METHODIST SYNOD.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 283, 15 November 1923, Page 4

METHODIST SYNOD.

WELCOME TO MEMBERS. A SOCIAL GATHERING. Last evening the Sunday school adjoining Wesley Church was packed. The purpose of the gathering, as explained by the Rev. A., Mcßean, was to extend a public welcome to the visiting clergy and lay members of the synod. The Mayor (Mr. G. A. Maddison) expressed the pleasure that it gave him that the synod was being held during his term of office, and he hoped that all visiting delegates would be impressed by Hastings, not only as a thriving commercial centre, but as a town where the people were noted for their hospitality. The circuit stewards, Messrs. Denton and French, spoke of the great pleasure it had given them to be associated with the members of the synod, and the Rev. T. R. Richards, chairman of the circuit for the last seven years, deferred not wdtjiout'. some regret to the fact that this would be his last year in the circuit where he had spent so many years full of happiness and entirely free of dissension. The visiting members of the synod were being very kindly entertained, and he felt sure they would all go away with a most pleasant recollection of their stay in Hastings.

A very enjoyable musical programme arranged by Mr. A. R. Don, choirmaster at_ Wesley Church, was submitted. Y 7 ocal items were contributed by the Rev. Mr. Mitchell, the choir, and Mesdames Christie and Mcßean, an dinsrtumental items by Messrs. Chrisp, Don. H. File and N.' Watson. A very efficient orchestra also contributed several items. Supper was provided by the ladies of the church. COMMITTEE ’8 REPORTS. At the yesterday afternoons sitting of the synod, the Rev W. Wills submitted the resolution on th© work of God, acknowledging the help given during the year and rejoicing in the successes achieved. A lengthy discussion took place on the report of the Sunday School and young people’s department, and a resolution was passed, that in view of the apparent opposition to the payment of the levies by the circuits of the district, no appointment be made to the office of organising secretary after the present term of office treminates. The reports at the temperance and public morals; Deaconesses, and “Methodist Times” committees were adopted, satisfaction being expressed at the progress reported. Th© Maori Mission report gave great pleasure to the synod, the work of the year having been crowned with success. New departures wer© contemplated, including a hospital scheme at Te Kuiti. The Foreign Mission Board submitted its report, which was adopted. A deputation of the Napier and Hastings Ministers ’ Association waited upon the synod and expressed their good wishes. The Revs P. Ramsay, J. Ings, I. Hay and F. A. Bennett voiced the sentiments of the deputation. The Rev M. A. R. Pratt replied graciously on behalf of the synod, after which afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies of the Hastings Church.

THIS MORNING’S PROCCEDINGS. This morning, Mr T. R. Hodder submitted the report on church property and activities in the department during the year, and reported great activity in all branches. He reported that it had been a year of great prosperity, several notable cases of debt reduction and new enterprises being chronicled. Mr Hodder was heartily thanked for his work and recommended for re-ap-pointment. Considerable discussion took place re a proposal for extension in the Gisborne circuit, the feeling of the synod being one of gratification at the projected enterprise, but caution was shown by the appointment of a commssion consisting of Revs Richards and M. A. Rugby Pratt, Messrs T. R. Hodder and L. T. Bisson with the connexional secretary secretary, Rev S. Lawry, to visit Gisborne and confer with the local trustees.