THE WESLEY AN METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10300, 27 November 1896, Page 6

THE WESLEY AN METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

-» — • MINISTERIAL SESSION.

The annual meeting of the Auckland Synod of the Wesley an Mefchodicta Church was opened yesterday in the schoolroom of Pittstreet Church. Present: : Revs. H. Bull (chairman of the district, presiding) W. J. Williams (secretary of the conference), A. Peters (Pitt and Vincent-streets), T. W. Yealie (Kingsland), J." Smith, E. Best, J. H. Simmonds (principal of Wesley College), W. A._ Sinclair, J. Crump, H. R. Dewsbury, A. Mitchell, H. H. La wry, W. Gittos (superintendent of Maori Miuioiu), J. W. Worboyi S. J. Serpell, S. Griffith, 8. Lawry, W. J, Watkin, J. S. worth, F. B. Oldham, L Hudson, J. J. Mather, J. Law, A. Ashcroft, G. Frost, Wi Warena Pewa (Te Kopua), H. W. Ringi, Hanraki Paul, P. Rakena, T. Herekini (Whirinaki). Home Missionaries: Messrs. G. Pearson, G. St-sphoneon, J. Boldswortb, H. Price, G. H. Bridgman. The Rev. T. A. Jongbin is in England. Dispensations were granted the Revs W. Worker and S.J. Gibson. A letter of fraternal sympathy was directed to be sent to the Rev. W, Worker, who has passed his four score years of age, and whoso ministry dates from 1841. The Synod entered into ministerial session at half-past nine, opened with singing and prayer by the Rer. W. Gittos. The following officers were elected Rer. S. Lawry, secretary; Rev. A. Peters, association secretary ;-Rev. B. F. Rothwell, Journal secretary ; Rev. T. W. Vealie, to supply information to the press; Rev. S. Griffith, Advocate reporter. Hours of sessions—Morning, half-past nine to halfpas twelve? afternoon, two to five; evening, seven to nine. Rev. S. Lawry brought forward notice of motion from tho Helensrille Home Mission Station asking Conference to grant permission to the Home Mission agents the right to administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. ' FINANCIAL SESSION". The Synod then entered into financial session, the laymen also being present, namely: Pitt-street, Messrs. W. Gnnson and T. Hodgson; Freeman's Bay, Mr. S. Parker; North Shore, Messrs. W. Wilkinson and P. H, Mason; Grafton Road, Messrs. G. Kent and J. Lawry; Thames, Messrs. .M. Paul and S. Hotherington; Upper Thames, Messrs. W. Hetherington and C. F. Spooner; Manukau, Messrs. G. D. Smith and C. C. Fleming; Franklin, Mr. T. Walker; Cambridge, Mr. G. S. Dixon; Hamilton, Mr. R. T. Millar; Northern Wairoa, Mr. James Troanson; Tanranga, Mr. James Turner; Coromandel, Messrs. W. Cox and R. Tyndall. Lay Treasurers: Mr. F. L. Prime. Home Mission Fund; Mr. T. Buddie, Supernumerary Fund; Mr. T. Allen, Prince Albert College; Mr. G. A. Buttle, Probert Trust; Mr. John Edson, Native Education Trust; Mr. Thomas McMaster, Wesley College, TTiree Kings. Prayer was offered by_ the Rev. H. H. Lawry and Mr. Smith, The Rev. H. ttuii, presiding officer, then delivered the ANNUAL ADDRESS. I Dear Fathers and Brethren,—ln the order of God's good providence we are favoured to assemble in this annual Synod for the transaction of business relating to the welfare of the Church in the Auckland district, and also to make such recommendations to the Conference as may be deemed desirable for the general good of the Church in this colony and in the colonies of Australia, We heartily welcome those lay representatives who meet in Synod for the first time to-day. We warmly welcome, too, the return of tne Rev. H. R. Dewsbury to this district, and are also dad to have the presence here, for the first time, of the Revs. Arthur Mitchell and George Frost. Also to greet the Rev. S. Griffitn, after his visit to Europe, and the Rers. J. W. Worboys and A. Peters, formely of the United Methodist Free Church. Methodist Union: Since the last annual Synod, Methodist Union, so far as the Wesleyan, the United Methodist Free Churches, and the Bible Christian Churches are concerned, has been happily consummated. _ In thus entering into corporate church union, an occasion of scandal and reproach, so far as these Churches are affected, has been removed. It can no longer be said of these Churches that, holding identical doctrinal views, and professing to labour for one common purpose and end, they are guilty of unchristian rivalry, or of perpetuating divisions which are repugnant to the Spirit of Christ, and not calculated to promote the glory of God. The Church Property Trust Act, 1896: Daring this year an important step has been taken in liberating the Church from State control. The Weslcyan Methodist Church Property Trust Act, 1887, Further Amendment, has passed the General Assembly of this colony, and become law. Besides giving legal sanction to Methodise Union, and causing Church properties held by the three uniting churches to vest in the united Church, this Act gives power to the annual Conference to appoint any of its ministers year by year for five years, or for such greater number of years as the General Conference may authorise, to the same church without further application to the Parliament of the colony. This measure might fittingly be termed the Liberation Act, for, owing to it, the Church now enjoys freedom from .Parliamentary control in appointing its ministers, and is no longer hampered in its spiritual and expanlive movements by political fetters. The General Conference, representing the strength and wisdom of the Australasian Church, is the fountain of our ecclesiastical legislation, and under the government of this supreme court there is every reason to expect a continuance of peaceful progress. The General Conference: I may remind you that Auckland is to be honoured with the next sessions of the Triennial General Conference. Only on one previous occasion, 1884, at Christchurob, has this legislative court of the church been held in New Zealand. In less than twelve months representatives from Australia and Polynesia may be expected to join with New Zealand representatives in holding in this city the eighth General Conference of Australasia.

Archbishop Benson: We join in deep sympathy with tho Anglican Church over the departure at a comparatively early age of a great ecclesiastical leader. The Right Rev. Dr. Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, passed away at the post of duty and in the midst of work. This eminent man rendered excellent service in dealing with the question ot Anglicau Orders the validity of which the Pope denied. In the eyes of the Pope, outside tho Roman and Greek denominations, the highest ecclesiastic is nothing more than an ordinary layman, possessed of no authority or power for the efficient performance of sacramental rites, or for the dun fulfilment of other sacred ministerial f unotions. Nothing short of re-ordination ..at the hands of meu who claimed to be exclusively in the direot line of apostolical succession could confer the requisite power. These lofty pretensions of the Papaoy are of course not new: Arch.deacon Manning and J. H. Newman had to enter by the lay door, and humbly submit to re-ordination. But these when recently made by the Pope, were admirably met by the late Archbishop,— met, indeed, as to awaken interest in Churches outside the Anglican communion, on account of tho identical oharacter of the views expressed by the Aohbishop with those long held by themselves. The line of reasoning pursued, by Dr. Benson is broad, sound, and truly scriptural. • It is truly scriptural, inasmuch as it accords with the teacning of Christ, whose doctrine is, by thoir fruit, and not by their , assumptions, ye shall know them. That our orders are valid, says the Archbishop, is clear from this, " thas the promise of Christ has been fulfilled' to out* people in our histoicy. and is being fulfilled at the present moment.- This is firm ground,' upon 1 which-all evangelical Churches may securely rest. We depend not on tbe musty records . of < a. remote and misty antiquity, with j such uncertain. connecting links . as " intention," 'competency," and "sufficiency" of conseurators, but upon such an effectual realisation of 'the; Presence and promise of Christ in 1 the Church and in ; the Church's work as is expressed in the famous apothegm of Wealey, "Tho best of all is, God is with °Prinoe Albert College t' The success of Prinoe Albert College: The success of Prince Albert College has , been of > a pronounced character. • Some 18 months ago it was opened with 33 pupils. There are now 160 day scholars ana boarders. During the year the new building for; girls has been opened ; with most encouraging results. ; At the present .time i the ■ trustees * are taking steps to meet 'the demand for extra acoom-' raodatiou'for boys by a sonaiderabls enlargement of the main building. It is' expected 'that the ; additional emotions will'be completed: by the end of January so as to be ready to receive an j increased ' number ; of scholars at the opening term of 1897.; • , ; • < Theological Institution:; The! Theological Institution continues to render good service in preparing youug men for the work of the Christian ministry. Six students were in residence at the commencement of l the year. To supply an unexpected vacancy, Mr. J. A. ' Hosking was called out by the President of tlv fl Conference, thus reducing tbe number to five. These young i men; have j shown; diligence, and' made. good progress in their studies. ;■ A' full ; report, embodying all par-;, ticulars relating thereto, will be laid before the Synod by the Rev. J. Q, Sitnmootyi goyeww of too institution : , •

Church Extension: Consequent upon the increase of population at Coromandel there has been a ' considerable ' extension of the work of the Church throughout that district In; the place of a solitary home missionary, there is now & resident minister, in addition to two Home Mission agents, in the country parts ;of the;' circuit. The congregation has outgrown the capacity of the Coromandel Church, and steps are being taken to erect a more commodious building. New churches, too, will be erected at Kuaotunu and Cabbage Iky. The re rival of the miuing industry has made itself felt in the enlarged const tions at the Thames and through the Upper Thames. _ At the Thames a new Sundayschool will shortly be erected to meet the growing requirements of the work. The needs of the Upper Thames churches will claim your thoughtful attention. As to whether this part of the district should be constituted a separate circuit, or whether it should have the services of a probationer with a superintendent at Te Aroba or at the Thames, will be for you to recommend for Conference decision. At Kinesland the congregation shows a great numerical increase. A more suitable site in the same locality has been acquired, a new body of trustees appointed, and foundation stones for a church dedicated to the Holy Trinity laid. Foreign Missions: You will be _ glad to learn that the income from the circuits of this district for the foreign mission fund shows an increase of more than £40 over the income of last year. The following circuits report an increase of income, viz.North Shore, Grafton Road, Thames, Upper Thames, Manukau, Franklin, Hamilton, Paparoa, Northern Wairoa, Tauranea, Coromandel, and the Bay of Islands. The largest increase is from Coromandel.

The Maori Mission: The present state of the Maori work will require your earnest attention. A special session will be devoted to its consideration, when the question, remitted by Conference, of constituting a distinct Synod for the management of Maori matters will be decided upon and a recommendation made.

Statistics: The returns for the_ present year show for this synodal district:— Churches, 72; other preaching places, 153: ministers, 34: home missionaries, 9; local preachers, 148; Church members and communicants, 3511; Sunday-school scholars, 5286 ; attendants upon public worship. 18,230. These returns represent a considerable and encouraging increase for the year. Rev. D. CDonnell: The Rev. David CDonnell, of the Victoria and Tasmania Conference, is now on a visit to New Zealand for the purpose of conducting evangelistic missions in various parts of the colony. We unite in prayer that his labours may prove helj)ful to Christians by promoting their edification, and in leading others to make a wise decision to serve Chrisfc. The Elections: It is a matter for congratulation that the time of holding this Synod will not clash with the time for holding the election of members to the House of Representatives. Our business will be disposed of in time to enable you to return to your own circuits, and there to take your part in electing men to make our laws who are themselves good and true. Great moral issues are at stake. We do not expect to gain at once all upon which our heart is set. Great reforms often require gradual processes, and "He th&t believeth shall not make haste." But we are sure that moral progress will be effected. The world moves onward and upward to purer light and holier love, 'We ourselves are workers together with God in promoting this divine end. And, knowing the sacred obligation resting upon you. we feel assured that your votes will be so used, and your influence so exerted that temperance and uprightness and purity will be advanced; in a word, that righteousness — even that righteousness which "exalteth a nation"— will be more firmly rooted and established in the land.

STATE OP CONNEXIOHAL PROPERTIES.

The Acting District Secretary of Church Property (Mr. Alfred White) then submitted the year's report, after which the Mission Property Trustees reported the erecting of a cottage at Kopua, at the cost of £50; no debt. Three cottages had been erected on Beach Road, Auckland, costing £624 16a 8d ;no debt. An acre of land in the township of Raglan, value £20 free of all costs, was given by Mr. Prime. Cdromandel; Gift of a section of land by Mr. Samuel James, valued at £99, for a new church Bite. Cabbage Bay, Coromandel: Site for a new church. Paparoa (Waikiekie): three-quarters of an acre of land given by Mr. J. Babe, value £20, site of a new church.

Proposed erections, purchases, eta:—Pifcbbreet Circuit: Erection of new church at

Kingsland, to cost £575; Conference regulations to |>e observed. Manukau Circuit: Erection of Sunday-school at Onehunga, probable cost £375; Conference regulations to be observed.. Franklin Circuit: Removal of Church from Pokeno Hill to tbe Valley, cost £40; no debt. Coromandel Circuit: (1) Erection of new church at Coromandel, 70 by 40, probable coat £800 for church, and £150 for site, probable debt nil; (2) erection of a new church at Kuaotunu, 40 by 30, probable coat £260; Conference regulations to be observed. Sales or leases recommended :—Pifcfc-

treet Circuit: That the Pitt and Vincent

streets property be Bold. Hamilton Circuit: The trustees applied for permission to sell the section in Hamilton West, containing 2 roods and 1 perch, whereupon ib was resolved that their request bo acceded to, and that the proceeds be invested in the purchase of a paddock at Hamilton West, Coromandel: That permission be given to sell the old church and site at Coromandel, also Sections Nos. 4 and 5, Te Poia Block. Custodian of Deeds: The report of the custodian was received, upon which it was resolved, "That the appointment of a central custodian of deeds foe the colony be recommended." The Synod then adjourned for luncheon. AFTERNOON SESSION. The alternoon session was opened at 2 o'clock with singing and prayer. VOTB OF THANKS. It was resolved tliat the best thanks of the Synod are due and are hereby presented to Mr. Alfred White, who in the absence of his brother has kindly acted as Financial Secretary, for the able manner in which he has prepared and submitted the report on Church properties, and that the Conference be requested to re-appoint Mr. F. A. White. LOAN FOND. Ib was reported that repayments bo the Loan Fund" had been punctually made in a!! cases; with the exception of Newmarket. GENERAL OONNBXIONAT- MISSION PROPERTY TRUST. The Treasurer of this Trust (Mr. F. L. Prime) submitted his balance-sheet to the Synod; the income and expenditure being £854 Ms 6d. KMSLKY THEOLOGICAL ENDOWMENT FOND. The balance-sheet of this trust was read by the Treasurer (Mr. Prime): Incorao, £75 8s; expenditure, of a like amount. NATIVE EDUCATION TROST. Mr. F. L, Prime, on behalf of the treasurer of tills fund, read the balance-sheet, which showed the receipts to be £691 4s; expenditure amounted to same sum. x. three kings college. The report of this College was presented by the Principal (Rev. J. H. Simmonds), which was adopted, and ordered to be sent on to the Conference, and it was resolved, " That the best thanks of this Synod be accorded to the Rev. J. H. Simmonds for his very efficient and valuable services during the past year) and than the Conference be recommended to re-appoinb him as the principal of the Three Riugs College for 1897." foreign missions fund. ' The report of this fund was read by 4he Secretary, who stated that ib was incomplete, owing to the returns from one or j two circuits not being received. Satisfaction, however, was expressed at the increase of the income for the year in the districb of about £40, ; and ; that sermons had 'been preached and meetings held in each circuit, or will be before Conference meets. ! MISSIONARY REVIisW. _ ~ ~ ; '■ It was reported that the Missionary Review is circulated in each circuit. \ SUPERNUMERARY FUND. ' : Tin notice of motion given by the Rev. S. J. i Serpell, ; was ; then considered, • after which; ib was unanimously resolved—(l) " That this Synod recommends through the next Conference to the Board ot Treasurers of the Supernumerary Ministers and Ministers' Widows Fund, that prior; to ; the .meeting of -the General! Conference. of 1897, the Mrviees •«{ a professional : actuary ; of, good standing be employed \to investigate the f position ' of /the fund, and to reporb ■ thereon,* and : that : such report be laid before the i General Conference ;at its * next session. . (2) That the advice of - the said actuary be obtained with rcspsct to such c revision of the present scale of allowances as would diminish the amount no ( assured the -young! ministers and widows, arid proportionately inorease the amount payable to ministers who may be compelled to retire! in - middle : life, and similarly to the widows- of such ministers who die la the work." • "'V . .

- THE ADVOCATE. The reporfcottheconnexional paper was read and received. Enquiries wtere made as to the circulation of the Advocat* in the several circuits, and a general discission took place as to its management. The Rev. W. J. Williams then moved, and tie Re?. S. J. Skrpell seconded, and :it wag carried unanimously, "That this Syuoi in receiving the report' of the Advocate Committee, exprases its gratification' that the circulation has 10 far improved, records its conviction that the maintenance ot the paptt is most desirable in the interests of the Church, and expresses the hope that the Committee will Boon be in a position to enlarge the taper so as to malice it still more effective at representing oar Church in this colony. \ SDN DAY-SCHOOL RETURNS. Tho report of the Sunday-schools wasread by the secretary (Rev. S. Lavrry). Tiere were 21 circuits, 70 schools, 5056 scholars, 457 1 teachers, and 8331 volumes in eclool libraries. '. Maori work, Raipara and Wtikato: Eight circuits, 254 scholars, U teachers. 1 A report was also read of a meeting of teachers held at Grafton Road Church i labort time since, for the purpose of considering the ■ question of establishing a Sunday-school Union for the Auckland province, after which it was resolved, "That the thanks of the Synod be presented to the Rev. S. Lawry for bis acceptable work as district Sunday-school secretary, and that he' be recommended to the Conference for appointment." BAND OP HOPE RETCRKS. The Rev. J. J. Mather, secretary for the i Auckland district, read the returns. There were in the Connexional Band of Hope 126 Bands of Hope, with a membership of 3451, an increase of 43. There were 547 members connected ' with . non-connexional Bands of Hope. Mr. Mather was thanked . for his services, and it was resolved that . the Conference be recommended to appoint him as secretary for 1897. ■'" PROHIBITION OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC. " The Rev! W. J. Williams' notice of motion on the liquor traffic was then considered. Mr. Williams said he was glad he had to speak to a body in touch with prohibition, ■and that he had not to offer any arguments, •in favour of bis motion, or in favour of wiping the liquor trade out of existence. (Hear, hear.) The following resolution was unanimously carried, amid loud applause : —"That this Synod heartily rejoices at the deep interest awakened throughout the colony in the prohibition of the liquor traffic; and in view of the great moral and social benefits that would thereby be secured it earnestly hopes that the Ino license' vote will be carried at the forthcoming Local Option poll."

circuit finance. The report on Circuit; Finance war* read by the Rev. S. Lawby, after which the Synod was. informed that the Tauranga circuit was expected to take a married minister next year. This, the Tauranga representative said it was impossible for them to do, wherepuon it was resolved, " That on account of financial difficulties the Conference be recommended to relieve the Tauranga Circuit of its obligation to take a married minister this year." Attention was called to the growing development of the Upper lb ames Goldfields, and the necessity for theChuroh being more strongly represented there, and advantage being taken of openings for work. The Synod adjourned at five p.m.

EVENING SESSION. The Synod resumed its sittings ab seven o'clock.

THE MAORI WORK.

The Maori work was brought up by the I Rev. W. Gittos. The Maori ministers were introduced, and spoke on their work during the year, the speeches being interpreted by Mr. Gittos. The question of forming a Maori Synod, under the superintendence of a European minister, was then brought forward for discussion. The Rev. W. Gittos introduced the subject. The Rev. W. J. .Williams moved, "That, in the judgment of this Synod, it is not desirable to form a Maori Synod." The motion was carricd. The Secretary moved, " That the Synod recommend (1) that, in order to give better facilities for the consideration of the Maori work in the Auckland district, a standing Committee be appointed, consist' ing of the chairman of the district, the superintendent of Auckland Maori Mission, the native ministers and circuit stewards or their substitutes, together with any Maori-speaking European ministers resident in the district, and lay members of the Synod who speak the Maori language, and. that this committee meet at some time prior to the opening of the annual District Synod to consider all matters pertaining to the Maori work, and report thereon to the Synod." Carried. The Rev. W. Gittos moved, " That a minister engaged in the Maori work be a _ member of the Conference Home Mission Committee." Agreed to. A motion that a representative of each of the two Maori districts attend Conference to represent the Maori work was negatived.^ The Synod then adjourned with the Benediction by the Chairman, and resumes this morning at half-past nine o'clock.