METHODISM.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18014, 5 March 1924, Page 7

METHODISM.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

On Monday evening, Conference continued in session. Temperance and Public Morals Committee's report was adopted. The report suited that the committee had looked into the question of what could be done to stem the sale of pernicious and immoral literature. The Minister of Internal Affairs had announced a proposal amounting to a Censorship I'<jarcl of Appeal. A special meeting of the committee was summoned to i.ike action against the proposal of the liquor party to replace the State Pur-i-h,i. < -p and Control Issue at present 011 the ballot paper, by the Corporate Con•ini issue. The committee had endeav outed to deal with demoralising nmtion picture films and secularisation of the Sabbath. Lesolutions were passed urging the Government not to take part in the liquor trade under State Control, and protesting against any alteration in the King Country licensing laws. Regret was expressed at the decrease in the number of Bands of Hope that had taken place in recent years, .and urging action to start Bauds of Hope wherever possible. League of Nations. The following resolution was passed: "This Conference places on record its profound conviction J,hat war is an unchristian method of settling disputes between nations, and that the time has come for all international differences to be settled by arbitration. It expresses its pleasure at the good work which the League of Nations, in spite of its present limitations, has already achieved. We urge upon all our people to seek, by prayer and effort, the formation of the spirit of peace, the perfecting of international organisation for the removal of the causes of war; the settlement of disputes and the promotion of international co-operation; and by developing an international sense of solidarity which will make war impossible. Wo commend the League of Nations Union to all our churches, and counsel our people to give it their enthusiastic and active support by enrolling themselves as individual members, and by the enrolment of individual churches as members thereof. Conference suggests that Anzac Day be regarded, not only as a day of memorial, but as our soldiers, living and dead, would wish it,

as an opportunity for advocating the great principle of universal peace."

Immigration.

It was reported that the work of this department ivas steadily developing. Every steamer arriving'at Wellington and Auckland was met, and immigrants were welcomed and guided. The work could be strengthened by the appointment of an immigration "officer at Lyttelton. The appointment of a small committee of laymen to co-operate with the Wellington immigration officer at \\ ellington was recommended. Gambling.

The following resolutions in connexion with gambling were passwl: "That this Conference deeply deplores tlie continuel prevalence of the gambling spirit in the community, realising that it constitutes a very grave moral dangc-r to the State. We regret, exceedingly the granting of increased facilities for the cultivation of this spirit, by the increase in the number of race days; and we urge upon our members and adherents the necessitr of discountenancing in every possible way the gambling spirit which is gripping both old aud young in our Dominion." "This Conference views with concern the fact that in order to raise money for public school funds. art unions and other insidious forms of gambling are being organised, in this wav habits of gambling are being formed amongst our school children which will inevitably prove a great moral harm to the ensuing generation."

Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., said that resolutions would carry the anti-gambling crusade nowhere. If a determined effort to the contrary were not made Parliament would pass more gambling legislation this session. He suggested a monster deputation to Wellington to protest against this. Other speakers spoke of the r.eed for education in and out of the Church and among the young, and it was decided to leave the issuing of special pamphlets to the Literary Committee, besides inviting the ec-opcrafcion of other churches in the general campaign. Mr Isitt's deputation proposal was agreed to, the suggestion being that on.y laymen should be included in the deputation to Wellington

YESTERDAY'S BUSINESS. The New Zealand Methodist annual Conference was continued yesterday, the president, the Eev. A. Aslicroft, presiding over a good attendance. The first reading of the stationing sheet, which was submitted to Conference the previous evening, was discussed, and a large number of suggested

changes in the committee's recounneu dations were tabled. Tlie committee r.gain retired to con sider the suggestion. The number oi transfers required for the present is G2.

On the retirement of the above com mittee the Rev. T. G. Brooke, ex-presi-dei'.t, was voted to the chair. Mr A. Williams asked the permission of Conference to move without n° tiee that, in view of the widespread desire of members of Conference, a ial committee be set up to consulei how best the business of Coherence should lie' expedited. ! Permission was refused, and Mr \-i--liams gave notie-j to move the motion at a later stage. Wesley's Chapel. The Rev. J. Napier Milne stated that some time ago he had been aj'poin.et to raise subscriptions throughout Zealand, for the restoration of the Wesley Chapel. City road, London John Wesley's original chapel. He had been able to forward to the Rev. "W Armstrong, who was in charge of tlie su scription, a total of £B3. He thought that the sum from New Zealand should at least be £IOO, and asked permission to raise a subscription at Conference that afternoon. Permission was granted.

Statistics. The Rev. M. A. Rugby Trait, general statistical secretary, presented his report for 1923. The report showed slight increases in membership and church attendance. There was a decrease of Sunday school scholars of 10:25, and a decrease in average attendance is 135(5. _ There was, however, a considerable increase in the number of teachers. The Bibb 1 class memberships -were:—Young men s 1031 (a decrease of G7), junior boys 1301 (decrease 137), young_ women s lf>l2 (increase 22), junior girls' (decrease 275). The total numbei ot Methodist churches in New Zealand was 435, and there were -137 ot' preaching places. There were 17 parsonages, 179 ministers and probationers, home missionaries 55, deaconesses 11, local preachers 757. The number of members on the Church roll was given as 23,491, an increase of 40 over 1922. Communicants numbered 16,488, an increase of 7ii. The attendants at public worship, including Sunday school scholars, weie given as 73,239. It is noteworthy, continued the report, that of the total of those who in the census of 1021 specified their ie.igion 92.5 per cent, claimed attachment to the Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Methodist Churches in that order. The remaining small percentage is distributed chielly amongst Baptists, Salvationists, Brethren, Church of Christ, Congre'gationalists, Lutherans, and Adventists, in the order given. Non-Christian faiths, such as Jewish, Confucian, Mohammedan, and I Thcosophist exist in still smaller numhers. , No fewer than 38,591 people objected to state their religious faith, but_ it is worthy of note that those professing to be Freethinkers have, since the previous census, decreased by 3240, a - percentage decrease of 72.83 for the last five years, and of 12 per cent, for the previous thirty years. Only 7-0 persons profess agnosticism, whilst 1010 wear the label of "Spiritualist. The table given below will indicate the relative standing of the four huge Christian churches. The figure's showing the numerical and percentage increases since the previous census in October, 1916. indicate that we are not increasing as rapidly as the other large churches, or in the samo ratio as the population of the Dominion. The general rate of increase of the Christian churches as a whole for the period j 1916-1921 was 10.91 per cent. Our increase was 5.96. These percentages, j however; show an even better result than is actually the ease, for they include the returned members of the Expeditionary Forces, who had lett New Zealand before the previous census of 1910. A generation ago Methodism was increasing at a more rapid rate than general population, but the steady decline in recent years, falling in the last quinquennium to 5.96 per cent, reduces our average intercensal increase for tlie last thirty years to 10.07, as against a general increase of population of 11.74 per cent. Of late we have lamentably failed to sustaiij. even our own normal Tate of growth.

Methodist Eornnn Presby. Anglican Catholic, terian. Numßer of ... ... Adherents 112,34-1 164,133 299,04 a 514,607 Percentage of total 9.53p.c. 13.93p.c. 25.42p.c. 43.66 p.c. Quinquennial Increase (numerical) 6,320 12,527 38,876 Ea,584 Quinquenninl Increase (p'cent'ge) 5.9Gp.c. B.2Gp.c. 14.91p.c. 12.11p.c. Average Quinquennial Inn-pa se, 1891-1021 10.07p.c. 11.13p.c, 13.31p.c. 12.73p.c. The report was adopted.

Deputations Received. A deputation from the Council of Christian Congregations, comprising his Grace, Archbishop Julius, and the Rev. J. J. North, waited upon the Conference. They were received by the president. Archbishop Julius stated that he was present, representing both the Cliurcn of iihigltuid and tue Council of Christian Liiurches. A jjreat change liad come into modern life, he saiu, and churches were drawing together, it was not the attainment he valued, he said, it was the tendency to draw togeilier. iears ago, he stated, the dinerent denominations stood apart, suspicious of each other. All that was past and to-day the speaker stood there with the full consent of his own congregation and with their love and their prayers. The Council of Christian Churches was one of the outcomes or tnis drawing together, and its influence was widespread indeed. Speaking of the gam Oling question, the speaker said that no doubt members of the) Conference were conviersiMit with the discussions going on in the papers regarding it. The Rev. J. J. North had taken up the cudgels on behalf of the Council, and was doing it so very ably that his Grace often wondered how the rev. gentleman "had spent his unregenerate days." (Laughter). The Council was opposing the granting of the permits which the papers were urging because it believed that such would do untold injury to the whole country. The newspapers wanted to drag in a side issue, and have, the Council declare whether it Considered gambling a sin or not. The speaker said he was not prepared to state that it was a sin, but he knew that it was doing harm in the homes, and was cutting at the moral character of the people. In conclusion, he said he recognised the value of the service the Methodist Church was doing in New Zealand. The R&v. J. Paterson, on behalf of the Ministers' Association, also waited on the Conference. He said that whereas the Archbishop represented the combined churches militant, he represented the churches quiescent. He said he appreciated greatly the appreciable drawing together of the Christian Churches, but there still existed many fundamental differences t® be overcome. He explained the work of his Association, and on behalf of the Preabvterian Church extended members a welcome to Christchurch. The Rev. H. Rawstorn, replying on behalf of the Conference, stated that the question of union was in the air. The question was difficult, but whatever misht be the outcome it would

prove tliat the churches better understood each other.

The president requested liis Grace to pronounce tho Benediction. His (J race complied and Conference adjourned until tlie afternoon. Jubilee Session. At the conclusion of the submission of the first draft of the Stationing Committee, the 00th Jubilee session of the Conference was held. The president- called to the platform the Revs. Vi. J. Williams and G. Bond, who had been members of the. first New Zealand Methodist Conference held in tlie Durham street Church 00 years a g°-

The Rev. "W. J. "Williams moved: — "That in commemorating the s()th Anniversary of the first New Zealand Conference, this Conference is moved to a grateful aekno\sedgment of the grace and mercy of Almighty God, '-by which such a commemoration has been made possible. It also realises afresh its indebtedness to the wise foresight and faithful service of those who were honoured to be the pioneers and founders of Methodism in Now Zealand. It expresses its thankfulness that amid all the change of method and polity that have marked the course of our Church during these iiftv years, there has been a steadfast endeavour to maintain and carry forward all that is best in the traditions of Methodism. The Conference recognises the possession of a sacred trust, that it behoves will he more and more honoured in the coming years, giving increasing cause for gratitude, that Methodism ever foiled a. place in this land among the forces that are claiming it for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ." Speaking to the motion, tlie mover referred to the Conference of 00 years ago and stated that many changes had taken place during the intervening years. Despite all the changes which had taken place in policy, etc., however, the essentials with regard to Methodism had not changed. He believed that the> prospects of the Church of God and the prospects of Methodism in New Zealand were never brighter than was the case at present. The Rev. G. Bond, in seconding the resolution, stated that the first Conference, although a small one, was a very dignified one. The Rev. S. Lawry and Mr H. Field spoke on behalf of the first branch of tlie "Wesleyan Church in New Zea.iand, -Mr ,T. A. Flesher on behalf of the I'nited Fret- Methodist Church, and the Rev. W. S. Potter and Mr W. Dohbs for the former Primitive Methodist Church, and the Rov. W. Grigg on behalf of the Bible Christian Methodists. The motion was carrier l unanimously. Conference decided to send to all members of the first Conference, who were still living, a letter conveying: i warm greetings, and assuring them of the Conference's deep interest in their welfare.

Theological College. 'Oil behalf of the Theological Committee, tho Rev. C. Eaton ("Welling, ton), reported that the following students were in residence last year:— Messrs J. Bailey. E. H. Brooker, H. G. Brown, H. L. Fiebig (third year); C. R.. H. Peterson (second year); F. G. Brown, J. H. Hall, G. It. Harris, O. It. Taylor, and A. H. Voyce. These men have done a good year's work. Discipline had been maintained; attention had been given to spiritual development ; diligence iti study had been excellent. Outdoor work and recreation had assisted to keep them in good health. Following its previous decision to establish Prospective Candidates' Classes in 1924, tlie Committee took steps to publish all_ information regarding such classes with a view to encouraging young men to avail themselves of the opportunities of preparatory training that these would afford. It was hoped that members of Synods, hoth ministerial and laymen, would without delay forward all information with respect to those likely to enrol in classes So that this new development might be fully undertaken when College' resumed, in March of next year. With tho return of Dr. Laws and the initiation of the new organisation involving the Appointment of Dr. Ranston as permanent tutor, the Commiitteo looked forward next year to the commencement of an era of progressive work in developing the College function of meeting the growing need for a trained and efficient ministry.

The following Committee'was appointed for 1924: —Revs. C. H. Laws, 11.A., D.D., H. Ranston, M.A., Litt.D l ., P. S>. Knight, 8.A., G. Bond, J. 11. Simmonds, G. T. Marshall, T. F. Jones, W. A. Sinclair, W. A. Burley. MIA., E. Drake A. B. Chappell, M.A., Dip. Jour., C. H. Olds, 3.A., W. G. Slack\ M.A., Messrs A. C. Caughey, G. A. Buttle, G. "Winstone, A. Pcake, J. W. Shackleford, J. Veale, T. W Jones, S. J. Ambury, J. Stanton, 1.L.8., J. J. Parker, H. P. Caughey, and W. H. Worsley. The * Conference decided to send a welcoming message to Dr. C. H. Laws, principal of the College, on return from England. The Conference also placed on record its appreciation of the valuable 21 years' service of Mr G. A. Buttle as Treasurer of the Theological College. During that long period most important developments had taken place, and the College would always bear the marks of his business ability and sacrificial services. More whole-hearted service for the welfare of the students could not have been rendered. The Conferonce tendered him its heartiest, and best thanks.

Church Welfare. The Rev. H. C. Richards (Dunedin), reporting on hehalf of the Church Welfare Committee with regard to caucus meetings, stated that the Committee, moved by the various letters, which had appeared in the Connexional paper, and by the unmistakable interest which had been arbused in the matter of caucus meetings, gave considerable thought to this subject. Tho finding, after a lengthy discussion, w.as to the effect that, while not disposed to regard this growing practice in the Church as a thing wholly evil in itself, and while recognising that on occasions it might l>e a useiul instrument of service to the cause of Christ, the Committee nevertheless was persuaded, that there was urgent neeo for some Gonf'erential guidance as to when, and under what conditions, such meetings might be held. Evidence was not wanting that caucus meetings might become an instrument of unrighteousness unless controlled hv some authoritative regulations. As the framing of such regulations required careful thought, tho Committee recommend that Conference appoint a special . committee to go into the whole subject, and report to tho Synods of 19'24.

A special Committee was set up to deal with the matter.

Discussion on the further portion 0 f the report was deferred until to-day. Conference then adjourned until 9 a.m. to-day, when a Communion service will precede the usual session work.

APPOINTMENTS FOR 1924. DRAFT OP STATIONS. After the luncheon adjournment yesterday the Stationing Committee presented the first draft of stations, which was adopted by Conference. The appointments for 1924 will, therefore, be as follows: — Auckland District. Auckland Central—Revs. P. N. Knight, 8.A., Amos Eeador and W. A. Watson. Foreign Mission Department —Rev. W. A. Sinclair (general secretary). Auckland West —Revs, C. H. Olds, 8.A., and J. Olphert. Auckland East —Revs. E. Drake, W. G. Slade, M.A., and J. Richards. Home Missions Department—Rev. A. J. Seamer. Theological College —Revs. C. H. Laws, 8.A., D.D., and H. Ranston, M.A., LL.D. Avondale—A. Liversage, W. T. Blight, B.A. Auckland Methodist Mission—Rev. S. S. Grew. Devonport—Rev. J. E. Parsons. Takapuna —T. R. B. Woolloxall. Birkenhead —Rev. W. A. Bur ley, M.A. Onehunga —Rev. G. S. Cook. Otahuhu —Rev. J. A. Hosking. Papakura —Rev. J. W. Griffin. Pukekohe —Rev. T. Coatsworth. Waiuku —Rev. J. Southern. Maliurangi—One wanted. Paparoa —Rev. H. S. Kings. Northern Wairoa —Rev. G. E. Brown. Whangarei —Rev. W. H. Spier. Whangaroa —One wanted. Maori Mission —Rev. A. J. Seamer. South Auckland. Thames —Rev. A. Ashcroft (president). Te Aroha —Rev. S. Henderson. Morrinsville —Rev. F. Greenwood. Waihi—Rev. H. Cottom. Paeroa and Hauraki Plains—Revs. A. E. Jefferson and E. H. Brooker. Cambridge —Rev. F. Copeland. Hamilton—Revs. W. Ready and L. A. Brooks. Hamilton East—Rev. F. E. Leadley. Huntly —One wanted. Rotorua —Rev. R. B. Gosnell. Tauranga —Rev. F. L. Frost. Opotiki—Rev. W. B. Cumming. Taumarunui —A Home Missionary. Te Awamutu—Bev. H. Whits.

Whakatane—One wanted. Matamata—Eev. P. I. Cooke. Taranaki-Wanganui. New Plymouth —Revs. T. R. Richards, | W. H. E. Abbey, and J. Bailey. Waitara—Rev. W. E. Enticott. Inglewood—Rev. H. C. Orchard. Stratford —Rev. G. P. Hunt. Eltham—Rev. W. W. Avery. Hawera—Rev. W. J. Oxbrow. Manaia—Rev. C. Roberts. . Capo Egmont—Rev. E. B. Chambers. Kaponga —Rev. C. H. Kendon. Wanganui—Rev. E. T. Cor, M.A. Wanganui North —Rev. W. Lee. Marton —Rev. H. DanieL Taihape—Rev. J„ Eeid. Waimarino —Rev. M. Ayrton. Hawke's Bay-Manawatu. Napier—Rev. B. Metson. Hastings—Rev. W. J. Elliott. Gisborne —Rev. J. F: Martin. Waipawa—Rev. G. K. Smith. Dannevirke—Rev. E. E. Sage. Woodville —Rev. P. J. Cossum. Pahiatua —Rev. C. A. Foiton. Palmerston North (Broad street) — Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt. Palmerston North (Cuba street) —Rev. . H. T. Peat. Fielding—Rev, A. Mitchell. Sanson-Rongotea—Rev. W. S. Neal. Foxton —Rev. S. H. D. Peryman.Wellington District. Wellington (Taranaki street) —Revs. C. Eaton and C. R. Taylor. Wellington (Thorndon) —Revs. W. Greenslade and F. B. Lawrence. Wellington South—Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., and one wanted. Wellington (Kilbirnie) —Revs. E. T. Olds and T. Burton. Johnsonville-Ngaio—Rev. R. P. KealL Hutt—Rev. W. Rowe. Petone —Rev. J. A. Lochore. South Wairarapa—Rev. F. J. Parker. Carterton —Rev. R. J. LiddelL Masterton —Rev. W. Beckett. Eketahuna —Rev. H, Spencer. Levin —Rev. J. D. McArthur. Otaki —Rev. R. Richards. Nelson. Nelson —Rev. H. L. Blamires. Richmond —Rev. J. Nelson. Blenheim —Revs. H. Grigg, J. Featherstone, and F. Batcup. Hokitika —Rev. J. F. Jack. Greymouth—Rev. G. Frost. Motneka —One wanted. Rcefton —Rev. H. Benny. Westport—Bev. W. B. Picketing.

1 North Canterbury. Christchurcli (Durham street) —Revs. W. A. Hay and E. W. Hames, M.A. . Connezional Secretary—Rev. 8. Lawry. Sunday Schobls' and Toung People'* Department—Rev. E. P. Blamirei. Christchurch East—Revs. E. D. Patchett, F. T. Bead, and B. Dudley, F.R.A.S. Christchurch (Cambridge terrace) 1 — Rev J. Harris. Christchurch (Woolston)—Bev. T. J. Wallis, and one wanted. Sydenham—Rev. P. R. Paris. ■ Addington—Rev; R. B. Tinsley. Riccarton —Rev. J. H. Allen. St. Albans—Revs. L. B. Neale and 8. J. Werrin. Papanui—Rev. H. Ryan. Lyttelton—Rev. S. Bailey. Springston—Rev. J. W. Parker. Tai Tapu—Rev. W. Laycoek. Leeston —Rev. A. O. Harris. Kaiapoi—Rev. W. B. Scott.' Ohoka —Rev. F. T. Harris. Rangiora- —Rev. C. Blair, one wanted. Grcendale-Malvern —Rev. 0. Burnet. Sooth Canterbury. Timaru —Revs. A. 0. Lawry, H. J, O'Dell, and A. Blakemore. Waimate —Rev. A. H. Fowles. Temuka —Rev. H. A. Sharp, Geraldine —Rev. J. Dennis. Ashburton —Rev. T. W. Yealie. Willowby—Rev. A, E. Harkness. Oamaru —Rev. G. F. StockwelL Otago-Southlaod. Dunedin (Trinity) —Revs. H. E. Bellhouse and H. L. Fiebig. Dunedin Central Mission—Rev. W. Walker. Dunedin (Dundas street) —Rev. E. 0. Blamires. Dunedin (Cargill road) —Revs. ILL. Richards and O. Pearn. St. Kilda—Rev. B. J. James. Caversham —Rev. G. P. Hunt. Mornington—Rev. B. Raine. Roslyn—Rev. A. Hopper. Mosgiel—One wanted. Port Chalmers —Rev. 0. B. Jordoa, M.A., F.B.E.S. Balclutha —:Rev. W. Gatman. Milton—Rev. T. Skuse. Roxburgh—Rev. R. E. Fordyce. Invercargill (Central) —Rev. ■ A.' k Bean, Invereargill (St. Petef's)—Bw; J, H» Haalaxn, Bluff—-Rev. R. McGregor. : Gore—-Eev. W. H. Hooking. , i Otantaa—Btv.