CHURCH UNION. DISCUSSED 'AT PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE,

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 09, 11 January 1908, Page 9

CHURCH UNION. DISCUSSED 'AT PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE,

[BX TELEQBArE;— -PBES9 ASSOCIATION-! DUNEDIN, 10th January. ■ At the Primitive Methodist Conference, the retiring president, the Rev. C. Ward, gave an eloquent address on Iho "Ideals of the Church." He referred to the' arrival of the Rev. A. Harding and the Rev. J. Flanagan, and gave much valuable, historical information, both of the history of tho church and of trie Dominion. "His* references to the early • settlers and preachers evoked great enthusiasm. It was decided to print the address in tho church paper. The debate on union was introduced By Mr. G. Froggatt, of Invercargill, ' and it was moved:' "That tho time is opportune for the; conference to take steps so that all members of the church of six months' standing have an opportunity of voting on the question." The motion was • seconded by Mr. 'W. King, of Dunedin: , Mr. C. E. Bellringer moved as an . amendment : "That the conference T6-ftfflrm9 that ifc desires tba union of Methodism in New Zealand on such a basis as may be reason- 1 able by mutual concessions and compromises. v At th? came- time the conference is of opinion that to endeavour to formulate a basis that will meet with acceptance and consummate a full and happy union ' Would be ffutile until the day arrives when it should be pbssible for two churches to , discuss^ the matter untrammelled by 'Australian influences, and to unite in 'forming -n. Methodist Church for the Dominion enjoying complete self-government, and thus prepare lor the union of the evangelical churches in a national church; and, further, in, view of all circumstance*?, moro especially the centenary ( efforts noy being made, it k would be unwise to ' disturb our people by submitting- the question, of union to therri* at the present juncture." Mr. D.' Goldie seconded the amendment in a vigorous speech. • After Mr Goldie's remarks the closure "was applied, and the amendment was carried by 59 to 13. ' ' ' ' '