METHODIST SYNOD

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 121, 27 November 1928, Page 5

METHODIST SYNOD

WELLINGTON DISTRICT ANNUAL REVIEW The annual Synod of the Wellington district of the Methodist Church concluded at the week-end. TheKev. 15. D. Patehett, chairman of the district, in his address, made an earnest appeal for Christian optimism and sincerity. The pre-eminent duty that confronted the church to-day, be said, was to set free the spirit of Christ amongst men and help the modern world to see that there was new and sufficient light to be broken out of his Gospel. The recent poll on the licensing question had resulted m nothing less than a triumph for the liquor trade. Nothing was surer, however, than that in the evolution of society there could be no permanent place for ihe rampant evils of the traffic iv strong drink. Another question of national importance that was of commanding interest to the church was that of the introduction of Bible reading in the State schools. It was hoped that in the new House there were a sufficient number of members who favoured a referendum on the Bill. If that were granted, they could look forward with every confidence to the issue. YOUNG PEOPLE'S BRANCH. „ The Young People's Department report tor 1928 was presented. The year's work was summarised as follows: The general secretary has personally visited 47 circuits and 13 H.M. stations during the year. New Sunday school building projects have been undertaken at Paparoa, (Jnehunga, Mangere, Edendale, Fitzroy, _\apier, Ngaio, Waiwetu, Springlands, Motueka, Riecarton, Edgeware road, Cashmere, Shirley, and Gore. Teacher-training work has continued. The scholars' examination was held in July, 629 sitting. "The Lotu" now circulates 7500 copies, an increase of a thousand. Several new schools have been opened, especially in the Far North. We have 27 teachers engaged in Sunday school teaching by corespondence. Tho young people's demonstration at lust conference set quite a new standard of excellence. Our lesson literature has been closely graded, and the changes will be appreciated as schools realise its signiiicance and value. Mr. W. C. Francis has continued his splendid services as honorary manager for literature. We save our schools about £150 per annum. We have recently opened a reference library. "Miss Ilodder and Mr. Donnelly are terminating their service as travelling secretaries to the two Bible class movements. The board records its high estimation of the excellent connexional service which each has rendered in the past in promoting the work of their departments, and the fine spirit of co-ordination with the board which they have always displayed. "The board gladly recognises the systematic industry and the efficient devotion of the Rev. E. P. Blamires, specially rejoicing in the success which is attending his co-operation in the leadership of tho two Bible class organisations in the direction of a warmer allegiance to tho Mother Church, and to the high ideals for which she stands." ( The young people's report was received and adopted. "PROHIBITION AT NEXT POLL." The Temperance and Public Morals Committee report was presented at last evening's session of the Methodist Synod. After discussion of the results of the recent Licensing Poll, the following resolutions were passed.—"That while recognising the work done by the New Zealand Alliance during the recent Prohibition campaign and the financial disadvantages by which it was haudicaped, in our opinion, the recent polls show:—(l)v The need of more real temperance work both among the young and those further advanced in life. (2) The need for more Press publicity during the months prior to the poll. That this Synod expresses its determination to take up. afresh, and with greater enthusiasm, the Prohibition question, and urges our officials and members to devote much work in forming and fostering Bands of Hope, temperance societies, and in all possible ways seek to create a temperance sentiment, which will secure Prohibition at the next poll.' Resolutions were passed in favour of the aims of the Bible-in-Schools League, and against week-end excursions on the railways—"thus apparently seeking to bring in the Continental Sunday." _ The Synod passed the followmg_ resolution:—"That this Synod notes with the greatest satisfaction and desires to place on record its high appreciation of the high standard of efficiency maintained in the work of our Theological College during the year. It joins in the hearty congratulations of the whole church upon the completion of the new college, which will stand as an imposing and permanent memorial to the generous spirit of our people, expressed in the splendid response made to the appeal on its behalf. The Board of Missions report was received. It dealt with the various activities in the mission field, and recommended the organisation of a special missionary appeal in 1929. A scheme for the organisation of a men's movement to assist the missionary tasks of the church was. propounded. I The Home Mission's report dealt fully with the work among the Maoris and other stations. The total of Home Mission grants recommended for the district for 1929 was £365. __ ... . . The estimate of Home Mission income for the district for 1929 was £935.