METHODIST SYNOD

Evening Star, Issue 14527, 1 December 1910, Page 4

METHODIST SYNOD

TO-DAY'S MEETING. Tho Methodist Synod met again today. lb was recommended that the J?ev. N. 11. l'apakakura spend six or eight weeks each year undei* the direction of tlie chairman of the Canterbury District, and that £ls he annually granted towards his travelling expenses. The Chairman presented a summary of the report of the Deaconess Home in Christchtirch, and stated that Miss l ( 'aweett was open for engagement in the work. It was resolved-—"That, as a. Synod, wo desire to record our gratitude to Almighty God for the measure of blessing he has bestowed on the labor of the past year, and rejoice in tho fact of spiritual blessings received by His people in our various circuits. Wo are thankful for the healthy signs of progress manifest in the general returns this year, especially those shown in tho institutions of the Church which have tho care and shepherding of the young. We are glad to lii.lo the earnest desire and steady resolve io consolidate, our work, and to pursue it in tho future with even greater courage and fidelity. AVe solemnly resolve to return to our respective spheres of labor relying upon the great Master's promises for strength and guidance, confidently looking fur richer baptisms of the Holy Spirit upon ourselves and those to whom we minister in spiritual things." Statistics showed that there, was a substantial increase in tho attendants on public worship, and also in all departments relating to work amongst the young. The report of the Sunday School Advisory Hoard was presented, and it was resolved that the Synod do not approve of the clause in re, direct representation of Sunday schools at Synods, and forward the remainder of the report to Conference. —Temperance and Morals.— After discussion on temperance and morals, it was resolved—"This Synod note with great satisfaction the progress which has been made during the present year in relation to two important questions of public morals. The Licensing Act of 1910 marks the highest point yet reached by the temperance legislation of the Dominion. For the first time in tho history of important States the nation has the right to express its will upon the continuance or non-continuance of the liquor traffic within its borders, and while wo regret the perpetuation of the undemocratic and unfair handicap of the three-filths majority, we welcome, the additional provision to make local No-license effective, the raising of tho ago at which young men may obtain liquor, tho abolition of the locker system, the ultimate abolition of the employment of barmaids, and tho immediate cessation of bottle licenses. Relieving that the new Act supplies a splendid weapon with which to" smite and destroy a traffic which ha;-, wrought such havoc, we urge our people to do their utmost to secure tho final triumph at tho next polk The Synod also welcome the new Gaining Act, which, though it leaves untouched tho demoralising totalisator as an instrument of betting, shows that public opinion in the Dominion is alive to the danger and harm panted by the widespread habit of gambling. The Synod deplore the growth of Sabbath desecration. An r. nation we owe in a largo measure our greatness and prosperity to tho devotion of our fathers io what they conceived to bo their religious duties—one of the chief being careful observance of the Sabbath Day. We recognise the advantages to be gained from the pure air and freedom which are obtained by escape from tho crowded city to the seaside or open country, but they aro obtained at too dear a price if at thecost of neglect of church for parents and of Sunday school for children. The reduction of the hours of labor and multiplication 'of holidays afford sufficient opportunity of relaxation, and make unnecessary the invasion of the day which alone affords facility of undivided attention to the claims of the higher life."