WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10080, 16 March 1896, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

MINISTERIAL SESSION. _ This Conference met in Ministerial Session at 9.30 a.m., on Saturday. Prayer was led by the Rev. T. W. vea e. The record of the preceding session was read and adopted,

EXAMINATIONS. , The Secretary submitted the Committe proposals with regard to the Boar V Examiners, and arrangements for exam dons, etc. On the motion of thei KeV\ YY. Morley, it was further resolved I hat an examination of ail probationers be conducted at the District Synod, the chairman ot tne district, selecting some book from the list recommended for reading, appointing some minister in the district to examine therein, a different book being selected for each year 01 probation." pastoral address. , The Ex-President read the draft 01 tne pastoral address. After some sugfieste emendations the address was adopted. ministers' meetings. On the motion of the Rev. W. MoRLEYi It was resolved that the ministers in the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and the suburbs of these cities, oa directed to hold a monthly meeting for tn promotion of brotherly intercourse, ana tor consideration of matters affecting the Lhurcn as a whole in those cities.

candidates' examination. On the motion of the Kev. S. La wry. it was resolvod, "That the question of providing for the examination of candidates for tlio ministry and ordination prior to Conference bo referred to the District Synod of to report to the next Conference." ASSISTANT TO the PRINCIPAL of WESLEY COLLEGE. . , Resolved, "That, if no other suitable arrangement can be made within a 00 '' 1 ' Mr. D. Weatherall he appointed to assist the Principal of Wesley College, Three Kings, during this year." ...... -„i This completed the work of the Ministerial Conference.

REPRESENTATIVE SESSION. At eleven a.m. the Conference resolved itself into representative session. 'Notice of motion re order of Conference business was given by the Rev. W. Motley. BOARD OF GOVERNORS. The name of Rev. H. R. Dewsbury was substituted tor that of Rev. H. Hull as one 01 the governors of Princo Albert Collogo.

FOREIGN MISSIONS. _ The business of foreign missions was resumed. , , , . . It was resolved "1. That the balauce'shcot be read and adopted, and printed in the minutes. 2. That the thanks of the: Conference be presented to the Row S. J. Gibson for his services as secretary for foreign missions during the past year. 3. That the Board of Missions bo requested, if practicable, to send a returned missionary, and that in tho event of none being available, arrangements be made to obtain for annual foreign missionary meetings the services of returned missionaries now in New Zealand. 4. I hat a Foreign Mission Committee be appointed ot ministers and laymen resident in or near Wellington ; that the duties of the committee be to secure and diffuse information concerning the foreign missions of the Church, to take steps for svsteinatising the effort in the several circuits to secure more fully the aid of the Christian Endeavour societies, and so obtain a larger income for this important department of our Church work. 5. That this committee by correspondence with the chairmen of districts arrange for tho time of holding the public meetings, and for efficient deputations to attend tho same. 6. That the following bo the committee: The Revs, tho 1 rcsmont, J. H. Gray, J. Ward, and Messrs. W. Murk ham, J. Kershaw, and R. Waterhouse; Rev. J. Ward, convener. 7. Hint the chairmen of districts be as hitherto the treasurers of the fund m this colony. 8. That the Conference regrets that although frequent representations have been made to the Board re the late publication of the annual report, 110 improvement lias been effected. The Conference trusts that attention will be given to this matter, and that in future the reports will be received not later than the month of June in each year, and that the General Secretary bo requested to send to each superintendent in the colony the abstract of the Foreign Mission report. Other resolutions of last year were reaffirmed.

SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. The General Secretary (Rev. G. Bond) brought up tho report on Suuday-schoo s. This was received and adopted. The thanks of tho Conference were presented to the District Secretaries for 189.), and the following wero appointed for 1896 Auckland District, Rev. S. Lawry; Wanganui, Rev. L 11. Garland; Wellington, S. J. Uarlick; Nelson, G. W.J. Spence: Canterbury.W.G. Parsonson; Otazo, T. N. Griffin. Other resolutions, 4, 6, 7, of minutes, IS!).), were reaffirmed. Resolution 5 was adopted, with the addition of a column showing the number of schools belonging to the Counexional Sunday-school Union. Rev. G. Bond was thanked for his services as General Secretary for 189.5, and the Rev. W. G. Parsonson was appointed for 189G, and the Rev. C. Penney as Assistant Secretary.

TEMPERANCE. Rev. J. N. Buttle brought up the report on Temperance, which was icad. The report Stated that there was no lack interest in temperance matters, and the Church and the people generally were alive to the importance of a more direct control of the liquor traffic being secured. In many of the churches excellent work was being done in the Hands of Hope. The latest Liquor Act gave the people more control than formerly, but there were many points upon which temperance workers required improvements. The returns showed an increase in the number of societies, and also in membership. There was one important item sent forward by one of the district secretaries, viz., that unfermented wine is not used in all the churches. The committee were of opinion that the mention of this would be sufficient to secure the falling into linn of all tho churches. The following sro the returns: —Auckland district, 19 societies, 3273 members, in connexional society 730; Wauganui, 12 societies, 1420 memhers; Nelson, 7 societies, 521 members; Wellington, 11 societies, 1021 members; Canterbury, 26 societies, 2152 members; Otago, 1053 members: total, 86 sooieties, 9140 members; in connexional society, 730; increase, 7 societies, 1936 mombers.

THE CONFERENCE LUNCH. After the usual Conference lunch in the Wesley Hall, the President (Rev. Mr. Biumber) said it was the last time they would meet together around the social board. They were indebted to tho churches and to the young ladies of the respective churches for so kindly caring for them and entertaining them day by day. Such conduct merited a hearty vote of thanks. Ho would call upon the Rev. A. C. Lawry to propose a vote of thanks, and he was sure the rev. gentleman would lose a sense of duty in tho feeling of joy at fulfilling the request. The Rev. A. C. Lawry mado a humorous and characteristic speech in proposing the vote of thanks. On behalf of the ejorgy he thanked the friends who had so kindly entertained them, not only the young ladies, but the ladies of maturer years who had set aside their domestic duties at much inconvenience to minister to personal comfort and wants of thoso attending the Conference. The visitors had asked for water and wero given milk, and they " brought forth butter in a lordly dish, but he could not go oil with tho quotation, for the ladies instead of "nailing ' their heads had nailed them in a tenderer part — 111 their hearts, affections, and sympathies. Laughter,) , , 1 , Mr. H. N. Jones (Ashburton) returned thanks in graceful terms on behalf of the laymen. The motion was carried by acclamation. On behalf of the Conference the President tendered the vote of thanks to the ladies

concerned. . Mrs. Sciinackenberg replied on behalf of

the ladies. . , , .. The President said that after what Mrs. Schnackcnberg had said they should accord a hearty vote of thanks to the circuit stewards, coupled with tho name of Mr. Ambury. The vote was carried by acclamation. AFTERNOON SESSION. Conference re-assembled in representative session at two p.m.

TEMPERANCE. The consideration of teinporance matters was resumed. Resolutions 2 and 3of minutes of 1895 were re-affirmed. On the motion of Mr. H. Field, the Conference directed that temperance sermons bo preached on the last Sunday preceding tho general elections. _ .. The following wero appointed to collect information during the year, and report to the district Synod: — Auckland _ district, Rovs. J. J. Mathers, Wanganui, l. Jones; Wellington, J. S. Smalley; Nelson, T Fee; Canterbury, f. G. Brooke; Otugo, J. N. Buttle. The Rev. J. N. Buttle, secretary of committee, is the officer to whom reports are to' be sent for presentation to Conference. ~ , , , ~, Resolved that the cordial thanks of the Conference be presented to Rov. J. N. Buttle for his services as secretary of tho lumperauco committee, and also to the district secretaries for their services during the past

year. . ~ , Resolved oil the motion of Mr. <»• J. SMITH, "That ill asnuich as the Conferences of our Church, both' general and annual, havo repeatedly condemned intemperance one of the most terrible evils that exist. and inasmuch as it is now proved beyond a doubt that as long as the liquor traffic exists in-

temperance will continue & scourge of the human race, this Conference heartily rejoice in the facilities furnished by recent legislation in this colony, whereby the power of the people to prohibit the liquor traffic has been greatly enlarged. The Conference urges it as a solemn duty upon the members and adherents of the church, in view of the awful devastation wrought by strong drink, to avail themselves of their rights as Christian citizens at tho forthcoming; local option poll, and to vote the liquor traffic out of existence."

A further motion was submitted by Mr.

After somo discussion it was displaced by a resolution to proceed with the next business.

A letter was received from the Women's

Christian Temperance Union, and it was resolved " That this Conference expresses its hearty sympathy with the Women's Christian Temperance Union in the noble warfare they are carrying on against intemperance, gambling, and impurity." CONFERENCE LECTURE. * The Committee on the Conference Lecturo recommended "That in view of increasing demands on the time of Conference, the Conference Leoture be discontinued." Carried, METHODIST ADJUSTMENTS. Mr. Tnos. Allen moved, and Rev. Mr. Oliver seconded, "That for the purpose of preventing friction and overlapping of Church effort, the Methodist Union Committoe form a committee in Canterbury, and the corresponding members of the same in other centres, to confer with the other Methodist Church authorities to arrange and co-operate in all cases whero there is an appearance of rivalry, the object being to promote a spirit of union in the fullest sense of the word." Carried.

CONNEXIONAL FIRE INSURANCE. The Rev. W. Morley brought up a report by the Committoe on Counoxional Fire Insurance. It was resolved that nothing be done at present, and that tho Committee be thanked for their eorvices, and that they be discharged. EARLY COLONIAL RECORDS.

The Rev. H. Bull reported that material was still accumulating, but that nothing had been done in the way of publishing. BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. The Secretary reported that five of the Synods had recommended in favour of Bible reading in schools. The Secretary of Conference moved, and the Rev. W. Gittos seconded, "That this Conference whilst being strongly opposed to State aid to denominational schools, heartily accopts the suggestion of the Bible in Schools Association to amend the Education Act in favour of introducing a Scripture Text-Book into the State schools." Mr. Hamks strongly opposed the introduction of the Irish Scripture Text Bookunsuitable, and as not really giving religious for that was the book really meant—as being instruction in the proper sense of the term. The Rev. Mr. Gibson stated that he came

from New South Wales, and the Irish Scripture Text Book was in use in the State

Schools, aiuLanswered every purpose. The Rev. TV. Gittos said there were many things in the Irish Scripture Text Book of which he disapproved, but it was better than nothing. It would be the thin end of the wedge for something better. Mr. Andrew (Rangitikei) said the Conference should give an intelligent vote on this subject, and not vote on a book nine-tenths of them had never seen or read. To test their knowledge he would ask that all the clergy who had seen or thoroughly read tho book should hold up their hands. [Not a single hand was held up in response to tho appeal.] He could only conclude from the result of the appeal that not a single clergyman had either seen or thoroughly read the book. They wero simply proposing to impair a splendid system of national education, paving the way for denominational education, and strengthening any tendency which existed towards sacerdotalism. If they thought they would reconcile the Catholics by that text-book to the national system, they were mistaken. Already the Catholic ecclesiastical authorities had stated they were opposed to tho Irish Scripture Textbook. Tho school readers of tho State schools contained many excellent lessons in morality and a good deal of theology, and was not the godless" system its enemies affirmed. If they were going to have religious instructions in the public schools, let them havo such instruction worthy of the name, and introduce the Bible itself. The Rev, Mr. Rotiiwell stated that many of the people who signed the petition for the introduction of the Irish Scripture Textbook knew nothing whatever about it.

Many of the Anglicans whom he met, simply said, " We know nothing about the book, and have never seen it, but the Bishop wants it, and we take it for granted that he is right." It was with these views that many ot them signed the petition. Mr. Jones was in favour of tho introduction of the Text-book. Amid cries of "vote!" the motion was passed by a large majority, there being several dissentients. TIME OF HOLDING SYNODS. On the motion of the Rev. H. Bull, "That it be recommended to the various synods the time of holding tho synods throughout the colony be uniform, and that the synods of 1896 bo held in tho last week of November." SUPPRESSION of GAM UMNO. The Rev. W. J. Williams moved, "That this Conference deplores the prevalence of the gambling evil in this colony, and earnestly hopes that the members and adherents of our church will use all the means in their power to put down this evil." Mr. Watson said they should put down ecclesiastical gambling at bazaars, and draw the line sharply as to what constituted gambling. Mr. Morley observed that the laws of tho church prohibited any form of gambling. The President stated that any superintendent who allowed gambling in his circuit in church bazaars, etc., would subject himself to the discipline of the Conference. The Rev. Mr. Rotiiwell said tho Church was getting into line with somo of the sister denominations in this matter. He scarcely ever heard now of a single case.

The Rev. Mr. Spence : Gambling neve: :iad a hold of the Wesleyan Churoh. general returns.

On the motion of the Secretary, the returns of Church members were taken as read. It was resolved that the authorities of the uniting Churches bo requested to furnish a tabulated statement of tho number of members, etc., to be published as an appendix to the printed minutes. On tho motion of the Secretary, tho following was adopted for entry in tho journal and minutes" This Conference records its grateful sense of the measure of prosperity which has attended our operations during the year past, our statistics showing an increase of 801 church members, 18 Sunday-schools, 849 scholars, 104 teachers, 191 teachers who havo joined tho Church during the year. We note further an increase in new Church enterprises and Churoh extension genorally, as well a3 in the matter of higher education. We are deeply sensible of the urgent need of a gracious revival of God's work in our midst, and wo now agree to seek by fervent and humble prayer a more abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit on ourselves and our poople, while we devoto ourselves more entirely to the work to which God has called us."

THANKSGIVING MEETINGS. It was docidcd that the committoo oil Methodist Union arrange the deputation in connection with thanksgiving meetiugs. votes 01? thanks. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the friends for entertaining the ministers and laymen attending Conference, to the circuit ministers aud officials; the Press, for extended reports; to tho assistant secretaries, the journal and corresponding secretaries, to the precentor, and Miss Doughty and tho flower committee. BIBLE CHRISTIANS AND FREE MELODISTS. The Rev. Mr. Orchard (Bible Christian) said he desired, on behalf of himself and his people, to thank the Conference for the courtesy shown to their delegates. It had been a great wrench to some of them to leave the Church in which they had been for a lifetime, but he believed the union of the two Churches would prove a blessing. Dr. Hosking (United Free Methodist) spoka in a similar strain. He would go back to his people and state how cordially he had been met and treated, and that would bring about a real brotherhood and union, _ The President expressed his gratification at the sentiments uttered by the Rev. Mr. Orchard and Dr. Hosking. As to the terms of the union, he could only say, " One is our Master, even Christ, aud wo aro all brethren."

CLOSE OF CONFERENCE. After the singing of a hymn, and prayer by tho Rev. H. Bull, the Conference closed, and resumes at ten a.m. to-day, in order that the journal be read and the minutes of proceedings be verified. As many members as can attend are requested to do so.