AUSTRALASIAN METHODIST CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 14310, 2 March 1907, Page 6

AUSTRALASIAN METHODIST CHURCH.

OPENING OF THE NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE. The annual session of the New Zealand Conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia was commenced last evening, in the Durham Street Church. There was a large attendance. After prayers,- and the calling of the roll, the retiring president, the Rev T. G. Brooke, who was received with loud applause, delivered his address. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. . The retiring president in lu® address said that in some respects the connexion al year had been a period of unusual trial. Never before in the history of New Zealand Methodism had they been, called upon to mourn so many bereavements in their ministerial families. The last Conference had not closed its sessions when, the Rev George Hounsell suddenly died. The next to hear the Master’s call was the patriarchal Mr Lawry. The family of the greatly respected Rev John Orchard suffered a deep bereavement in the deaths of Mr and Mrs Orchard. Mr Orchard had devoted his energy and time to the Church, and he was an example to all. Three other ladies of the parsonage had followed Mrs Orchard—Mrs Kirk, Mrs Abernethy and Mrs R-. F. Williams. Early in the year the health of the Rev W. Dawson showed signs of failure, and it became necessary to relieve him of circuit responsibilities. Tho recuperation, that was expected from rest did not follow, and gradually tho end came. His ministry, though brief, was of a high order, and had his strength -equalled his other capacities he would have made Ids mark in the Church. The Rev William Keall was another who had died, and probably no man iu the Church was bettor known or more greatly beloved. To these names must be added that of tho Rev W. B. Marten. If the ranks of their ministry had suffered depletion so also had the membership of their church. 'There was one man who had been connected with the life of this city of whom ho would like to speak, the late Mr C. W. Turner. A son of one of their early missionaries, he had rendered rue Church conspicuous service in New Zealand. Their life in the Church had been but a small part of tire larger life summed up in human progress, and. the last thing they ought to do was to lose the sense of proportion. Consequently their interests were bound up with the whole round of public events. Foremost amongst thesfe was the remarkable series of earthquakes that had been chronicled. No fewer than four cities had been more dr less destroyed. Ju April San Francisco was shaken to its foundations. Over 200,000 people had been rendered homeless and much property was destroyed. Iu August a similar calamity visited Valparaiso and Santiago. It w;as now only a few weeks since an earthquake disastrously shook Kingston in Jamaica, and tho death roll numbered about 600. None of tho disasters had entailed such a less of life as similar earth movements of past years* Tho

earthquake in Northern India in 1905 destroyed 15,000 people, that of Mont Pelee three years earlier 20,000, the earthquake in Japan during 1896 26,000 and the remarkable upheaval at Krakatoa twenty-four years ago was responsible for a death roll of 35,000. Other calamitous events had also crowded in upon them—notably the typhoon at Hong Kong, t he cyclone at San Salvador and the mining disaster in Germany. But startling disasters, were not the only events that called forth sympathy. They had watched with intense interest the discussion of the education question in the British Parliament. To many it had been a matter of much regret that they could only view the conflict from afar. Living as they did in a part of the Empire where a State Church was unknown, they naturally sympathised with those who were striving for the same ideal. That, however, was not the only question at issue. 'When the .late Parliament carried its Bill through, and thereby practically placed the education of the people in the hands of the clergy, his indignation was deep, if not loud. That the people should be compelled. to pay rates to have their children taught doctrines that were contrary to their parents’ convictions was intolerable, and the only resource loft to protestors was “ passive resitanco.” When ministers and people of their own and the other Free Churches suffered the distraint of their goods, and went to prison for conscience sake, they also suffered with them. The defeat of the clorical-cum-liquor party at the polls had produced unbounded satisfaction. The Libera] Party had been sent to the House pledged to grant redress, and it had honestly carried out its promises. A now Education Bill had been carried through destroying the clerical dominance, and putting the control into the hands of the ratepayers. That measure had, however, been destroyed by the House of Lords—its vital elements had been so altered as to vitiate the whole reform. The principles for which his co-religionists had suffered had been expunged, and they would have to fight the battle over again. Nothing less than full religious equality could be accepted. The House of Lords and the bench of bishops must learn the lesson that had been taught their predecessors in tho Days of the Commonwealth. He did not advocate tho use of the sword, but the Free Churchmen should combine and struggle for the spiritual independence of the nation. It was the same struggle, only m different forms, because under different circumstances, that was now in progress in France. After long years of the dominion of the Roman hierachy, tho nation had awakened to the fact of its evil influence, and had determined on its disestablishment. Eveijy means in its power the Papacy had used against this, but the Government had so far prevailed. The leaders of French thought and politics had been represented as being at deadly grip witlx true religion, but that was not so. Tho thing they were fighting and that they were determined to end was the interference of the priest and the bishop with the civil administration. There had been a notable perversion to Romanism during the early part of the last year. An English princess abjured tho Protestant faith. If that were simply a change of faith because of conscientious convictions then, while regretting tho fact, they could but respect tho cause. Behind the change of faith on the part of the prin-cess-.there was the ugly suspicion that it was a conversion in order, that she might wear a crown. It was a far cry from the Queen of Spain to tho minister of tho City Temple, the Rev R. J. Campbell. Yet it was questionable which of them had made the biggest stir in the religious world. In the

change of faith by her Majesty there was no attack upon the fundamentals of religion. She still professed to believe in thg divinity of our Lord and to depend on the efficacy of His atonement for salvation. But just where the Rev R. J. Campbell was it was impossible to tell. No one could read his views on the atonement as published in the “Young Man” in “Answers to Correspondents ” without agreeing with ■Dr Fitchett that he was “ a theologian' adrift on the most fragile of rafts,” and that his explanation of it was neither ‘ ‘ adequate nor sober nor even intelligible.” Their faith, in the verities of Christianity did not rest upon any particular theory of inspiration, . nor upoii the age, authorship, «nd verified contents of any particular hook. Belief in the orthodox view of the origin of man and sin was not vital to the question. The unmistakable facts were: “Man is and Sin is.” The condition of things in Russia during the year had been anarchic. • With the struggle of the people against autocracy they could but sympathise. Never in the history of civilisation had there been a worse record by the ruling powers. They had been callous to the just demands of the people, but the days of autocracy were numbered. About the middle of the year a particularly brutal and callous murder took place on the Flemington Racecourse. An erstwhile Sun-day-school boy and member of a Bible class, became a professed gambler, and because he disappointed a number of other gamblers, they kicked him to death. Preaching on the subject, the Rev H. Worrall charged the State Secretary, Sir Samuel Gillott,'and the Victorian Government, with being accessories to the crime. Ho was called to the Bar of the House, and reprimanded. The public were, however, enthusiastically on hi® side, and he won a moral triumph. The immediate result was a wonderful outburst of anti-gam-bling enthusiasm, and, on the wave of that feeling, both the Victorian and the New South "Wales Parliaments were compelled to pass very drastic antigambling measures. The “Review of Reviews ” took a great and active interest in the matter. Most of all, however, _ they were concerned with the land in which they lived, and the year under review had seen many unexpected changes, the first and greatest of them being the death of the late Premier, the Right Hon R. J. Seddon. To many his death was the loss of a personal -friendi A man-of the people, he was always in sympathy with their ideals, and during the long years of his political dominance he strove to crystals© them in parliamentary acts. Whether they, believed in the man or not, they could riot shut their eye® to the fact that the people believed in him, and that the whole trend of his legislation had been in favour of social and economic progress. From a humble beginning, ho pushed his way upwards until he became a man of mark in the Empire. The president expressed satisfaction with the personnel of the present Ministry, and mentioned the names of Messrs Fowlds and M’Nab, stating that they had always been on the side of moral reform, and were consistent to their ideals. The recent appointments to the Legislative Council were satisfactory. The president eulogised the work of the s Hon. C. M. Luke, the Hon G. J. Smith and the Hon J. T. Paul. In referring to the Exhibition, he said that what impressed visitors most was, the fact that no intoxicants were sold within the grounds. The Christchurch Licensing Committee had rendered New Zealand a splendid service, by refusing to grant a license. The result was that immense • crowds had been handled without any trouble, and no one had been troubled by drunken men. Turning to the no-license question, he stated that the vote of 1905 had resulted in Grey Lynn, Oariiaru and Invercargill obtaining prohibition. The continued success and widening of the area under no-licenee was one of the most hopeful signs of colonial life. The most important event of the year, so far as they were concerned, was the publication of the census returns. And it was safe to say the facts brought out in them was a surprise and shock to them all. Their own figures wore in marked contrast to those of the Regis-trar-General. Neither could he think their figures wrong. They were prepared by a long tried formuliie, and only once before in their history had they been higher than those of the Government, and then the difference was only 11 Now, however, their numbers were 9024 higher than the census, and the returns for the latter were actually 7431 fewer than they were from the same source five years ago. By various methods of inquiry, the Rev P. W. Fairclough and others had proved that, by all possible means of examination open to them as a Church, there is no decrease in numbers. If so, then there must have been 9000 people who worshipped more or lees regularly in the churches, and who yet had failed to write themselves down as doing so. The Registrar had supplied him with a detailed copy, carefully tested, showing the number and class of Methodists in every borough and county in the colony. However they might account for it, they would have to accept the Registrar’s figures. In conclusion, the president spoke of the work already done, and asked his fellow-Methodists to be strong, and uphold their Church and its teachings. ■ Loud and prolonged applause greeted the conclusion of .the address. THE HOURS OF SESSION. It was resolved to meet daily, from 10 a.m; to 12.45 p.m.. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and at 7.30 p.m. until such time as the Conference rises. This, morning tho Conference mil meet at 9.15 a.m., for the election of lay members of the Stationing OommittCe‘ STANDING ORDERS. The Standing Orders printed .on pages 3 and 4of tho Agenda were adopted tor the Conference. NOTICES OF MOTION. A largo number of notices of motion were laid upon the table. ELECTIONS. . The Rev W. Slade, of Onehunga, was elected by ballot president for the ensuing year. Tho result was received with tumultuous applause.

The Rev C. H. Laws, 8.A., was elect* ed secretary for the ensuing year, ap plause greeting the result. ' The secretary nominated the ing officers:—assistant secretaries,' Rev S. Griffith and Rev A. B. Chappell, M.A.; journal secretary, Rev A. Ash- • croft; corresponding secretary, Rev T. A. Joughin.; precentor, Rev W. J. Williiams. The new president thanked the Conference fob his election, and the secro- ' ‘ tary also returned thanks for his re- ' election. Votes of thanks to the retiring officers were carried unanimously.

FIRST READING OF STATIONS. I The secretary then read: the following draft of stations,:— . ' r * 'Auckland District—Auckland • (Pitt Street), Revs J. A. Luxford. J. A. , Blight and W. Tinsley; Auckland (West),. Rev G. Bond; Auckland : (East), Revs J G. W. Spence and W. R. Tuck, 8.A.; one wanted. Wesley College, Three Kings, Rev-J. H. Sim-, mondsAuckland Methodist Mission, Rev J. Wilson; Auckland , (North ■ Shore), Rev S. Griffith; Auckland (Birkenhead), Rev G. S: Cook; Maori Mission (Auckland), Revs W. Qittos and' A. J.' Bearner; Manukau, Rev B. Taylor; Mahurangi, Rev J. D. Jory; ■ Thames, Rev T. Fee; Upper Thames,/ Revs J. Dukes, T. W. Now bold and Q. Snaddsn; Franklin, Rev J. J. Mather; one wanted; Cambridge, Rev W. H.. Beck and. a home missionary; Hamilton, Rev B. F. Rothwell; Huntley, Rev W. W. Avery; Paparoa, Rev R. P. Keall; Northern Wairoa. Rev W. "Willi . and homo missionary; Whangarei, Rev '> J. G. W. Ellis and a home missionary; Rotorua, Rev G. F. StockweU. "Wanganui District —New Plymouth, Revs T. G. Brooke and R- F. "Williams; Waitara,' Rev F. G. Read; Inglewood, Rev E. D. Patohett; Stratford, Rev A, N. Scatter, 8.A.; Elthaia, .Rev A. J., Reed; Haver a, Revs S. J. Gibeon and R. Richards; Pate a, a home missionary; Opunake, Rev J. W. Worboys; Kuponga, Rev W. B. Scott; Wanganui,/ Rev J. G. Chapman; Aramoho, Rev W. J. Oxbrow; Rangitikei, Rev T. Q. Carr; Saudon, Rev C. H. Standage; Redding, Rev C. E. Beeoroft; Pahnerston North, Rev® J. J• Lewis and H. Beggs; Kimbolton, a home missionary; Taxhape, Rev F. Copeland; Waimarino, one wanted"; West Coast Maori Mission, Revs T. G. Hammond and R. Haddon. Wellington District Wellington . (Taranaki Street), Revs P. W. Fairclopgh,. F.R.A.J., : and C._ Porter; organising secretary young mens movement, Rev H. L. Blamires; Wellington (south), Rev W. J. Williams; Johnsonville, Rev E. P. Blamires; Hutt, Here S. J. Garlick (supply Rev James Richards) and R. Wilson; Carterton, Rev W. J. Elliott; South Wairprapa, Rev J. W. Griffin and a home missionary; Masterton, Rev J. N. Buttle; Napier, Rev A. 0. Lawry; Hastings, Rev W. Tinsley; Gisborne, Rev C. Griffin; Eke-t-abuna, Rev E. T. Marshall; Dannevirke, Rev T. T. Thomas, 8.A.; LevmOtaki, Revs J. Wrigley arid P. RParis; Waipawa, Rev E. Frost; Woodville/ Rev B. H. Ginger; Pahiatua, Rev T. F. Jones. Nelson District—Nelson, Rev C. H. Garland; Richmond, Rev S. H. ; D. Peryman; Blenheim, Revs C. Penney • and H. Rauston; Hokitika, Rev «L J.' . Pendray ; Greymouth, Rev T. W. vealie; Motueka, Rev C. -Roberts; Reefton, Rev T. J. Wallis; Westport, Rev M. A. R. Pratt. Canterbury District Christchurch (Durham Street), Revs H. R. Dewsbury, IV. Ready, T. R.-Richards, and . A. B. Chappell, M.A.; connexional secretary and authorised, representative, Rev H. Bull; Christchurch Methodist Mission, Rev W. Baumber;. Christ- • church (south), Revs W. C. Oliver, J. A. Loohore and L. M. Isitt (ivithout pastoral charge); Christchurch (St Albans), Rev W. Slade; Christchurch (Papanui), Rev D. M’Nicoll; Lyttelton, Rev S. Lawry; Springston, • Rev. O. Aberuethy; Tai Tapu, Rev B. J. James; Leeston, Rev T. B. Thomas, M.A.; Kaiapoi, Revs T. Trestrail and E. 0. Blamires; Rangiora, Revs J. T. Pinfold, F.E.S., and A. Ashcroft; Oxford-Malvern, Rev J. ?R. i Clark; Timaru, Rev S. J. Serpell and u home missionary; Waimate, Rev. T- A. Joughin; Temuka, Rev J. H. Haslain j Ashburton, Revs A. Peters and 0. Blair; Willowby, Rev W. S. Bowie. Otago District—Dunedin (Trinity), Rev C. H. Laws, 8.A., one wanted; Southern Maori Mission, Rev N. H. Papakakura; Dunedin Central Mission, Rev W. A. Sinclair; Dunedin (Cargill: Road), Revs W. Grigg arid ~R. F. Wylie; Dunedin (Morningtpn), Rev D. J. Murray; Dunedin (Roslyn), Rev H. E. ; Bellhouse; Mosgiel, Rev A. C. Eanderson, M.A.; Port Chalmers, Rev J. Ward; Balclutha, Rev F. W. Boys; Milton, Rev 0. C. Harrison; Lawrence, ■ Rev C. Eaton; Invercargill, Revs A. Mitchell and A. M’Bean; Camara, Rev T. N. Griffin; Gore, Rev J. A- Hosking; Otautau, Rev W. Beckett; Roxburgh, Rev W. Greenelade; Cromwell, ■ Rev A. Reader. Tho Conference then adjourned until 9.16 a,m. this morning. , , THE NEW PRESIDENT. The Rev W. Slade, the newly-elected president of the Methodist Conference, is an Englishman by.birth. Ho came to New Zealand in 1878, and commenced his career in with the, Church in the Masterton district. After' a term at the Three Kings College he was appointed minister to tho Raglan Circuit, and subsequently to Port Chalmers. In 1886 he went as foreign missionary to Fiji, and he worked there with considerable success for sixteen years. Since his return to New Zealand, in 1903, he has been in the Manukau Circuit. Mr Slade is on© of the leading ministers in connection with tho Methodist Church and is, in addition to being a forceful preacher, a man, or strong personality and statesmanlike ability. His election to the presidential chair this year is an indication of the high esteem in which he is held by the Church, this being the year of tho triennial conference of Australaaa, and an important one in colonial Methodism. '