THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23880, 24 February 1943, Page 4

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

MAORI MISSION WORK

The Methodist Conference was informed yesterday that, because of the large influx of young Maoris into Auckland it had been found necessary to open a centre for them under the auspices of the Church. The general superintendent of the Maori Mission (the Rev. George I. Laurenson, of Auckland) said that a building for that purpose would be opened shortly. The report of the Maori Mission said that in spite of repeated protests, the cash-on-delivery system with the railways for liquor supplies had continued in the King Country. Conference urged that these facilities should be withdrawn as “being a disgrace to our country, and a continued menace to both countries.” Conference expressed its pleasure that arrangements had been made for closer co-operation with the Presbyterian Maori Mission in the joint publication of a Maori mission newspaper, and at the delaration on reciprocal church membership. Conference recognised the urgent need of the appointment of an additional full-time agent in Taranaki at the earliest possible moment. It was decided on the motion of the Rev. E. D. Patchett (of New Plymouth) that, in pursuance of the policy of the conference in raising a Centenary Fund for a Maori girls’ college in Taranaki, a joint committee of two representatives each of the Home Mission Board, the Wellington Charitable and Educational Endowment Trust, and of the Rangiatea School Committee, be set up to choose a site, with authority to purchase about 30 acres. This committee will also discuss the appointment of a board of governors. There was a large attendance at night at the youth demonstration, which was held in the Radiant Hall. Its principal feature was a dramatic presentation entitled “The Light Shone in the Darkness,” which was written and produced by Mr H. W. Beaumont. The musical director was Mr W. Melville Lawry.