METHODIST CONFERENCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 5 March 1914, Page 5

METHODIST CONFERENCE

GENERAL BUSINESS. (Unitid Press Association.; DUNEDIN, March 4. In the first list of stations the following are the appointments for the Nelson and Blenheim districts: Nelson, Revj Wm. Baumber ;'•Richmond. Rev. C Eaton, and a home missionary; Tapawera, a nome missionary; Blenheim, Revs. B F. Rothwell, W. G. Maslin, and a home missionary; 'Havelock, a* probationer wanted. It was decided that 'the Wellington South circuit be relieved of a probationer, and.that the staff consists of two marriedf ministers. It was resolved that the second minister in the Blenheim circuit be stationed at Tuamarina, and that the circuit oftV cials be asked to consider the matter of engaging a probationer for Picton. The Rev. C. Griffin's request that- his status be dated from 1876 was granted. The Rev. S. Griffith presented a report of the deaconess committee. A report was received from the committees on temperance and public morals. Resolutions were adopted in regard to Sabbath observance, the liquor problem and industrial unrest. It wa3 resolved to express regret that the Government did not afford an opportunity last session for amending the three-fifth 3 provision of the licensing law, and to | ask that steps 'be taken to have a j Bill passed into law as early as possible. The gambling question was consider- ' ed, and a resolution adopted condemning the totalisator, and deprecating the | recent attempt to moresse the number of totalisator permits. I The report of the committee on the 'balance-sheet was adopted, and the financial.'statements of the various funds approved.* The secretary of the connexional fire insurance office presented a report, which was- received. It . showed capital in the fund of £6398. I After deducting £IOOO voted towards the supernumerary fund, on account of : the ex-Primitive Methodist ministers' organ, the .guarantors of the fund were released froir all liability in view of the satisfactory growth of capital. Appreciative reference was made to the 'following ministers, who'se deaths occurred during the year: Revs. C. E. Beecroft, Wm. Tinsley, Burton H. ! Gino-er. A suitable hymn was sung, and ! : ! the "Rev. Fairclough engaged in prayer, j ! Reports of the welfare of the. church ! ' were presented, and many members of ' ■ the Conference bore testimony to the j yood worlc of visiting missionaries, the j Rev. and Mrs Vallance Cook, Rev. V. j VV Trigge, and Sister Francis. _ I ± series of resolutions was -carried i niacins on record the success that had; | attended the labour of missionaries. 1 Mr Flesher spoke of the difference ! between the church records of Methodist : members and numbers returned accord - | inn- to last census. The Rev. Mr Dawson had paid a great deal of attention to th» question, and would suggest means .for tracing those not within the influence !of the church. The report showed an f inexplicable decrease of 3669 ai the I figures. The recommendations weie number of adherents, formerly church returns approximated to census agreed to.