METHODIST CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11907, 7 March 1902, Page 3

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

[BY TELEGRAHL— PRESS association.] Dunedin, Thursday. At the Methodist Conference business was resumed to-day in pastoral session. . An application ■ from tho Rev. Orchard to become a supernumerary minister was agreed to. Testimony was given to tho applicant's long and effective service, formerly in connection with tho Bible Christian Church, and later with tho United Methodist Church. Mr. Orchard acknowledged the kind expressions, stating that since his entrance into the united Church ho had received every consideration. A similar application from the Rev. W. (J. Thomas was granted. Appreciation was expressed of his faithful services, extending over 34 years. A request from tho Rev. Leonard Isitt to continue a minis- > tor without pastoral charge was agreed to. The conference agreed to transfer Dr. Motley to the Victorian. Conference. Tho Revs. Lewis and Bull were appointed a committee to prepare a suitable record for entry in the Conference" Journal. The Rev. Burtcn was released for foreign mission work. In representative session consideration of tho Church loan fund was resumed. The committee was reappointed, with the addition of tho minister at Lytielton, also Mr. Fleshor. Committees for Homo Mission and the connexional secretaryship were appointed. The secretary moved that the president and secretary ot the conference be elected by the preceding conference. Tho Rev. Bull moved as an amendment, that the question be referred to a committee to report at the next conference. After further discussion the amendment was carried. The reports of the custodian of deeds' authorised representative were read and adopted. An interesting interruption occurred in the Conference business when the Rev. Gibb (Moderator). Dr. Dunlop, the Revs. "Wills, Seorgie, and Mr. Wis© waited'upon the Conference as a deputation from the Presbyterian Church. Addresses were delivered suitable to the occasion. The. Rev. Gibb referred to tho subject of Church union, and mentioned that there was a possibility of union lx>t\voon -Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. It was also his intention to move to appoint a committee at the next Presbyterian Assembly to confer with a committee of the Methodist Church, with a view to finding a common ground for union. The Rev. C. 11. Garland replied on behalf of the Conference. A deputation from the. United Temperance Council also waited on the Couferenco. Addresses wore given by Dr. DeJatour and Mr. Adams, acknowledging the services rendered by the Methodist Church to temperance reform. The Rev. Smith (Christchurch) replied. At the afternoon session the Rev. Mr. Buttle moved that the Conference express satisfaction at the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Dutton as chaplain to tho Ninth Contingent, and commends to his pastoral care members of the Methodist Church attached to the contingent. This was carried. Tho report of the trustees of the Plainpin bequest was received and adopted. The balance in hand was distributed to suitable cases.

J'ho report of the supernumerary fund was presented. Discussion followed on the subject of arrears of subscriptions in committee of the whoL 1 conference. Dr. Morley reported theflfcocecdings of the Special Committee apponWcd by the General Conference. Numerous questions were asked, information sought, and given concerning the proposals of the committee. On resuming Dr. Morley moved the adoption of the proposals of the Special Committee. A vote was taken: For 74, against 8. At the evening session, on the motion of the Rev. Leo, a committee was appointed to consider the establishment of a deaconness training home. It was decided to appoint a committee, to collect information concerning the establishment of a fund for the payment of circuit removal expenses.