METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11822, 27 November 1901, Page 6

METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

1 The annual district synod of the Methodist Church commenced at Pitt-street yesterday J morning, the- Rev. C. 11. Garland presiding. I The following were present: —The Revs. H. H. La-wry, J. Law, \V. Ready. S. Griffith, .T. H. Simmonds, C. O. Harrison, J. G. Chapman, A. B. Chappell, H. Bull. J. T. Pinfold, Ph.B., W. Gittos, D. J. Murray, C. Abernethy, W. Greenslado, C. Eaton, C. Griffin, W. J. Watkin, G. T. Marshall, S. J. Gibson, H. L. Blamires, F. T. Read. R. Taylor, J. W. Griffin. .T. W. Worboys, A. Mitchell, Hauraki Paul, Hapeta Renata. The following home missionaries were also present Messrs. G. Elliott, H. H. Rogct, A. J. Reed, J. H. Tyiee, C. Francis. R. C. Randerson, W. Grantham, W. B. Scott, iF. Copeland, V/. A. Porter, and A. J. Seamcr. A dispensation for absence was granted to the Rev. G. Frost, of Warkworth, on account of the series illness of his wife, whose condition was reported as leaving no hope of recovery, and it was resolved that a fraternal message of deep sympathy be forwarded to him. The following ministers were also excused from attendance, viz.: The Revs. J. S. Rishworth, Piripi Rakena, Te Tuhi Heretini. On tho motion of the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, a very hearty welcome was accorded to the Rev. C. H. Garland, who, as president of the conference, now becomes chairman of the Auckland district. The Rev. C. H. Garland briefly acknowledged tho greeting. , The Rev. D. J. Murray was elected secretary; tho Rev. J. T. Pinfold, Ph.B., assistant secretary; tho Rev. H. L. Blamires and the Rev. G. T. Marshall, reporters to the Outlook; the Rev. S. Griffith, reporter to the daily press. The hours of session were fixed as follows:—Morning, half-past nine to half-past twelve; afternoon, half-past two to five; evening (when necessary), half-past seven to half-past nine. The Rev. H. Bull drew the attention of the Synod to tho bereavement recentlv sustained by one of the oldest and most beloved of the members of the Auckland Ministers' Association, viz., the Rev. R. F. Macniool, of St. James' Presbyterian Church, whoso esteemed wife had recently passed away after a long illness. He moved a resolution conveying to the Rev. R. F. Macnicol the affectionate condolences of the Synod, together with the earnest hope his own health may soon be restored, so that he may be enabled to resume his valuable ministry. This was carried unanimously. The Rev. C. C. Harrison, the well-known superintendent of the Helping Hand Mission, applied for a year's rest, with a view to visiting England. On the motion of the Rev. H. Bull, the Synod resolved to recommend the conference to grant the request, provided that satisfactory arrangements can be made to carry on tho work of tho mission.

The circuit work, trial sermons, and book lists of the Revs. W. Greenslade and Clarence Eaton, probationers, were considered by the Synod, and it was unanimously recommended that they pass in their respective years, subject to their written examin-

ations proving satisfactory. The Rev. J. H. Simmonds, governor, presented his annual report of the Theological Institute, showing that good work had been done by the five students in residence, who had shown great diligence in their studies. , and had rendered acceptable services as pulpit supplies. Favourable reports were also given , by the Revs. C. H. Garland and H. Bull, lecturers. The first case to be dealt with ) was that of Mr. Joseph Belton, and after careful consideration it was recommended \ that he be appointed to circuit work next year. The Synod resumed at half-past two p.m., , and after devotional exercises dealt with • I the case of the Rev. W. Beckett, who is [ ' completing his fourth year as a probationer. . , The Rev. J. H. Simmonds conducted the . | oral examination. Favourable reports were • I presented of Mr. Beckett's circuit work and • j preaching ability, and the Synod, with great ] heartiness, recommended his acceptance by the conference for ordination. Attention was then given to the question i of candidates for the ministry. These were four in number, viz., Messrs. F. Copeland, H. H. Roget, W. B. Scott, and F. J. Tylee, who were subjected to an oral examination, conducted by the Rev. G. T. Marshall. Reports of their preaching, work, and ability were presented, and careful consideration given to each case, and each was recommended to conference for acceptance for further training. The case of students for the ministry was resumed at the evening session, and Mr. E. D. Patchett was recommended to the conference for another year's training. The Synod meets to-day at half-past nine, in financial session.