METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 448, 5 March 1909, Page 2

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS.. SECOND HEADING OF STATIONS. Tho Methodist Conference of Now Zealand resumed its sittings in the Taranaki Street Church yesterday, the Rev. Thos. Fee presiding. Tho second rending of stations was received and adopted, and various matters of interest wore dealt with. At lunch, a deputation was received from the Ministers' Association, and in tho afternoon the Chinese Consul (Mr. Yung-liang Hwang) and tho Rov. F. H. Spencer waited upon tho conference. The evening session was occupied with tho consideration of statistics and a conversation 011 the work of God. At 9.45 tho conference adjourned, 'and will resume at 10 o'clock this morning, / A CHINESE METHODIST.

Mr. Yung-liang Hwang, Chineso Consul for New Zealand, paid a visit to the confercnco in tho afternoon and gave, a short address. Mr. Hwang expressed his pleasure at being present, at such a meeting. Ho did not desire to detain them for long, but he just wished to toll them how ho camo to bo a member of the Methodißt Episcopal Church. Ho described how, as a boy, he had como under tho influence of a Methodist Episcopal missionary, and had been baptised by him. Great work, especially of an- educational nature, had.been done by tho Methodist mission in China, and many of tho men now holding high and responsible positions in tho Empire received their education at mission schools. Even before China herself realised the value of education, the missionaries had been taking a great part in the work. Ho felt the greatest personal sympathy and lovo for Christian workers—(applause)—especially those noblo ones who gave their lives for the good of others and worked in tho mission field. For this feeling towards Christians he had good reasons. It was a great pleasure indeed to him to have this opportunity of expressing his lovo towards all members of tho Church of . God. Ho did not know how long 110 should bfi stopping hero —that depended on his Government—but ho would be glad during his stay to talk with any member of tho conference who would give iiim information in regard to tho Dominion. How many of his people there' might bo in this country he did not know, somo said 3000, some less, somo more, but ho would bo very grateful if any of the moinbers of the conference would, whenever they had the opportunity, speak to tho Chineso and convey to them tho Word of God. He wished his people to return to their country with a good impression of New Zealand, and such they could only get if it was extended to thorn by tho hand and lips of tho people of the country. The following motion was then submitted by tho Rev. C. E. Beecroft, and carried by acclamation: —"That this confercnco sincerely reciprocates tho expressions of esteem and Christian regard to which it has listened with so much interest and pleasure from the lips of Mr. Hwang. It rejoices to welcome him as a son of tho Methodist Church, and assures him that any service within its power — or in that of its representatives—for the furtherance of his responsible work in this Dominion will bo most checrfully rendered." In convoying tho resolution ix> the visitor, tho president (Rev, Thos Fee) wished him God-speod, and trusted that-.tho things 110 might learn during his stay in New Zealand I would bo of uso to himself and his countrymen. ■-

THE OPIOM TRADE. Tho Rov. E. P. Blamires gave notice of motion as follows: "That this conference, deploring the shame for which'the British Empire is responsible in carrying on tho opium traffic ivifch China, recognises with deep satisfaction tho efforts of tlio Chinese Empire, to abolish tho demoralising trade, but expresses its strong protest at tho inadequate measures adopted by the British Government in cooperating for this desirable end, and calls upon that Government to take adequate stops for the speedy termination of this national disgrace." , ■ GREETINGS.. " ' A cablegram was received from tlio president of tho Western Australian Conference at Perth reciprocating greetings. A similar cablegram from Queensland was received in the afternoon. The Primitive Methodist Conference of New Zoaland also extended greets ings. WELLINGTON CENTRAL MISSION. Tho Rev. E. P. Blaniires brought up tho matter of tho appointment of a missioner for tho Wellington Central Mission. He said that as tho cablegram received from tho Victorian Conference Stated that the Rev. Charles' Tregear could not be permitted to tako up work in Wellington "this year," they presumed that thero would be no objection to his,coming over, in 1910. Ho therefore moved . that tho conference communicate with tho Victorian Conference 'requesting the transfer of Jlr. Trogear in 1910. This was seconded by tho Rev, S. J, Serpell and carried. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

Tho Rev. F. H. Spencer, 'representing tha British and Foreign Bible Society,-gave a short,address. 'Ho stated that those acquainted with the work recognised that the Bible Society was the backbone of foreign missions. Tho field for their work was practically unlimited, but for .want of money they' had been dispense with workers when they could employ thousands more colporteurs and women missionaries. He was confident that the only way to gain contin-ued'support-was by co-operation among tho Churches, and he therefore invited the. conference to set apart a Bible Sunday when tho good of the British aud Foreign Bible Society should form tho subjoct of tho sermons. -

Tho president, thanked Mr. Spencer for his address, and, said ho had no doubt that his words would bear fruit." Tho llev. H. 11. Dewsbury submitted a motion recognising the good which tho Bible Society 'was doing, artd thanking Mr. Spencer for his address. Tho llev. T. Cr. Brooke seconded the motion, and suggested that an addition should bo made commending the work of the society to tho attention' and support of members of tho Church. The motion was finally put ■ and carried as follows"That this conference has heard with pleasure tho address of the Rev. F. H. Spencor. It recognises 1 ' the magnificent work accomplished Tjy tho Bible Society of which Mr. Spencer is the representative. It acknowledges the , deep. obligations under which the wholo Christian Church has been laid in the past, moro .especially in connection with the aid ait'orded by tho British and Foreign Bible Society in the printing of the Scriptures in tho languages of tho peoples in which our missions are held, l'ho conference commends the claims of tho society to its members throughout the whole Dominion, and recommends that on tho third Sunday in May these claims should bo specially emphasised in our churches." SECOND BEADING OF STATIONS. The second draft submitted by tho Stationing Committee was adopted as follows :— » Auckland District. Auckland, Pitt Street: Rev. W. Ready, G. §. Cook, A. N. Scotter, 8.A,; supernumeraries, Revs. J. Thomas, J. S. Snialley. Wesley College, Three Kings: Rev. J. 11, Simmohds. • Homo Mission and Church Extension Secretary and Organising Agent: Rev. T. G. Brooke. Auckland West: Rev.' G. Bond. Auckland East: R~ _ *s. H. 11. Dewsburv, E. I'. Blamircs, and E. Cox. Auckland Methodist Mission: Rev. J, Wilson. North Shore: Rev. R. Taylor; supernumeraries, llevs. W. G. Thonins, »and J. S. Rishworth. Birkenhead: Rev. T. G. Carr, Maori Mission: llev. W. Gittos, Onehunga: Rev. S. J. Gibson. Otahuhu: Rev. N. Turner. Mahurangi: Rev. J. D. Jory. Thames: Rev. J. Blight. Upper Thames: Rev. A. J. Reed, and two homo missionaries. Waihi: llev. J. Rigley. I'aeroa: llev. H. Itans'ton. Franklin: llev. J, Dukes, one wanted.

Cam bridge; Rev. AV. H. Beck, and homo missionary. Hamilton: Rov. H. L. Ulamires, and homo missionary. Paparoa,: Rev. R. Wilson. Northern Wairoa: Rov. AV. Mills, and homo missionary. Whangarei: Rev. J. J. Mather and homo missionary. Rotorua: Rev. 11. A. G. Kech. Maori Mission, Hokianga: Revs. To Tuhi Ileretini and Hamiora Kingi. Maori Mission, Kaipara: Rov. Haur.iki Paul.

Maori Mission, AVaikato: Revs. I'iripi Raken.t and Hone Marena Hare. Maori Mission, Whangnroa: Rev. Hapeta Renata. 'I'auranga, Coromandel, Helensvillo, Day of Islands, liokianga, AVhangaroa, Port Albert: Home missionaries. AA'anganui District. New Plymouth: Rov. J. G. Chapman; ono wanted. AVaitara: Rev. F. T. Read, Inglewood: Rev. W. S. Bowie. Stratford: Rov. C. C. Harrison. Elfcham: Rev. F. Copclaiid. ' Hawera: Revs. F. AV. Boys and W. AV. Avery. Cape Esmont: Rev. R. P. Keall. Kaponga: Rev. W. B. Scott, AVanganui: Rev. J. A. Luxford. Aramoho: Rev. E. D. Patchett. Rangitikei: Rev. C. Griffin and home missionary. Sandon: Rov. G. Frost. Feilding: Rev. C. E. Beecroft Palmerston North: Revs. G. AV. J. Spenee, T. T. Thomas, 8.A., and ono wanted. Taihape: Rev. R. B. Tinslev. '' AVaimnrino: Rev. J. F. Martin. West Coast Maori Mission: Revs. T. G. Hammond, R. Haddon, homo missionary and two deaconesses. ■ Patea, Kimbolton, Taumarunui, Ohura, North 'laranaki: each home missionary. Wellington District. Taranaki Street, Wellington: Revs.' S. J. Serpell, J. R. Clark; supernumerary, Rev. H. B. Redstone, without pastoral charge, Rev. F. AV. Isitt. Organising Secretary Bible-class Movement: Rev. A. B. Chappoll, M.A. Thorndon: Rev. T. i'eo (president of tho conforenco). Wellington South: Rev. W. J. Williams. Wellington Suburban: Rev. W. R. Tuck, M.A. Johnsonville: Rev. C. Eaton. Hutt: Revs. B. F. Rothwoll and A. J. Seamer; supernumeraries,- Revs. • W. Kirk and S. J. Garlick. South Wairarapa: Revs. AV. J. Elliott, and W. G. Maslm and homo missionary. Alnst-erion: Rev. 0. Porter. Napier: Rovs. A. C. Lawry and A. F. Burchell. Hastings: Rov. W. Tlnsle.v. Gisbomo: Rev. J. A. Lochoro. liketahuna: Rev. J. J. Pendray. Dannovirke: Rev. J. AY. Griffin. , Levin-Otaki: Revs. T. F. Jones and C. B. Jordan. AVaipawa: Rev. B. J. James. AVoodvillo: Rev. B. H. Ginger. Pahiatua: Rev. AA r . H. Speor. Norsowood: A homo missionary. Nelson District. Nelson: Rov. J. J. Lewis; supernumerary, Rev. J. Crump. - ■' Richmond: Rev, G. K. D. Peryman and homo missionary.

Blenheim: Revs. T. R. Richards, G. F. Stockwell, and homo missionary. llokitika: Rev. J. G. W. Ellis; Groymouth: Rev. T. W. Vealie and homo missionary. Motueka: Rev. A. C. Randorson, M.A, Reefton: Rev. T. W. Newbold. Westport: Rov. C. Blair. Havcloclc: Homo missionary.

Canterbury District. Christchurch, Durham Street: Revs. 0. 11. Garland, (J. tl. Lans, U.A., J. N. lluttJfc, A. jU'iiean; supernumerary j Rev. J. Smith. Connexioual secretary ana representative: Rev. h. Bull. : Christchurch, Durham Street South: Rev. 11. Beggs. •' Sydenham: Rev. L. Hudson. Aldington:- Rev. S. ' G'riijiths and homo missionary. St. Albaiis: Rev. \V. A. Sinclair and homo missionary. Papanui: Rev. S. Lawry (secretary of conference). Lyttelton: Rev. A. Peterß: supernumerary, Rev. W. Lee. Springston: Rev. J. T. Pinfold, F.R.G.S. Tai Tapu: Rev. A. Aslicroft. Leeston: Rev. T, A, Joughin. Kaiapoi: Revs. T. I'restrail and C:_ Roberts. Rangiora: Revs. C. Abernethy and J. H. Haslam. . • Malvern: Rev. R. Richards. _ Timaru: Rev. W. Baumber and homo missionary. Waimato: Rov. C. Ponnoy. Temuka: Rev. W. Beckett. Ashburton: Rev. H. E. Bellhouse and homo • missionary. Willowby: Rev. C. H. Standago and liomo missionary. Amberley: One wanted. Oxford, Banks Peninsular and Mothven: Homo missionaries. - • Otago District. ' Dunediii, Trinity Church: Revs. P. W Fairclough, F.R.A.S., and 11. H. Wylie. Dunedin Central Mission: Rov. W. Slndo. Rev. E. 0. Blamircs (supply). Southern Maori Mission: Rev. Noho Hemi Papakakura. » '

Dunedin, Cargill Road: Revs. W. Griec and F. Rands. Momirigton: Rev. D. J. Murray. Boslyn: Rev. T. J. Wallis. Mosgiel: Rev. G. Snaddon. Port Chalmers: Rev. J. Ward. Balclutha: llov< J. Hosking. Milton: Rev. A. Reader. Lawrence: P„-v. W. J. Oxbrow. Invercargill: Revs. A. Mitchell and P. R. Pans. Oamaru: Rev. T. N.'Griffin. Gore: Rev. W. Grecnslnde. Otalitnu: Rev. G. T. Marshall and home missionary. Roxburgh: Rev. M. A. R.. Pratt. ~..r olmv£ ,">, Riverton, Palmorston, Winton. Waiau: Each homo missionary. ' MINISTERS' ASSOCIATION. A deputation from the Ministers' Association of \\ olhngton was invited by the coiiferonco to meet them at lunch. ' The members °f the deputation were the Revs. J. i Gibson Smith, J. J. North, and John Dawson.

The deputation was introduced'by tho Rev. i } >or^ r ' • apologised for tho absence of tho Rev. J. Reed Ulasson, who, through illness, was prevented from' being' present. -The president of the conference (Key. Tlios. Tec), in welcoming tho deputation, said that tho Methodists did not profess to bo tho whole church, but only a section, and they welcomed any other sections that 'laboured fof tho good of Christianity. Ho trusted that tho limo would soon come when all tho forces, of tho church would unito in reality, instead of merely assisting cach other, to fight the forces of evil.

Tho Rev. j. Gibson-Smith thanked the conference for their hospitality. Tho Ministers' Association, ho said, recognised thb great good which tho Methodist Church had dono, and he thought that no branch of tho Church had justified its existence better. Ho congratulated tho conference upon tho manner in which it had dealt with the problems brought beforo it. Nothing augurod better for tho future than tho zeal with which the Wesleynns grappled with tho problems which confronted them. Ho extended heartiest fraternal greetings on behalf of all the Churches represented in tho Ministors' Association. '• On behalf of tho Baptist Church, the Rev. J. J. North also extended a hearty welcomc to tho conference. In referring to' tho work dono by tho conference, particularly that part dealing with the establishing of a city mission, he said that a Church which was not a mission at the present time ceased to be a Church at all. All tho problems of tho future would be solved by brotherhood. The Rev. John Dawson, who described himself its a member of tho "original" Methodist Church, said ho regarded tho day as not very far distant when they should have one united Methodist Church in Now Zealand. This, he would bo ono of tho greatest blessings which could be conferred upon New Zealand.

On behalf of tho conference, the Dev. W. Ready replied to ilio deputation. Ho trusted, ho said, that tho day would soon come when, though not united in organisation, all Cluirelies would bo united in their desire for doing tho work of God. Tho laymen's viows wcro voiced by Mr. Arnold, M.P., who expressed a desiro lor tho amalgamation of all engaged in Church work.

DECEASED MINISTERS. Tho obituaries of tho lato Revs. John Wesley AVorboys and John Law, who died dui* ing the year, were read, and tho motion t< record them in tho minutes was carried Several sneakers testified to tho good quail' ties of tfie deceased ministers. STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR. Tho statistics for tho year as sef out in the agenda 'paper wero received and adopted. In presenting them, the secretary (Rev. S. Lawry) stated that thoro had been an increase of membership in all districts, tho total increase being 442, which was the largest which they had had for the last four years, Tho statistics of tho Church may be summarised by tho following table:— « J i W L 0) fl> d \ o*3 ft § " 159 i Districts. S 3 m 0&< i-s3 Auckland ... ... 3388 3512 124 .03 373 Wanganui 2085 2180 35 40 301 AA'ellington ... ... 2405 2437 82 . 12 419' Nelson 1007 1078 11 52 ..44 Canterbury 3582 3926 44 94 - 488 Otago 2229 2289 'GO 32 259 Maori Mission ... 1553 1579 26 7 1284 Totals 1G609 17057 442 300 3308 111 tho following list of statistics for tho Dominion tho figures for AA'ellington district are given in parentheses: Churches 324 ,(48), other preaching places 405 (53), parsonages 107 (IS), schoolrooms 96 (10), homo missionfii'ieß and doacoiiesses 51 (4), local preachers 014, (100), class lenders 91 (15), memberß on roll 15,472 (2487), 'junior members 2(\84 (419), Christian Endeavour socioties, senior 95 (16), with membership 1885 (350), junior G6 (13), membership 2017 (331), Sunday schools 316 (50), teachers on roll 2203 (862), average attendance 1862 (304), scholars on roll 22,159 (4162), average attendance 16,786 (2860), attendants on public worship, including Sunday school scholars 72,600 (11,966). The figures for the Maori work wcro 12 churches, 138 other preaching places, 2 parsonages, 8 ministers and probationers, 9 homo missionaries and dcnconesses, 60 local preachers, 1579 members on roll, 1284 junior members, 29 Sunday schools, with 42 teachers and 829 scholars on roll, and 7410 attendants on public worship, including Sunday school scholars.

Tho ministers and probationers of tho church numbered 146, allotted as follow:— Auckland 40, AVanganui 21, AA'ellington 26, Nelson 10, Canterbury 28, Otago 21. _ In tho AVcllington district there wero 19 ministers. 4 probationers, and 3 supernumeraries, all Europeans. CHURCH WORK. After tho adoption of tho statistics, the evening was occupied with 1 tho annual "conversation on the work of God." " After soveraj members had spoken, the Rev. vC. H. Laws proposed the following motion, which was carried:— •

"That tho conference desires to place on record its sense of the Divine Presence in our work as' a church, and its appreciation of tho zeal and loyalty shown by our pcoplo in all parts of the Dominion. Wo rejoicb in an incrcaso of 442 members, 363 junior' members, and 928 Sabbath Bchool' scholars, and accept -Jiesa unmisakablo indications of vitality with gratitude to Gqd. Wo nevertheless realise that with greater devotion and faithfulness much more might havo been achieved, and plcdgo ourselves to a futuro of renewed sanctity of life and sin'cerity of service. Our conference has been / marked by a (hastened.- recognition of tho great past of our church and of tho mlmy and varied calls made upon us in this dif r ficult ago., / Wo have also caught new visions of" the' destiny' which by tho graco of God lies before a Methodism true to its best traditions and its great opportunities. , Wo resolve to be true, to lead our people ' with courage ; nd'devotion, to' labour on at' God's command end offer all our works to j Him." i