WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9985, 14 March 1893, Page 5

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

I Pee PasfiG associatm*.! DUNEDIN, Maech 13. At the Wesleyan Conference the resolution of the Conference, by which the President and Secretary are elected on the opening day by the ministers and lay representative?, was again carried. The debate on Bible reading in schools was resumed, and it was eventually resolved —“ That whereas this Conference has for many years passed resolutions in favour of Bible reading in schools, it will gladly embrace the opportunity of cooperating with other religious bodies in efforts to obtain some form of Scripture reading in public schools, subject to a conscience clause, and appoint a Committee, consisting of such members of the Privilege Committee aa reside ia or near Wellington to confer ami act with the representatives of tho churches.” The following Chairmen of districts were appointed:—Auckland, Eav W. Leo; Wanganui, the President; Wellington, Eev J. J. Lewis; Canterbury, Ecv W. Morley; Otago, Rev W. C. Oliver. A resolution was carried, placing on record the high appreciation of the Rev J. Berry’s work during bis twenty-si* years’ services. The stations were read a third time. The following are the only changes from the second reading -Upper Thames. Eev Joughin and one wanted; Grafton road Mission, Esvs J. Wallis and H. H. Lawry as supernumeririe <; Taumnga, Eev IV. Sinclair; New Plymouth, Eev J. H. Gray; Waitara, Eev T. F. Jouea and one wanted; Sandon and Pending, Eev \V. J.Watkin and one wanted ; Hutt, Eev T. G. Carr and one wanted; Grey town, •Eav S. J. Gibson; Gisborne, Eev T. M. Griffin; St Albans. Eevs W. Baumber and G. Frost; Leeston, Eavs W. B. Pareonson and J*>hn Smith; Gore, Eev W, Tinsley. At the meeting to-night resolutions were passed protesting against the prevalence of the gambling evil, especially in connection with sports, pastimes, church bazaars and commercial pursuits; viewing with disapproval the increasing facilities given by the Colonial Secretary for holding art unions and the use of the totalizator; and declaring that the Conference will continue ita efforts for tho total and unconditional abolition of every form of legalised gambling.