METHODISM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 9 March 1912, Page 5

METHODISM.

NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE. THE DEFENCE ACT. " (Press Association.—Copyright ) AUCKLAND, March 8. 'The Methodist Conference discussed a motion by the Rev. Mr Burton, of New Plymouth, expressing alarm owing to the tendency of militarism as embodied in the. recent legislation, and emphatically condemning the compulsory military training Act, and pledging the Church to work for it 6 repeal. The Hon. G. J. Smith moved as an ■amendment that while deploring- the necessity for defence forces in the Dominion, the conference endorses the principe of universal military training, as the most equitable way of supplying thea need for defence forces.

The conference by 58 votes to 57, decided not to commend the scheme, but in preference to adopting the condemnatory motion decided to affirm the desirableness of a more generous conscience clause in the Defence Act. The first reading of home mission stations contained the following for the Nelson district: Richmond. Mr P. Battey ; Blenheim, Mr S. Cross ; Runanga, Mr M. Ayrton ; Motueka. Mr J. Harris ; Havelock, Mr C. Aker; A water e (Flaxbourr.e 1 ), one wanted ; Murchison, Mr C. H. Kendon.

THE AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE

SYDNEY, March 8.

The Methodist Conference adopted a recommendation that pressure be brought to lioar on the State Government to officially gazette the fact that the Ne Temere decree in no way whatever aft'ects the validity of marriages celebrated under the laws of the State.