METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11825, 30 November 1901, Page 3

METHODIST DISTRICT SYNOD.

The Methodist District Synod resumed in ministerial session yesterday morning. TRAINING OF STUDENTS. Messrs. A. C. Randerson ami A. J. Reed, who have been employed in home mission work during the year, as accepted candidates on the president's list of reserve, and whose labours were favourably reported on, were recommended for admission next year as students at the Theological Institution.

It was also resolved, on the motion of tho Rev. J. H. Simrnonds, to recommend that accepted candidates on the president's list of reserve be required to supply to the Synod a book-list, and to preach a trial sermon.

The Rev. H. Bull moved the following resolution, which was adopted, viz., " That it bo a recommendation to the Probert trustees to consider whether, if it be found necessary, six, instead of five, students, be provided for next year." Considerable conversation took place on the question of a more thorough training of the students, the Rev. J. H. Simrnonds, JtJ. Bull, A. B. Chappell and the president and others strongly advocating that more provision bo made for training in elocution and mental science. The Rev. D. J. Murray moved, and the Rev. G. T. Marshall seconded, "That the conference be recommended to revise the system of lectureships with a view to secure a lecturer in elocution." Carried. It was further resolved, on the motion of the Rev. H. Bull: "1. That a special committee bo appointed to take into consideration tho entire system of tuition of the students for the ministry, with a view of mating such recommendations as may be deemed necessary to the ensuing conference. 2. That the following be members of the committee:—The president (the Rev. C. H. Garland), the Revs. H. Bull (convener), J. H. Simrnonds. J. T. Pinfold, Ph.B., J. G. Chaumau, and A. B. Chappell.

EXAMINATION OF MAORI CANDIDATES. Hapeta Ren at a, a Maori minister on probation, and John Marrimer Harris, a half-caste, candidates for the ministry, were orally examined in theology by the Rev. W. Dittos. The examination was conducted entirely ill the English language, and gave great satisfaction to the Synod, showing in each case a wonderfully clear apprehension of Christian truth, together with a sincere earnestness for the work of the Christian ministry. On the motion of the secretary, it was resolved, " That Renata Hapeta pass in his year." Hie Rev. W. Gi'ttcs moved, and the Rev. J. 11. Simmonds seconded, "That ."John Harris be received as a student for further training for the Maori ministry." At this stage the Revs. Hauraki Paul and Wi Warena Pewa and Hapeta Renata, Maori ministers of Kaipara and King Country respectively, addressed the Synod, and gave a brief but interesting account of their work amongst their own people. Wi Warena Pewa spoke in Maori, the Rev. W. G-ittos interpreting: the others spoke in English. The Rev. S. .7. Gibson stated that lie was at Rotorua at the trrae of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, and was profoundly impressed with the general deportment and behaviour that to such a large extent marked the vast gathering of Maoris that took place at that time. He regarded it as a splendid evidence of the good influence, both past and present, of missionary work amongst the natives. The record of the proceedings of the Synod was then read by the Rev. H. L. Blamires, journal secretary, and signed by- the president. Tho Synod was then concluded by tho Benediction.