METHODISM.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2003, 10 March 1914, Page 7

METHODISM.

CONFERENCE AT DUNEDIN;

FINAL STATIONINC.

IBy Tdogrftpli.— Vresa Association.) ■ Dunodin, March 9. The Methodist Conference to-day considered the suggested changes in ministerial appointments, and adopted the following amendments on tlio first draft of -stations:—Auckland (Avondale), llov. Mr. Luxford; Franklin (Waiuku), Rov. Mr. Cablo; Whangarei, Rev. Mr.. Daniel ; Rotorun, Rev. Mr. Peat; New Plymouth Oyintley), Rev. Mr. Chappell; Rangitikei, Rev. Mr. Mather: Pafmoreton North (Ashhurst), Rev. Mr. Carr J Sanson, Roy. Mr. Keall; Foxtou, Rov. Mr Maslin; Johnsonvillo (Porirua), Rev. Mr. Burnett; Blenheirii (Tua Marina), Rev. Mr. Woolloxall; Waikouaiti, Rov. Mr. Allen; Roxburgh, Rov. Mr. BcnJiing; South Auckland, -Rev. Mr. Sponco; TaTanaki (Wanganui), Rev. Mr. Blamires; Hawka's Bay • (Mimawntu), Rev. Mr. Murray; Wellington, Rev. President Serpell (ex officio)); Nelson, Rev; Mr. Bautnber; North Canterbury, Rov. Mr. Sinclair; South; Canterbury, Rov. Mr. Jourhin; Otngo, Rev. Mr. Drake; Southland, Rev. Mr. Ready. Tho Rev. C. H, Laws reported tho findings of the Stationing Committeo as to suggestions concerning tho second reading of stations. Tho only alterations to the list wore:—Waiuku (Franklin), Rev. J. H. Coble; Rotorua, Rev. H. Y. Peat; Blenheim (second), Rev. T. R. B. Woolloxall; Waikouaiti and Palmerston, Rov. A. Allen. The conference adopted the report, thus finally passing tho station sheet as amended. Authority having been given to the Rev. T. 6. Brooke to arrange for bringing ten men from Cliffe College (Derbyshire) for home mission work, it was resolved, that, if necessary, the Home Mission Committee make a special appeal for tho expenses. ' ' District Chairmen. A ballot resulted in tho election of the following as district chairmen:— Auckland, Rov. G. Boiid; South Auckland, Rev. AV. G. Spcnee; Taranaki and Wanganui, Rov. H. L. Blamires; Hawko's Bay and Manawatu, Rev. D. J. Murray; Nelson, Rev. W. Bauinbcr; North Canterbury, Rov. W. A. Sinclair j South Canterbury, Rev. T. A. Jourhin ; Otago, Rev. E. Drnko; Southland, Rev. W. Ready. Tho presidout of the Wellington district .(the Rev. S. J. Serpell) is automatically president of tlio conference. / ■ ■ •

It was decided that the election of secretaries bo left tb each synod this year. Statistical secretaries wore appointed ,as follow.—Auckland, Rev. E. 0. Binmires; South Auckland, Rev. T. N. Griffin; Taranaki and Wanganui, Rev. A. B. Ohappell; Hawke's Bay' and Manawatu, Rev. T. J. Wallis; Wellington, llev. R. J. Cossuin; Nelson, Rev. C. Eastou; North Canterbury, Rov. H. Ranstoii; South Canterbury, Rev. .1. Guy; .-Ota-go, llov. F. T. Read; Southland, Rev. M, A. R, Pratt. ; Difficulty With Australia. The Rev. S. Lawry presented, the report of the Board of 'Management 'of the Supernumerary. Fund. It had , beeu found impossible" to como to a satisfactory arrangement' with tho Australasian Board of Treasurers for tho settlement of detailn in connection with • the transfer of tho New Zt'ulaiul ]>oriion of tho fund. The Australasian Board insisted on making tho division <lato from January 1,1012. As the New Zealand conference-hud.jpo-.itKkinondeni/ existence till. January t, 1013,-ami had no independent control of any portion of tho fund till that date, the Board of Management, decline to beheld responsible for the year 1012, aud ask that tho division be-dated from January 1, 1013. Until a final settlement on this and other points ho arrived at it. will be inijwssiblo for the treasurers to present-a revenue- account and balance-sheet. While the financial details of;tho fund were under. consideration the. R<;v. J. I)awson asked a question os to the position of affairs with regard to ex-Primi-tive- Methodist men now that tho revaluation put up the present valuo 15 per cent. The Rev. S. Lawry replied to the effect'that men who arc at present contributors will share in any fluctuations of tho fund, but that, men wh'o . are annuitants, and'for whom benefits were purchased, will not eharo in any fluctuations. Tho conference supported the action of the board in .relation to the difficulty with the Australasian Board. Amongst tho resolutions arrived at was one to tho effect t'hatoii payments i not made by May 31,' interest 'nt tho rate of 7} per.cent.- be charged as from April 1, until payment be made. Probationers are not to be charged interest on the first year's .subscriptions'.

Special Funds, , The financial statement of the children's fund was presented. A reduction of half per cent, on circuit levies for tho fund was agreed to. The Rev. P. J. Cossum and Mr. E. Kollow were appointed treasurers of tlie fund. 'flie b&lauce-3heeb of tho contingent fund was adopted. To meet tho requirements of tho fund a levy of 6} per cent, was mado on circuits, this being a reduction of 1 per cent, as compared with tho previous year. Tho Rev. W. Hay and-Mr. E. IJosevcar wcro' appointed treasurers of this fund. • Home Mission Appointments. Tho home mission appointments for 1914 woro confirmed as follow:—Auckland district:—Auckland 'West (Richmond), ono wanted; Avoiidalo,' W. GatKan; North Shore, a. supernumerary minister; Franklin, A. Fitahott: Northern Wairoa, A. E. Haynos, and ono wanted; Hiluiraligi, A. J. Webster; Port Albert, A. H. Couch; Coromalidel, J. B. Flotcher; Helcnsvillo.'J. A. Lamond; Lay of Islands, E. H. Pain: Hokianga, p. Footo, and ow> wanted; Whanjraroa, (Kaeo), E. H, Taylor; Mangonui, W. T. Blight. South Auckland District:—Cambridgo (Leamington), ono wanted; Taumnnmui one wanted; Ngaruawahia, W. A. Porter; Otorohanga, ono wanted; Waiinaim, A. A. taybourn; Tepuko, ouo wiiited; Matamata, C. \\\ Brown , Ohura, H. Ford; Marakopa Saddlobag Wnsion, ono wanted. Taranaki and Waugantii District :— Now Plymouth, ono wanted; Cape Egmout, T. W. Fcathorston; .East Egniont, C. Alter; Gonville, F. l>. Kellow. North Tarannkf:—JMofcau, ono wanted; J?otea, G. H. Bridgmali. • Hawkc's Bay and Mwiawatu District: —?Napi'cr (CJreonmeadows), P, Cook; ,Glsfcorno (To Hapara),' ono wanted; Feildinfy one wanted: 'Foxlon, J. Crawford; Kimbolton, J. W. Parker; Norsowootl, J. Oliver. Wellington District:—Brooklyn, J. H. ,Wliito; Kuripimi, G. C. La-ws. Nelson District:—Pintonj tiCo >;ttaipd; Wokoflold, P. Strongman; 'J'apiiwera, ono wanESs; Dovedalo, ono wanted.

Otlier Matters. The formation of connexiuital young pooplo's societies was considered, and it was resolved to establish such societies, those, to bo known as the Wesley Guild. Arrangements wero sanctioned in connection with the- proposed visit to Netf Zealand of Mr. F. Freeman, a noted Bunday School leader in Great Britain. Tho Chaplains' 'Committee* reported on naval and military matters and arrangements wero niado for the nomination of chaplains to tho forces. Tho senior- chaplains in each district wero ■ authorised to promote a conference with tho Minister of Defonco relating to tho chaplains'- department. Naval chaplains wero nniioihted at tho prin-

eipal ports of tho Dominion. Regulations were- adopted controlling tho worlc of chaplains iu military camps. It waa resolved that all circuit fund accounts bo audited annually.

The matter of increasing tlio stipends of homo missionaries was referred to tho Homo Mission Executive for favourable consideration and report. The .Rev. J. Dawsou was appointed corresponding member of the romper-' tvnco and Public Morals Committee, which is located in Dunodin. It was resolved to' celebrate the centouary of tho introduction of Christian effort to New Zealand by the Rev. Samuel Marsden. It was resolved that the Sunday prior to Christmas Day bo "Orphanage Sunday." It was resolved to hold the conference of 1915 iu Wellington.

Committees were set up to arrangefor meeting Methodist immigrants at the chief ports of entry to the Dominion, and the Rev. G. K. Smitli was appointed chief immigration officer for tlio Dominion. It was resolved to arrange for suitably commemorating tho centenary of peace between Great Britain and America.

A committee was sot up to report ou tlio No Temerc decree.

A bequest of £100, loss dentil duty, left by Mr. H. Sanson to the- Local Preachers' Association, was notified, mid arrangement was made as to its investment. ' The conference has concluded.