METHODIST SYNOD

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 47, 18 November 1932, Page 18

METHODIST SYNOD

Many Public Questions a Under Review Q ‘ CRITICISM OF POSTERS i 1 Dominion Special Service. s \ Masterton, Nov. 17. The annual Wellington District Synod of the Methodist Church was continued yesterday and to-day, when • a wjde variety of questions affecting • both the internal management of the ~ churches, and the welfare of the public, were discussed. The Temperance and Public Morals Committee report was presented by the Rev. W. B. Scott, and the following j motions were passed : — “This synod,'while recognising the good work done by the Censor in connection with the release ,of moving pictures, desires to draw his attention, and that of the Minister of Internal Affairs, to the imperative necessity of dealing severely - with many types of posters which are being exhibited, and which' give quite an incorrect idea of the picture being released.” “We reiterate our faith in the efficacy of tho prohibition of the liquor traffic; ‘ but we object to any suggestion of separating the taking of the licensing poll from the date fixed for the general election. We desire to congratulate the New Zealand Alliance upon the progress made toward the liquidation of Its burdensome debt.” • "We draw the attention of our people [ to the necessity of abstaining from purchasing art union tickets In order to avoid encouraging an evil system that may be difficult to discontinue owing tb the support given by the generaL public.” I Bible in Schools Question. “This synod recommends the reaffirmation by conference of allegiance with other churches to the Bible in Schools League; that, while appreciation is shown of the work of the Nelson system, it is viewed as inadequate while Bible teaching cannot be given In schools daily, and the need in country schools is not being met; that , the league be urged to develop its organisation, and educate and agitate until the present blot on the national education system Is removed.” . Mr. Scott was thanked and recommended for reappointment as convener of the committee. In his report the district property secretary, Mr. S. T. 8. Martin, said that new sites had been obtained at Otaki beach and Porirua, and a concrete wall built at Plimmerton. The trust funds showed the total of the debit balances to be £2608, and that of the credit balances to be £603. The Synod thanked Mr. Martin and recommended the conference to reappoint him to the office. A number of Synod members were motored at the tea adjournment tb the children’s home, which favourably impressed them. A fellowship tea in the schoolroom, presided over by Councillor W. White, was crowded. Mr. G. E. Daniell referred to the founding of the Sunday school 76 years ago. One of the original scholars, he said, was at the tea. Mr. R. Hampton, of the Wellington East Circuit, responded on behalf of the Synod visitors. Work Among Church Youth. The Synod devoted the evening session to youth work. The statistics were forwarded by Mr. J. H. Phillipps, whose request to be relieved of his duties in the future was acceded to. Miss E. Smith led the Y.W.B.C. business, and the Rev. M. McDowell for the Y.M.B.C. The reports for the Dominion and district were received and adopted. Mr. R. S. Maunder handled the business of the Young People's Department, Mr. S. Roberts presenting the financial statement. The Rev. E. P. Blamires said the general impression was hopeful, the number of children not yet reached by religious teaching having been reduced. A brief discussion took place on the reappointment of the Rev. E. P. Blamires for a further term of six years from 1934 as general secretary. The few who voted against the extended term asked that their opposition should be understood as being against the term, not the secretary himself. The Theological College report was considered and appreciation was recorded of the excellent work done by the tutors and 1 the students. Mention was made of the good accommodation in the college hostel for young men, especially students . temporarily resident in Auckland. The report of the Removal Expenses ■ Fund was received and the recommenda- ; tions of the committee were favoured. Foreign Missions Business. j Mrs. Blamires presented the report of - the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary and re- ; ferred especially to the recent conference ' at Wanganui. The board’s report and ■ the district returns were presented by the Rev. F. E. Leadley, who regretted ; that the income was not up to the board’s estimate. On the motion of the Rev. E. P. Blamires the Synod expressed its sympathy with the Anglican Church in the loss of the missionary vessel Southern Cross and its cargo of provisions for the mission stations. ( The Rev.,C. Blair led the Synod in its c Home Mission business, the report being adopted, and proposals for spiritual ad- J vance during 1933 agreed to. Viewing 1 the departmental costs, the Sydnod re- I commended a measure of economy in work- I ing home and foreign missions together. The home mission income threatened to ,2 be disappointingly low, but thanks were I due to the Rev. A. J. Seamer and the 1 Maori party,'- also their hosts, for the good appeal made. j The report on the Maori vvork of the fl church was received without comment. C The Methodist Deaconess work was S considered and the work of Miss Sewell fl at the Deaconess Home in Christchurch 9 praised; also the labours of the Deacon- 0 esses in their various spheres. I The Rev. T. R. Richards submitted a I report as chief immigration officer, and I was thanked and recommended for re- C appointment. J

The vote for the district representative on the stationing committee at the next conference resulted in a tie, of which the outcome was the appointment of the Rev. E. O. Blamires, with the Rev. H. J. Odell as substitute. When the personnel of the district executive was under consideration it was agreed on a motion of the Rev. J. Cocker that each circuit in’the district should have a representative. The committee’s recommendations as to the amount of the grant from the Home Mission Fund were accepted.Facts concerning the Masterton Children’s Home, together with a statement of its income, were submitted by its secretary, the Rev. Jas. Cocker. The general secretary for Foreign Missions, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, having suffered a breakdown during the yenr, the Synod passed a vote of appreciation of his work and of sympathy with him in the enforced retirement from his active work.

PROHIBITION ISSUE Intensified Campaign Urged By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, Nov. 17. The Methodist Synod of Otago and Southland to-day carried a resolution urging “our people not to slacken in their efforts to secure national prohibition, but to use the opportunity afforded by the postponement of the poll for extensive education, especially through Bands of Hope and the youth branches of the Temperance Union, with a view to creating informed public sentiment that shall secure success at the next poll.’’ The Synod rejoiced that the liquor bill of the Dominion had been materially reduced, but considered the entire abolition of the liquor traffic was an urgent necessity.