PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 92, 11 January 1908, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

CHURCH UNION DISCUSSED. ...'.l .'•:(»* TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Duncdln, January 10. ' At the Primitive Methodist Conference, the retiring President, the Rev. C. Ward, gave an eloquent address on tho "Ideals of tjio Church." Ho referred to the arrival of tho Rev. A. Harding and of the Rev. ,T. .Flanagan, and gave much valuable historical 'information, - both of tlio history of the Church and of tho Dominion.: His references to the .early settlers'and preachers evoked great enthusiasm. It was decided to print the address in the Church paper. ■The debate on union was introduced by Mr.-G. Froggatt, of Invcrcargill, and it was moved: "That the time is opportune for tho Conference to take, steps so, that all members of tlio Church of six months' standing havo an opportunity of voting on the'question." The motion was seconded bv Mr. W King, of -Duncdin. Mr. C. E. liellringer moved as an amendment: "That the Conference rc-afiirms that it desires tho union ■of Methodism in Now Zealand, on such a basis-as may be reasonable by mutual concessions and compromises. At'the same time .the. Conference is of opinion that to endeavour to formulate a basis that will meetwith,acceptance and consummate a full and happy, union would be futile until the day •arfives when it should be possible for, two churches to discuss the matter untrammelled by' Australian influences, and to unite in forming a Methodist Church for the Dominion. enjoying complete self-government, and.; thus prepare for tho union of the evangelical churches in a national church; and,. further, in view of all circumstances, more especially the centenary efforts now being- mnde, it would - bo unwise to disturb our people by submitting tho question of imioii to,them, at the present, juncture." Mr. D. - Goldie seconded the amendment in a vigorous speech. After Mr. Cioldio's remarks the closure, was applied, and'the amendment was; carried by 59 to 13.