HOME MISSIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 58, 4 March 1909, Page 3

HOME MISSIONS.

(From the Post.)

The appointment of an organising secretary for the home missions Was considered.

Rev. G. W. J. Spence, in moving for the appointment, outlined the duties that would be required. They included visiting in turn circuits, home missions, and Maori missions, conducting services and public meetings, and promoting the work of church extension. This was an addition to general organisation. Mr J. Trownsfon (Auckland) recalled the old enthusiastic work of the home missions, when missioned were brought into the backblocks at incredible pains, and meetings were held that were remembered ever afterwards. Nowadays there was not sufficient spirit and enthusiasm in borne mission work. They wanted the best men possible to be obtained for home missions. They did not want the unemployed—(laughter)—hut real live men. New Zealand Methodism must move along in the eyes of the world. The money would come. He would willingly subscribe 'himself. What use was the money if it was not used for purposes like that of home missions. (A Voice: "I move we take a collection now." Laughter.) The speaker described the fight in Auckland over no-license, how he was one of "The Business Men" who had subscribed the war funds, and how at the end of the battle the bill for advertising was nearly £1000. Methodists in New Zealand should think of the success of Methodist missions in Canada under gifted men. _ They wanted these men of special gifts. The motion was carried lyIt was proposed that the appointment of the organising secretary should be made at once. Mr Dixon warmly advocated such a proceeding. He thought it a mistake not to have appointed such a man before. They had lost thousands of pounds by not doing so. They ought to have secured sites along the Main Trunk line for home missions long ago. Rev. T. Trestrail said that the people of the' Church were looking for the appointment of the secretary. They must start the missions at once, or they might never have another chance. , Rev. J. J. LeAvis thought it would be better to wait another year. Mr G. H. Blackwell also counselled discretion and prudence in waiting. An amendment to appoint an organising secretary for the current year was carried, amid loud applause, by a majority of 84 to 49. The Rev. Gr. W. J. Spence moved that the location of the secretary be at Auckland. Mr J. Flesher (Christchurch) moved as an amendment that the secretary's headquarters be in Wellington. After a lengthy discussion it was decided that he should bo located at Auckland, and that he should work under the direction of the Home Missions Committee.