; Whangaroa, W. Scott; Portalbert, R. E. Evans; Hokiangn, oiie wanted;' Hikurangi, J. A. Latnond. • Wanganni district—Rahotn, H. Boston ; \Vaimarino, J. B. Beeche; Kimholton, J. H. White; MokaU, C. J. Bush. Wellington district—Norsewood, J. Oliver; Feath'erstone, W. A. Burley. Nelson district—Havelock, V\. B. Canterbury district—Belfast, Rev. J. Richards; Amberley. G. Hinton; Banks' Peninsula, T. Bryant; Chru*t*hurch South, C. Sandford; Timaru, C. H. Olds. :' '- . _, .. . Otago district—North Dunedin, A. Allen ; Riverton, G. A. Foston ; 1 apanui, J T. Lawrence; Palmerston South, J. Tyson ; Winton, N. F. Hooper.