ECCLESIASTICAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9083, 18 June 1888, Page 10

ECCLESIASTICAL.

THE WESLEYAN GENERAL CONFERENCE. THE TONGA QUESTION. Our Melbourne correspondent, writing on the 17th May, says : —" The termination of the Tongan question was very striking. The debate had lasted into the second day, and only half the speakers had aired their eloquence, when the discussion was brought to a sudden termination by the announcement that the Rev. Mr. Moulton wished to make ' a statement. With breathless interest the Conference waited, when Mr. Moulton announced that he was willing to retire from Tonga if it could be arranged to send the Rev. G. Brown there, who, he said, was well acquainted with the language ; and though he was supposed to be favourable to Mr. Baker, possessed the entire confidence of all parties. Mr. Brown said he was willing to go if his wife was agreeable, though it would be a great sacrifice. The sensation in the Conference was almost indescribable. Some were so overcome that they wept, even tho ex-president (Rev. J. H. Fletcher) was too much affected to lead the Conference in prayer. The doxology was sung, and apologies were made by several speakers for anything harsh that might have been said, and general reconciliation all round took place. Party feeling had run so strong and the Conference was so evenly balanced that, whichever way the question had gone, the defeated party would have felt humiliated and sore, and when a solution was presented which avoided this, there was a general feeling of relief. Mr. Moulton bade the Conference good-bye on the following day, and took his departure for Tonga. Mr. Brown is to proceed thither as soon as possible, and Mr. Moulton returns to Sydney, where he will be engaged making translations into the Tonga language. A telegram from that noble woman, Mrs- G. Brown, was read in Conference yesterday, in answer to one sent by her husband. It was as follows :—' I am prepared to go if you think it your duty.' This was received with great applause." INTERCOLONIAL EXCHANGES. Our correspondent, under date May 23, say : —" The General Conference of the Methodist Church completed its session at Melbourne on the 23rd May. One of the most protracted conversations was the one that related to the interchange of ministers between the different colonies. After three adjournments the following final decision was finally arrived at, to take effect in 1889. The Rev. Rainsford Bavin and J. J. Simmonds leave New Zealand, the former to join the New South Wales, the latter the South Australian Conference. Those who take their places in New Zealand are the Revs. Edgar and O'Donnell, the former coming from Victoria and the latter from South Australia. Both these names were heartily accepted by the New Zealand representatives at the General Conference. They are considered very superior men, and are in the first rank of their respective Conferences. They are both earnest evangelists, and take a leading part in the temperance movement. The other changes do not affect New Zealand; they are as follows :—Hopkins, from New South Wales to South Australia ; Knight, Bullae, Hadley, from South Australia to Victoria ; Grower and Hyatt, from Victoria to South Australia. A long discussion took place on tne desirability of widening the basis of churcn membership, so as to include a large number who are connected with the church, but not regarded as members through not attending 'class meetings." After a pro tracted debate it was agreed, on a close division, to refer the matter in the n»» place to the several colonial Conference?, their recommendations to be brought up » the next General Conference. The nest General Conference is to be held in Sydney in May, 1891, if so decided by three colonial Conferences it is to bo held a year earner (1890). It is thought that this earlier meeting may be considered necessary r h account of the important questions wnic have been left unsettled, such as the io-V* matter and the basis of church memoership." _

A recital of sacred music was given at St. Matthew's Church on the 31st May, tne™ being a large attendance. A choice programme . was excellently rendered, * accompaniments were played by Mr. vvi

recital of sacred music was held „(• All A recital of sacred music was held asai Saints' Church, Ponsonby, on the Ist.June, there being a large attendance. " "5 companiments to the vocal numbers rendered by Mr. V. E. Rice with admirable fleet.

A valedictory soiree was tendered to Mr. T. L. Wilcock on the 16th of May in the Temperance Hall. About 200 friends sat down to tea, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. Wilcock has been a prominent temperance worker in Auckland, and the various associations were represented among the speakers. Choral services were held on June 8 in St. Mary's pro-Cathedral in connection tfith the opening of the new portion of the church, and there were crowded congregations morning and. evening. The Ven. Archdeacon Maunsell, formerly incumbent of the parish, preached at the morning service, and the Rev. Mr. Beatty, warden of St. John's College, in the evening. A most disgraceful scone occurred on June 1 ft the Presbyterian Church, New Plymouth. Mr. Breach, who was minister several years ft go at the old church (since burned down), has suddenly asserted some claim to the ne w building for alleged arrears of salary. He took possession of the church on the 31st May, taking off the lock and putting on a new one, and placing a padlock on the gate. When the church committee became aware of this action they procured the assistance of two policeman and a locksmith, and burst open the door. While so engaged Breach came on the scene, rushed excitedly at the constables, and endeavoured to force an entrance into the church. A scuffle ensued between the police and Breach, which ended in Breach— considerable difficulty—being ejected from the premises. ; A watchman has been placed in the building all night to guard against another attempt to take possession. The Salvation Army have decided to send \ a " Native Contingent" into Maoriland, j beginning the campaign at Upper Whanga- | nm, and making their way right through the j King Country, where in all probability they i will go to the North among the Ngapuhi. !