UPPER THAMES METHODIST CIRCUIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11869, 22 January 1902, Page 7

UPPER THAMES METHODIST CIRCUIT.

[by telegraph.—own correspondent J Paeroa, Tuesday. At the quarterly meeting of the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit, held at Waihi, the Rev. Mr. Abernethy (superintendent) presiding, it was ; reported that the total number -was 210, _ being an increase on last quarter of three., The balance-sheet, which was read and adopted, showed the income to be £200 19s 2d, and the expenditure £315 14s Id, leaving a debit balance of £115 5s lid. Tho net result of the special gift on Sunday to help liquidate the debt amounted to £18 19s Id, which is included in the income above mentioned. The Rev. Mr. Scott moved, "That another special gift Sunday be observed this quarter; also that a harvest festival be held." This was seconded by Mr. Hetherington and carried. The presentation of Sunday-school reports provoked a good deal of discussion, Mr. Reid contending that the church was doing nothing of a practical nature _to induce young people v.'ho were not spiritually inclined to~ take an interest in and become attached to the church as members. The ministers, he held, seemed to think that their duty consisted of preaching two sermons on Sunday. They took no interest in the young people, who really should form a basis for future operationsthat is, if aggressive Christian work was to result. The Rev. Mr. Groenslade spoke of meetings held b> the Endeavour Society at Paeroa, and Mr, J. Allen referred to the good work done at To Aroha, and tho kindly interest taken in tho young people by the superintendent of the circuit. Mr. Reid argued that the Endeavour Society was very good in its way, but what was needed was some method of work to induee young people, not intimately associated with Christian work, to become attached to * the church. Eventually the matter was passed over. Mi. Hamilton moved, "That where class meetings had lapsed an effort should be made by the ministers to resuscitate the same; also that the superintendents of the Sunday-schools should bring prominently before scholars the necessity for deciding for Christ while young, and also of joining the Church." This ' was carried. It was resolved that tho Sacrament be administered at Waihi onco a month. A committee was appointed to consider the advisability of purchasing a building for church purposes at Golden Cross, W aitekauri. In connection with tho appointment of a married minister at Waihi, Mr. Roberts said that there was a growing feeling among tho congregation that a married man and a good organiser would do better work than a single one. It was then resolved that the matter of the appointment be left in the hands ot the conference, but that the delegates before leaving for the conference should be asked to meet a committee, consisting of Messrs. Reid, Trembath, Hamilton, Roberts, ana King, with the object of ascertaining what married men would bo available. . Mr. Hamilton moved, " That the stipend fo. the married man at Waihi be £150 for the first year." This was seconded by Sir. Hetherington, and carried. It was also agreed that the conference be asked to pay special attention to Waihi's particular need. On the motion of Mr. Hamilton it was resolved that Mr. J. C. Allen be appointed tho circuit's representative at tho conference, and Mr. J. Leach the substitute. The excellent work done by Mr. Scott as homo missionary at Waitekauri, was referred to by several members, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. King, that the home missionary be retained. . The question of the minister's residence at Paeroa or Karangahake was again discussed, on the recommendation of tho Finance Committee, that the probationer's residence bo removed from Paeroa to Karangahake. Tho Paeroa delegates considered that it was far easier to work Karangahake from Paeroa than it was to work the Paeroa, Netherton, Hikutaia, and Komata districts from Karangahake. There was a permanency in the settlement of the districts at the Paeroa end, and there was nothing to prevent the probationer from carrying on effective work at Karangahake, Paeroa, and the surrounding districts if he desired to do so, keeping Paeroa as a centre from which to operate, Karangahake, it was pointed out, was only about half-an-hour's ride from Paeroa. Eventually a motion that the recommendation bo adopted was lost, the Paeroa delegates refusing to vote. The appointment of officers was then undertaken, Mr. J. C. Allen ' being elected senior circuit steward, and Mr. Alfred Tetley junior, circuit steward. Mr. Mclndoe was elected society steward for Paeroa,, vice _ Mr. R. Smith, who declined to take office again. It was resolved that the next meeting be held at Te Aroha.