WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 57, 8 March 1901, Page 2

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

REV. F. B. OLDHAM TO GO TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The Wesleyan Conference met this morning in Ministerial session. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. Mr Smalley, cx-Prcsident, for his ordination charge. It was resolved that an exchange be effected between the Eev. F. B. Oldham, now stationed at Gisborne, and tho Eev. Mr Testrail, of Port Augusta, South Australia.

The following candidates for tho Ministry were examined and passed Messrs C. E. Godbcar and B. James. Messrs Angus Mcßean, A. C. Randcrson, and A. P. Reed wore also received, and will bo placed on the President’s list of rosorve.

It was resolved that the Eev. Leonard M. Isitt bo continued as a Minister of the Church, but without pastoral charge. A representative session was held in tho ' afternoon. It was resolved that a Homo Missionary he appointed to reside at Eltham, and to continue part of Stratford circuit; that a Home Missionary be appointed to reside at Apirama and to continue part of Riverton circuit; that St. Albans circuit be divided, and that Athene w Papanui circuit be recommended for a grant of £3OO from the Homo Mission Fund.

The evening session was devoted to tho consideration of the Century Commemoration Fund. An exhaustive report was presented, showing the total amount promised to date, as follows: Auckland district, £4365 Wanganui, £1586 Wellington, £2149 Nelson, £970 Canterbury, £5470 Otago district, £2503 From Melbourne, £3 Fiji, £9 6s England, £ll 11s Total promised, £17,075 17s

Although this sum foil short of what had been expected, the Rev. J. S. Smalley pointed out that in proportion to the membership of the church the sum subscribed in this colony was not far short of the amount subscribed per member in England. It was pointed out that in many circuits in this colony there had had been a lack of organisation. Tho Conference therefore urged the necessity of making arrangements for the further prosecution of the work during the year, and to complete the canvass in each circuit. The General Committee was then appointed for the year.