METHODIST CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6321, 25 February 1922, Page 5

METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

PROPOSED EXTENSION OF WORK ON EAST COAST.

AUCKLAND, Feb. 24. The Methodist Conference has agreed upon a division of the Hamilton circuit and an increase of the ministerial staff, an additional appointment being a matter of urgency. Huiroa, Tutua’.va. and Douglas were incorporated in the Stratford circuit. The prop is.xl to _ divide Itangiora circuit was not carried, tit was agreed to divide Riverton ana Tuatapere, and appoint a home niissionarv to each. Queenstown was attached to the Gore circuit.. It was agreed to appoint an additional minister to Auckland East, and probationers to Frankton, Wanganui East, Gisborne, Kilbirnie. Masterton, Picton, a-nd Sunnier; home missionaries to Ngatea and Dovedale. An extension of the work on the East Coast is to be considered by the home mission executive during the year. It was decided to appoint a home missionary to Wairoa (H. 8.) with a suitable grant. The following candidates for the ministry were received: Messrs J. F. Jack, G. R. Peterson, and E. 0. Hadden.—P.A. NEED FOR PROBATIONERS. AUCKLAND, Feb. 24. At the Methodist Conference the Sunday Schools and Young People’s department report showed an increase in all branches. Some discussion arose as to advisability of continuing the office of organising secretary of the movement. It was decided that the office be retained. The Rev. C. B. Blamires recorded the appreciation of the Rev. C. H. Ora's work on the' retirement from the position. The Revs. T. A. Joughin, R, Clark and J. Cocker were placed on the supernumerary list for the vear for health reasons. The Home Mission and Church Extension Fund report showed an income of £10,485 and expenditure of £10,839. The shortage of candidates for the Methodist ministry and means of overcoming tin.* position were discussed by the conference. The Rev. G.eo. Frost moved, on behalf of the A Committee: “That, in order to meet claims foi additional probationers before the committee, the conference endeavour to secure more men for the work of the Ministry and that attempt should be made to lay the claims of this work before suitable young men that they might feel the urgent call for them.” Mr R. Edmunds (Wellington) referred to other services that were opening for young men but contended that the Ministry had a wonderful chance of overcoming the position by going into camps held for young members of tlie congregation and placing matters pertaining to the call for probationers before them. The opportunity was often missed, he said, and h? had bad to, go down on his hands and knees to get ministers to go into camps. A splendid opportunity would be available in the camps to be held at Auckland, Wellington, . Christchurch and Dunedin. A special committee was deputed to report to the conference and also to consider the possibilities of getting probationers from Australia or England. To-night a meeting was held to welcome overseas delegates.—P.A.