METHODIST CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 25 February 1931, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH

DAY OF PRAYER WOMEN AS MINISTERS (By Telegraph—Press Association) DUNEDIN, 24th February. 'i'iie Methodist Conference this morning agreed to the request of Archbishop Averill to co-operate in a day of prayer on Bth March asking for the guidance of those dealing with unemployment problems. A keen discussion look place on the question as to whether women home missionaries should be registered under the Marriage Act. The Rev. S. Lawry moved that the conference take steps to induce Parliament to make the necessary alteration of the Marriage Act so that it might be possible for women homo missionaries to be recognised as officiating ministers. There was a wide difference of opinion. The Rev. G. Frost moved an amendment that the privilege be not granted till the Church had decided the question as to whether it was expedient, lawful, and advisable to admit women to the holy ministry. The amendment was lost by 86 votes to 59. The motion was carried. A recommendation requesting the conference to appoint a commission on the subject of church membership and other related matters for all periods from infancy to adult life, with a view to improvement upon the present theory and practice in each 'grade, and especially to emphasise the value of church membership in childhood both to the child and the Church, was adopted. The report of. the orphanages in New Zealand showed that 200 children were being cared for, and provision was being made for an extension of the Papanui Orphanage to accommodate 80 boys. The report of the principal of Wesley College, Paerata, Mr S. C. Clark, showed that the college had had a successful year, although the prevailing financial stringency had resulted in a decrease in revenue for the year. At present 97 boys (70 European and 27 Maori and Island) were being trained. During the year the dairy herd was increased from 60 to 80 cows with the object of meeting falling prices with increased production, and at shows during the year the college had been successful, particularly with pigs. Despite the increase of production, tli every low prices for produce had made it a difficult year, both as regarded finance and the management of the school itself.

The Youth Movement reports indicated that there were 22,057 Sunday School scholars, 3198 teachers, and 7366 Bible class members on the rolls. The value of camps in providing teachers, candidates for the ministry and church members was emphasised. Cordial appreciation was expressed of the work of the Rev. B. It. Hames as travelling secretary of the Young Men’s Bible Class Union during the last two years.

PRESENTATION TO DR, LAWS DUNEDIN, This Day. Glowing tributes to his worth as a scholar, teacher, and a man were paid to the retiring principal of Trinity Methodist College (Dr. C. 11. Laws), at the Methodist Conference last night, and he was presented with an illuminated address. Dr. Laws stated that of the 44 years which he had spent in the ministry he had spent 33 on circuit work, during which time he made many friendships, which he treasured and esteemed. He loved teaching and if he had not been a minister he would have been a teacher. He had overhauled the curriculum of the college and organised a three years’ course in most of the main subjects in order that students might gain a good groundwork for their future studies. The rapid growth of the college had resulted in the appointment "of Dr. Ranston as tutor, and no words could express his appreciation of the exeellent work done by Dr. Ranston. He thanked the conference for the address, which he would always treasure, and stated that his devotion to the church would continue while life lasted.