WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 8395, 2 February 1888, Page 5

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

[Pee Fbess Association.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 1. The (Wesleyan Conference Stations Committee met this morning, and prepared for the third reading. This was submitted to the Conference, when several suggested amendments were received, and the final reading deferred till Thursday morning. The Rev J. Berry presented drafts and letters of commendation for use by the Revs W. Morley and H. R. Dewsbury during tbeir visit to England. Mr Morley is accredited as the official representative to the British Conference. Cordial thanks were given to the Rev Mr Reid, Principal, and Mr Shera, classical tetor, of Wesley College. Mr Reid was reappointed. The following lecturers were appointed: —Rev R. Bavin, ecclesiastical history; Rev J. A. Taylor, English literature ; Rev C. H. Garland, Church polity; Rev J. Dukes, Bible exegesis. The Rev W. J. Williams, President, was re-appointed editor of the New Zealand Methodist, and the Rev L. M. Isitt assistant editor. The foreign missions collections for the year amounted to £365 17s 6d. In the absence of the Rev G. Bond, the Secretary presented the annual report of tbe Sunday-schools. The report showed an increase of 783 scholars. Mr Bond was reappointed General Secretary, with thanks for his past services. The Rev Mr Baumber presented the general returns of Church work effected during the year. The report showed an encouraging growth. An animated conversation was held on this subject. The Rev J. Berry urged the need of greater variety in public services. Mr Snodgrass pleaded for more attention to the young. Further addresses wero delivered by Mr Moxham and tbe Rev H. Bull, who referred to mission work in tbe Auckland circuit, which had proved most successful; also, Mr F. A. White and the Revs W. Morley and J. J. Lewis. The Rev J. N. Buttle presented the annual report on temperance, showing great progress. Mr Buttle was thanked, and re-appointed General Secretary. The Rev W. Morley presented an interim report on the early Church records, which elicited warm thanks. £The Revs R. Bavin and H. Bull were appointed to collect data for an early Church history. A Central Committee was appointed to make preparation for celebrating the Jubilee of the Church in New Zealand. A motion by the Rev R. Bavin for the establishment of a central theological institution for Australasia was lost. Several district meetings’ recommendations were adopted. It was resolved that the next annual Conference beheld at Dunedin on or about Jan. 20,1889. This concluded tbe business of tbe Conference in its representative session.