THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8963, 30 January 1888, Page 3

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE FOR NEW ZEALAND. VOTE FOR SEPARATION CARRIED , BY THIRTEEN. iinthe r [BY telegraph.—PßESS ASSOCIATION.] jg. Wellington, Sunday. The Wcsleyan Conference, in its ministerial session, assembled at nine o'clock yesterday. Messrs. Burrows, Follows, and Laws, of the Wesley College, were admitted as probationers for the ministry. It was agreed to allow Mr. Laws one year's status; Messrs. Chapman, Nott, and Murray to continue their residence at the college. An application from the Rev. Mr. Stevens, of the Newfoundland Conference, for admission, was respectfully declined. On the motion of the Rev. W. Morley, cordial thanks were presented to the president for his lecture. At ten o'clock in its representative session the Conference resumed the consideration of the separation from Australia. Mr. E. C. Brown advocated an independent Conference, and argued that tho quarterly meeting vote had decided the question. The Rev. H. Bull explained that his views had undergone a change. He believed that organic union with Australia was decidedly beneficial. The geographical and financial arguments were criticised, and the value of the quarterly meeting vote examined. If the vote were remitted once more for consideration he believed that with the new light thrown upon the subject the result would be different. He concluded by urging several reasons for maintaining the present union. Mr. G. Wxnstone declared in favour of separation, and Mr. F. A. White against. He said there was greater need of spiritual power than of organic change. Rev. J. Berry spoke in eloquent terms in favour of separation. Rev. A. J. Taylor defended the action of the Auckland District Meeting, and argued strongly and forcibly against the motion. Shortly after noon the Rev. W. Morley was called upon to reply. The several points of objection to the motion were carefully and ably examined. He expressed his strong disapprobation of caucuses aa exceedingly injurious to the church, and closed a brilliant speech by expressing the hope that the motion would be carried. The following is the result of the voting :— For separation M M 39 Against ... 26

The motion was carried by 13 TJife ultimate decision remains with the General Conference, which meets next May in Melbourne.

Voting then proceeded for representatives to the General Conference. There were 21 nominations of ministers for an election of nine. The following is the result in numerical order:—Revs. W. Morley, Berry, W. C. Oliver, D. McNicoll, J. Lewis, J. A. Taylor, W. Lee, F. W. Isitt, and W. Baumber. For Lay representatives there were 24 nominations for an election of 11. The following is the result of the voting: Messrs. T. Buddie, H. W. Perryman, W. Moxham, F. L. Prime, W. H. Harris, C. C. Brown, J. Knight, J. C. George, F. A. White, J. T. Smith, and R. Snodgrass. The following are members of the General Conference ex officio :—Revs. W. J. Williams, R. Bavin, H. Bull, and Mr. J. L. Wilson of Auckland. *

The Conference adjourned till Monday, the third reading of appointments to be taken on Wednesday.