Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5371, 3 February 1879, Page 6

BANQUET TO HON. MR. SHEEHAN Thames, Jan. 13. A i:.iNQL"ET was given this ovening to the Hon. the Native Minister in the Greaham Hall. His Worship the Mai'or of Thames (Mr. McCullough) occupied the cli;.ir, tho guest of the evening on his right hand, supported by Col. Frascr, Major Keddcll, R.M. Mr. A. Brodie, Chairmau of tho County Council, occupied the vice-chair. About 100 gentlemen sat down to dinner. The cloth being removed, the usual ioyal toasts were drunk amid geueral cheering,— " The Queen," "The Prince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," "His Excellency the Govornor," &e.

The Mayor proposed the toast of the evening, " Our Guest, the Hon. John Sheehan." (Loud cheers )

The Hon*, the Native Minister, on rising to lespond to the toast, was rectived with lou.l cheers. He said he required no introduction to the people of the Thames. The lion, gentleman, in a speech of some length, detailed the stepß being taken to throw open the Upper Thames country to European settlement. He expressed' his gratification that the Broomhall scheme had L aUeu through.

NEW ZEALAND WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. Fril'AY, January 17th. Ths session of the conference of the Wesleyan Connection in New Zealand was opened on Jan. 17th, in the new Wesleyan Church, Pitt street. There was a large congregation of laity present. Ministers present: Uevs. John Crump (retiring President), William Morley (President), J. Wallis, T. Buddie, J. Warren, 11. H. Lawry, W. Kirk, A. Reid, D. C. H. Schnackenbcrg, J. Whewell, W. Gittos, R. S. Bunn, W. Lee, R. Bavin, H. Bull, J. Law, D. McNicoll, I*. \V. Isitt, G. Bond, S. J. Garlic, \V. Worker, and B. Richardson, Students: Messrs. J. Dellow, P. Wills, and F. \V. Martin. There was a considerable number of lay representatives, and several had yet to arrive. There were also eight caudidates for the ministry. The president for the past year, the Rev. J. Crump, took the chair at 7.30 p.m. and gave out the 478 th hymn : "Are we alive to see each other's face ?" _ The Rev. W. Morley read the third chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians." , , The Rev. James Warren and the Rev. R. Bwin led the meeting in prayer. president's speech.

The President (retiring) addressed tho meeting. He taid it was twenty years since he came to New Zealand, and he was, during the whole of that period, as he was that day, thankful to God for the privilege of connection with this branch of Christ's Church. During the year they had a visit from Dr. Smith, the British representative of the Church, but his stay had not been longenough in New Zealand to mako him thoroughly acquainted with the position and needs of the Church, generally, in this country. He regretted to state tlint two young ministers had to retire during the year through indisposition, and they asked again for a little longer re3t. There was anotheryouag minister who asked for rest. One had baen restored to health, and was now re-occupying the position .he had held. It was a source of gratification to see so many young men occu pied in positions of usefulness aud efficiency to the Church. He represented a deputation from tho 41 Home Mission aud Extension Kuud" in tho Otago District, aud ho took the present occasion to declare the great good that was being worked out by that fund. Thero was a growing need of another fund, namely, a Church Building Fund. Such funds existed in connection with other Conferences. He hoped it would not be long before he saw a fund of tins most useful character in New Zealand. Several caudidates for the ministry had come from England, aud he rejoiccd at this supply of a growing aud pressing want. Several candidates had also been presented by the various circuits. The retiring President then called the Conference to elect their President for the ensaiug year. He must bo a minister of lo years' standing, aud the election would be by ballot. The ballot was taken accordingly, and the retiring President auuouuccd that the Rev. \V. M°iley was elected Presidi-nt of the New Zealand Wesleyan Conference. The announcement was received with applause. The following officers were elected byballot : Secretary to the Conference, the Rev. C. Bavin; assistant secretary, the Uev. J. B. lliohardsun ; journal secretary, tho Rev. \V. Lee ; corresponding secretary, the Rev. H. Bull. _ Hymn 433, " Givo mo the faith that can r6 The retiring President handed to the Pre-sident-elect the journals and seal of the Conference, ami couduo'ed hiui to the chair. Tho President, on tising to address the meetiu", was received with applause. He said he could not find words adequately to express his feeliugs upon taking possession of one office which had been conferred on him. They would have the usual questions before them, the examination of candidate:*, —that of ministerial supply. No less than twelve circuits had applied for a minist r. Everyone of these was a geuuiue case. The granting of at least six of these applications would be imperative. Tho work of tho Church would suffer if this were not done. This is a time when there is a largo harvest to be gathered in, aud all should pray that labourers should be vouchsafed to gather it in. Some help had been received from England, but more would be necessary. lie hoped that parents would regard it as an honour, put upon them by God himself, that their sons should be called to tho work of the ministry. It was not for preachers to talk about money. it was true there were no rich benefices connected with Methodism, neither were there auy starving curacies. It was creditable that tho members of the church provided for their ministers in a manner to sustain them in comfort. He exhorted all to pray for a spirit of application to work. Modern culture was a good thing, but it was not very effective. The Rev. A. Reid moved, "That the cordial thanks of the Conference be tendered to the Rev. John Crump for the most efficient and painstaking manner in which he conducted the business of his office as President of the Conference." The Rev. D. McNicol seconded tho resolution, which was carried unanimously. Tho Rev. Mr. Ckdmp moved, aud the Rev. Mr. Richardson seconded, a vote of tbauks to Air. Morley for his services as secretary to the Conference. The Rev. T. Boddlr supported the resolution, and spoke in terms of high praise of the -zeal, activity, and successful ministerial work done by the present President of the Conference.

Carried unanimously. Saturday, January IStii. The question wa3 asked, " What ministers are now to be admitted into full connexion?" Under this question an application was read from the Rev. Mr. Tiusley, who has resigned his connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, asking the Conference to receive him into their ministry. The President, ex-President, and the Principal of the Three Kings having borne the highest testimony to Mr. Tiusley's character as a Christian gentleman, ability as a preacher, and faithfulness as a pastor, it was unanimously agreed to receive him. Monday, January 20tu. The committee appointed to consider the application of Rev. Ed. Best, of Ireland, brought up their report, and, after due deliberation, the following resolution was unanimously passed:—"That the application of the Rev. E. Best, of the Irish Conference, be received, and that he be offered a place in our ministry. The relation of his children to our -children's fuud, as also his connection with the preachers' fund, must be left] for adjustment to the General Conference, and Mr. Best be informed that in all former applications of a similar kind no claims on our counexional funds have beeu grauted." The report of the committee appointed to examine the students of the Three Kings Institution was submitted, which showed that the students duriug the year hail acquitted themselves well. Tho following were tlio results:—F. W. Martin, for seven subjects, 91 per cent.; W. L. Salter, for five subjects, 39 per cent.; P. Wills, for seven subjects, SO per cent.; J. Dellow, for eight subjects, 74 per cent. The report of the Principal, and that of the Classical Tutor, Dr. Kidd, gave evidence on the part of the students of great proficiency in their studies. Under the question, " What students are to continue to have theological training'!" it was resolved that Mr. F. W. Martin remain in the institution another year, and that Messrs. Dellow, Salter, and Wills be appointed to circuits. I'he Conference decided to receive on trial for the native ministry Hori te Kuri aud Wairema Warena. A favourable report of the former was read from the Rev. Mr. Hammond, and the principal of the Three Kings bore testimony to the piety aud ability of the latter. The question was then asked, " What ministers do we receive from other Conferences ?" and the following answer given : "The Rev. B. Day, previously referred to, and also Rev. Mr. Standage, of the Victorian Conference, who exchanges with the Kev. Mr. Shaw." The question of ministerial supplies from England was deferred uutil the united si-ssion of the Conference. The Rev. Mr. Isitt asked to be placed on the supernumerary list, on tho ground of illhealth, which was agreed to. Rev. J. Berry, who is at present in England, applied through the Kev. A. Reid for his name to be placed on the supernumerary list for another year, when it was resolved, "'l'llit Mr. Berry have- permission to rest for the year." To tho question, "What preachers roni'iin on trial ?" the answer was, " 'I'he Revs. Baumber, Luxford, and Garlick, as having passed their third year of probation ; l£llis, Fee, S. Lawry, and Nielson, as having completed their second year of probation ; anil J. Buttle and J. H. Gray, as having completed their first year." Under tho question, "What ministers have died since last Conference?" an | obituary notice of the Rev. ICarawini Witi,

which had been prepared by the Rev. MrGittos, was read, approved, and adopted. Under the next question, " What persons, who were in full connection with the Conference have now ceased to be recogoised as ministers among us ?" Rev. Mr. Fitchett's resignation was read, and the correspondence between himself and the President was laid before the Conference, and the following resolution passed : —"The Conference accepts with regret the resignation of the Rev. A. R. Fitchett. It desires to bear testimony to the valuable services rendered by him while a minister of the Church, and wishes him in the future a long career o£ public usefulness." Tuesday, January 21st. The Conference re-assembled at 10 o'clock on 21st of January. The Revs. Mr. Watkin and Hori Witi took their seats in the Conference. In addition to the ministers, there were present the following laymen, viz.:— Messrs. T. Buddie, T. McMaster, F. L. Prime, C. J. Stone, J. Edson, R. Hobbs (M.H.R.), W. Ashby, H. Pitt, D. Lewis, \V. Justin, B. Perry, Hadfield, J. Bycroft, Shierlaw, and Ferryman. The Rev. T. Buddie and Mr. Hadtield led the meeting in prayer. The President said he was pleased to see so many laymen present, and in the name of his brethren, gave to them a hearty welcome. He thought every circuit ought to avail itself of its privileges, and elect a representative, and he hoped the mixed session would deal with the matter, and pass a resolution making it binding on Circuits to elect a representative.

The report of the Home Mission and Church Extension Fund was read by Mr. F. L Prime, of which the following is a synopsis : — Receipts: Auckland District, £294 Gs sd; Taranaki and Wanganui Districts, £137 17s; Wellington District, £ISS Is lOd ; Nelson District, £112 16s 2d ; Canterbury District, £556 3s 4d ; Otago District, £141 Gs 9d; connexioual fund, £453 163 ; Rev. J. Aldred, £27 ; Mr. J. Wills, £20; Mr. Dellow, £26: total, £198G 10s 6.1. Expenditure: Grants to Maori Mission, £720 ISs 9cl; grants to English Home Mission agents, £155; grants to Scandinavian Mission, £50; grants in aid of circuits, £3G5 ; grants in aid of parsonages, £313 5s Id ; grants in aid of furniture for parsonage, £200 ; training of students for the ministry, £200; miscellaneous, £122 16s 5s ; extras, £252 15s 9d : total, £2649 10s 7d.

A long and spirited discussion took place on the best means of raising the deficiency, in which several gentlemen took a part. The following resolutiou, of which the Secretary was the mover, and Mr. John Edson was the seconder, was agreed to, viz. : " That a fund for removiug the debt of £060 be started at the Conference at once, promises to be given in to the Revs. Buddie and Reid, and also Messrs. Edaou and T. Buddie, who shall be a committee for this purpose ; and also to suggest an allocation of the balance remaining over the several districts of the colony, and report." Tho following recommendations of the Canterbury District Meeting were discussed, and negatived : —(1.) " That the Confeience appoint a minister of energy as the travelling agent of the fund ; that his residence be in or Wellington, and that during the year he attend nieetiugs to be held in the various circuits of the colony, according to a plan arranged, atul that he also visit places whore no Wesleyau service is now held, and report on the same to the District Meeting and the Conference." (2.) "Or, in the event of its being found impossible wholly to set apart such a minister, that the above-named duty devolve on the President for the time being, who shall devote eight months in the year to this work, aud that to supply his lack of service in his circuit, a minister on probation be appointed as his assistant, the stipend of such minister being paid by this fund." Wednesday, January 22nd. The Conference re assembled on Jan. 22 at 10 o'clock. The estimated income of the Home Mission and Church Extension Fund for 1579 was as follows Auckland, £200 ; Thames, £40 ; Manukau, £20; Waiuku, £10; Waikuto, £20; New Plymouth, £40; Patea, £15; Waugauui, £00; Kangitikei, £25 ; Mauawatu, £40; Wellington, £120; Hutt, £25 ; Grcytown, £35; Napier, £15; Gisborne, £5 ; £45 ; Motueka, £5 ; Blenheim, £25; llokitika, £10; Kumara, £10. Greymouth, £20 ; C'hristchurch (Durham! street), £225; Christchurch (Colombostreet), £30; Christchurch (St. Albau's), £60; Lyttelton, £50; Springton, £40 ; Leeston, £40 ; Kaiapoi, £30; Rangiora, £35 ; Timaru, £40 ; Waimate, £30 ; Temuka, £10; Ashburton, £25 ; Dnnediu, £50 ; Dunedin (Mornington), £10 ; Port Chalmers, £10; Balclutha, £10 ; Lawrence, £10; Roxburg, £5 ; Invercargill, £10 ; Oamaru, £20 ; Tapsnui, £5 ; Waikouaiti, £5 ; Counexional, £475 : total, £2050. It was resolved that the claims should not exceod in all £'2000. It was then agreed, " That tho stipeuds of the ministers on native stations be lixed at £200 per annum, and that all moneys raised on those circuits bo brought to the Home Mission fund." The Conference were favoured with the presence of the Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell, Rev. Mr. Carriek, Rev. Mr. Macnicol, Rev. Mr. Mirams, and Dr. ICidd. In welcoming these gentlemen, tho Ri-r. A. Reid (of Wellington) said that it gave him much pleasure to see present ministers of other denominations. To him it was a sign that tho dilloreufc sections of Christ's Church were drawing closor to each other. He called to mind the time when he, with Mr. Buddie, sat in a committeo of which the Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell was also a member, in which they assisted in the translation of the Bible into Maori. He derive.i much profit from thoso labours, aud believed that such united action tended to the real friendship that at present exists between tho various branches of the Church.

The Presideut then called upon the Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell to speak. Arcbdtacon Maunsell expressed his gratitude to God that, though there wer.o different sections of Christ's Church, yet each portion was doing its peculiar work. He was glad that tho Wesleyans had taken a new start, in that they hail admitted tho laymen into Conference. The lay mind was a peculiar mind, and the clerical mind was also a peculiar mind. For practical busiuess, the clerical mind wjs not completely fitted. But, in admitting the laymen, they had taken a new element of streugth to themselves. Tho Kev. Mr. Miranis, Congregationalist (of Victoria), addressed a few words, relating the pleasant experiences of his connection with diU'ereut Christian bodies in the colonics. The Kev. Mr. Macnicol (of St. James's Presbyterian Church) then addressed the meeting in a very hap|-y style. Tho Kev. Mr. Carrick thought that tho division of the Christian Church into sections was an evidence of design on tlie part of God. Dr. Kidd spoko an his connection with tho training institution. Tho President then called on the Uevs. Buddie and J. Crump, and K. Hobbs, Esq., M.H.K., to address tho meeting. Thursdav, January 23ed. The following appointments were made : —Mr. Frederick Lambert Prime, finnneial secretary of the Hnine Mission fund, and the Kov. Thomas Buddie, general secretary ; and that the executive committee bo the same as last yi ar, with the addition of Messrs. li. Arthur and F. A. White ; that tho following be tho lay treasurers of districts: Auckland, Mr. F. L. Prime ; Taranaki, Mr. J. Hurley ; Wellington, Mr. J. Kalph; Nelson, Mr. J. H. Cock; Canterbury, Mr. C. W. Turner; Otago, Dr. Borrows. The rules of this fund were revised, aud tho following resolution passed :—'"That the rules of tho Homo Mis-iion and Church Extension Fund, as now amended, bo adopted." The members of Conferenco met again at 7.30 p.m. Tho President stated that Mr. J. Harding, of Napier, and Mr. Blackwell, of Kaiapoi, hml arrived and, would tako their scats in the meeting. Tho secretary then read the report of members, &o , of which the following is an abstract:—Number of churches, 151 ; other preaching places, 110; ministers, 5S ; cateehists, S ; Sunday-school teachers, 12G9 ; local preachers, 203 ; class leaders, 1*19; fully credited members, 3192 ; members on probation, 307 ; communicants, 849; catechumens, 371; Sunday-schools, 139; Sunday-school scholars, 11,147; attendants on public worship, 29,054, as against 27,512 of last year.—A conversation followed.— Tho President referred to the religious condition of tlie Wealeyau Churches. Ho thought that tlio condition, on tho whole, was satisfactory and pleasing —Tho Kev. W. Kirk spoke of the good work that had beeu accomplished through Mothodistic agency in tho district of Auckland, and made special reference to the late revival in this city, and its cheering results.—Tho Kev. Mr. Bavin thought thatamoro intense earnestness would be productive of more

satisfactory result?. — Tha ex-President considered that by thoroughly working their ecclesiastical machinery great good would follow.' The cla9s-meetings. he thought, was an institution calculated to foater piety and to protect the young.— The Rev*. Honi Waiti said (the Rev. T. Buddie interpreting) : I think the first cause that led the Maoris to think of religion was, that they heard that the world would soon come to an end. Still they received the truth, and that truth has been developing,—as in Kaipara, in this way, we have adopted the different forms of worship, and have built churches, in ivhieh we conduct the worship of God, make collections every Sunday, and preach to the Maoris. Mr. Gitto3 preaches to the Europeans. If I spoke English I would preach to them also. This was one mistake, that we were not taught English when we were young, but we send our boys to the schools and to the institutions, in order that they may be taught English, and some of them be prepared to preach the Gospel, and return in due time to their homes and their own people. Thus, the people wish that their boys should return to them again, after they have been to school. We wish for several more teachers in JKaipara. God has taken my boy to himself ; he will not return to me, but I shall go to him. I send my second boy, Marten, to fill his place, and that he may bo a teacher of truth. Many of our people have been led astray through intemperance, but my earnest wish and hope are that they will return to the " Lord and Bishop of their souls." Friday, January 21th. The Conference re assembled at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24. Mr. Lewis then read the balance-sheet of the Supernumeraries' and Widows' Fund, which shewed an income of £700 3s, aud au expenditure of £1025 3* 4d. Received and adopted. The balance-sheet of the Contingent Fund shewed an income, including a balance from last year of £228 0s 9d, of £672 19s 10d, and an expenditure of £557 Us sd. Cr. balance: £S5 Ss 5.1. —A vote oi thauks was passed to the Rev. A. Rei<l and D. Lewis, Esq., for their efficient servicesastreasurers of the Connexioual Funds. Mr. Reid and Mr. J. Ballantyne were appointed treasurers of the fund. A vote of thauks was then passed to the Rev. W. Morley and Mr. Harris, as treasurers of the Contingent Fund. It was moved and passed, "That the Superintendent of the St. Alban Circuit and Mr. Harris be the treasurers of this fund.

The following grauts 1Q aid wore passed : | —To Maori Missions : Hokianga station, i £310 Cs ; Kaipara, £81 ; Uaglan, £303 6s ; extras, £'200. Grants to English Home Missions, £155; Scandinavian Mission, £75 ; grants to circuits, £493 ; for parsonage furniture, £150; training students, £250; miscellaneous, £75 ; Manawata, £25 ; extras, £G1 : total, £2175. Monday, January 27th. The afternoon session on Jan. 27 having opened with singing and prayer, the report of Foreign Missions was read by the Secretary, and accepted. The income of the Foreign Mission Fund was reported to be : — Auckland, £32 4s Id ; Taranaki and Wanganui, £18 2}; Wellington, £34 4s Sd ; Nelson, £22 4a id; Canterbury, £49 osGd; Otago, £15 7s 91: total, £171 3s 4d. The financial report of the Three King 3 Institution was read by the Rev. Mr Lawry, and shewed an income of ±'557 0s lOd, ami an expenditure of £524 ISs sd. Moved, " That the most cordial thanks of the Conference be presented to the llev. T. Buddie, Dr. Kidd, Classical and Mathematical Tutor, and the Committee, for their valuable services during the past year, and that Mr. Buddie be re-appointed Principal for tho ensuing year. That the following be the Committee for 1579 : —The ministers of the Auckland and Manukau Circuits, with Messrs. Edson, Hobbs, Prime, T. Buddie, E. Allen, \V. Thorne, J. Gittos, J. Wiseman, J. Bycvoffc, William GritKth, and T. Mc.Uaiters, and that the Superintendent of the Auckland Circuit be Chairman of the Committee. Resolved, "That the students of Three Kings preach a trial sermon during the session of the District Meeting, and a report be presented to the Conference." It was decided to hold the Confereuce of of ISSO at Dunedin. Tuesday, January 23rn. The Conference re-assembled at the usual hour on 2Sth January. The report of the previous day was read and adopted. The following were appointed District Secretaries for Sunday-schools :—Auckland, Ball; Tarauaki, &c., McNicol; Wellington, Rishworth ; Nelson, Smith ; Canterbury, Beck ; Utago, Lewis. District Secretaries of Property: Auckland, Watkin ; Taranaki, W. B. Marten; Wellington, W. J. Williams; Nelson, W. liowse ; Canterbury, J. B. Richardson; Otago, 11. S. Buun. Home Mission Deputations for 1579 : Auckland, President, Buddie, Gittos, and K. Hobbs (M. H. 15.); Taranaki, &c., Lee and McNicol ; Wellington, Kirk ; Nelson, Bavin ; Canterbury, Reid and Richardson; Otago, Reid and Buun; Honi Whiti to visit Napier, Nelson, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago. The most of the session was occupied with the re-adjustment of the stations. The third draft was rod and confirmed. The following are the stations of ministers for 1579 :— Auckland.—Auckland: William Morley (P.esi dent of tlie Conference), Geurpe l.und, Fred. J. PurkcsfPonsonby): John liobbs, James W'allis, If. H. I.awry and John Whewell, supernumeraries. Three Kings Theological and Training Institution : T. lUuldle, principal, lloine Mission and Church Extension l'und: T. Ituddle, general secretary. Thames : W. J. Watkin. Manukau : Ji>hn Law; .J. Warren, supernumerary. Wai ;ku and I'ukokolie : Leonard M. isitt. Waikato : Henry null, Cambridge; onewinted. llagl m, Aotea, and Kawhia : Cort. 11. Schnackenberp: Wirerau I'atene, native minister at Karakariki : Hamiora Ngaroiii, Wh.Uawliata. Kaip ira: William Gittos, T. ft. Brooke; aud Hoa:ii W.ii'.i and Karawini, native ministers. Iloiianga and Whaitgaroa: Thomas G. Uammond ; ltameka Waikeripuru, \Vi Warena I'eira, Mori Tc Kuri, native ministers. Whani*arei : C. Abcrnct'.y. W. Morley, Chairman of District.

Tau\saki anb Wanoa.n*ui —New Hymouth: David McNichol), Lew:s Hudson, \Y. Isitt. supernumeraries. l'aroa : Saul W. Fairclough. Carlyle Wangau'.ii : William Leo. ttangitikui: Samuel Lawry, Martnn. Mauawatu: Wiliun B. Martei, Sandon ; K. C. Oewsburv, Palmerston North. William Lee. Chairman of District. WfLHNCSTON. —Wellin ton: William Kirk, W. T. Williams. Thermion ; one wanted. Maori Mission: II taraka Wariiu. Mutt: Johu S. Rishworth. Wairarapa : W. G. Thomas, Gruytown ; T. Dellow, Masterton. Napier: W. C. Oliver hcanilitiavian Mission: Kdward Nielson. Gisborne: Walter S. i Salke. William Kirk. Chairman of District. I Nklson*.—Nelson : Hamsford Bavin, Secretary of Conference ; William Rowse, Richmond. : Thi-m is G. Carr. llokiiika: John Smith. Kuniera : s. T. Gariick. Greyinouth : Charles A. standagt. C'HRisTcirußdi.—Christchnrch : Durham-street, A. liei<l, William Batimber; John Aldred, supernumerary; editor of Wt'slt'i/an, John W. Anmug*; Colomb) Ko»d, Joseph ?v Snialloy ; Sr. Alban's, John B. Richardson. Lyttelton : W. 11. Keck. Maori Missiou : Tekole, Kaupaki. S;>rinrston : James A. 'laylor. l.eeslon : William Worker. JCaiapoi : John Armitage Uangiora: William CaunelL Timuru : Joseph FT. Walmate : Thomas Kee. Temuki: W. S Ilarper. Ashbnrton : W. K<mll. Alexander Keid, Chairman of District. Otauo.— Dutiedin : John Crump; Mornington, John T. Lewis. I'« rt Chalmers : W. Tinslcy. Bilclutha: T. N. Buttle. Lawrence: John Luxford. Roxburgh : lVt*r Wills. Invercargill : 11. S. liuuu, Ournaru : Henry K. Dewsbury. Tuba-ni : Joseph il. Gray. John Crump, Chairman of District. The recommendations from tlie various district meetings were submitted. The proposal of Canterbury district meeting to establish a school for higher education was freely discussed, and the following resolution was passed, " That the following be a committee to consider the question of establishing a high school or schools for" superior class education, and report to the district meeting, which shall report to the Conference of ISSO, viz : The Keys, the President, Buddie, and Warren, with Messrs. U. Hobbs, Prime, and T. Buddie, jun., the Kev. T. Buddie to be conveuer." It was proposed by the Its v. Mr. Bull. " That the Kev. T. Buddie be requested to collect memoranda for a history of Methodism in New Zealand, and that the supernumeraries of the Auckland circuit bo requested to afford Mr. Buddie all the assistance in their power in the prosecution of this work." The following motion of Mr. Isitt was carried unanimously :—" That the question of the pastoral oversight of the young bo remitted to tho quarterly and district meetings, with a view to considc-ring whether some steps cannot be taken to secure the oversight of all children admitted by bap tiam into our Church." Mr. Harding ("f Napier), next moved, " That this Conference views with alarm the fact that the use of tobacco is enormously on the increase, more especially amongst the young of our country, and recommends the members to do all in their power, both by precept and example, to put a stop to this pernicious habit."

A second motion of rather a sweepiug character on the subject o[ intempcranco was propoaed by Mr. Harding, which was lost in favour of Mr. Bond's amendment, viz., " That this Conference, viewing with alarm the evils, &c., of intemperauee, urges upon all Superintendents of Circuits tho advisability of carrying into effect the regulations on this subject of the English Conferences and tho General Conference of Australia. (See minutes of General Conference, p. 30.)

A letter was read from the Rev. J. Buller, re supply of ministers from England, and it waft decided that the president secure four additional ministers from England during the year. The following motion, by Mr. Hobbs, was unanimously carried, 11 That in the opinion of this Conference the constitution of the Conference should be so amended that our laymen shall take part in and vote on all questions excepting ministerial character and theological examination, and that this be a recommendation to the ensuing General Conference." Mr. Bond moved, " That the International Series of Lvssons be adopted by all our Suu-day-schools throughout New Zealand, and that an annual examination in writing be conducted under the auspices of the Conference, and prizes awarded to successful competitors." Negatived in favour of the President's proposition, "That last year's resolution be re-affirmed,'* which was carried (See minutes, p. 36.) Votes of thanks were cordially and unanimously passed to the assistant journal and corresponding *ecretaries, viz , the Revs. Richardson, Lee, and Bull; also to the Revs. H. Bull (reporter for the Weakyan)* and G. Bond (reporter for the daily Pres?), for their ready services ; and to all the kind friends of the city who have entertained the ministers aud laymen attending the Con- , fereuce. In the evening the journal was read and confirmed, and the president having pronounced the benedictiou, the Conference closed. It is admitted on all hands that the Conference, which is now a thing of the pa9t, has been the best of all 1 the New Zealand Conferences, a fact largely due to the aptitude of thepresident and secretary for tho offices they held.