PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14809, 12 October 1911, Page 5

PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

AUCKLAND - SYNOD, - rty , • ,SY , 1j" A YEAR'S PROGRESS. .. The Primitive Methodist Synod was continued yesterday, the president (Rev. J. Cocker) in the chair. The Rev. T. H. Lyon was recommended to Conference for another year's rest from the active work of the ministry. " ' * , Statistics were presented showing:— Churches, 14 (increase, 1) ; other preaching places, ,21 (increase, 3) houses, 18; hearers, 2027. (increase 15) ; total cost of property, £15,571 increase, £853); present values of churches, £12,220 6s 7d (increase, £301 4s lid); houses, £17,993 6s 7d (increase, £391 15s 2d); musical instruments, £946 10s; land not built upon, £918 10s (decrease, £40); debt at present, £5442 6s 7d (decrease, £218 19s lid); gross income, £2752 10s 5d (decrease, £1239 2s); gross outgo, £2379 9s 9d (decrease, £1284 Is 4d). It was moved and carried, "That in the opinion of this Synod the Church properties in the district are in a satisfactory condition, although little work in the direction of church-building has been possible during the year."

No-license Campaign. The following resolutions were heartily carried:"Believing that the; licensed liquor trade causes untold misery in this land and degrades many of the people and .is an enemy to the progress of Christ's kingdom, this Synod, representing 35 congregations in the Auckland province, calls upon all the members and adherents of the Church to pray, work, and vote in favour of no-liccnse, so that a great victory may be gained at the coming poll." " That we heartily congratulate the executive of the Miners' Union on refusing to have anything to do with an effort made to capture the votes of the miners on behalf of the liquor traffic, and trust that the voters of the Ohinemuri electorate will register an overwhelming vote for local nolicense and Dominion prohibition."

The Gambling Evil. The Synod resolved, "That believing as • wo do that gambling is injurious to the moral and financial welfare of the Dominion and that the totalisator and art unions are responsible for an increase of the gambling evil, wo protest against their legalised continuance." The No Temere Decree. It, was resolved, "That We record our emphatic protest against the action of the Roman Catholic Church m declaring mixed marriages, in which one of tho contracting parties is or has been a Roman Catholic, ■ null and void in the sight of God unless such marriage, be performed by a Roman Catholic priest." Compulsory Training. The following resolution regarding compulsory training was carried: "That being Antagonistic to the compulsory clauses of the Defence Act,- this "Synod urges our' members to support the Peace Society in its efforts to secure the repeal of such clauses; and. also rejoices" in the decision of the Government to abandon the training camps." • ' ' -

Young People's Work. In connection with the young people's work the following resolution was carried:' "That we record our gratitude to ' Almighty God for the measure of blessing en-' joyed during the year by our schools in this' district. ' Considering ' the work among the young of paramount importance this Synod requests all schools and the Church, generally to devote increased attention to securing further improved average' attendance, effective observance of 'Decision Dav,' and conserving the results in the Christian Endeavour societies and Bible classes.'.' Reduction' of Debt. Trust reports were presented, and the following \stations were congratulated on their debt reduction efforts: Auckland I.: £110 paid off Alexandra-street Church, £100 paid off. Mount Roskill property, £15 paid off Newmarket Church. Auckland II.: £100 paid off Waterview Church, £50 paid off Franklin Road, and £10 - 10s paid off Richmond Road. Auckland 111. station was congratulated on having reduced debts on Eden Terrace Church, Sherwood Road parsonage, and on the fact of the William Moor Memorial Hall erection at Morningside at a cost of £427 12s lid, there being now only a debt of £122 10s. .Votes of Thanks. Votes of thanks were passed to the chairman and a number of other officers, and also to the press for their reports of the Synod's proceedings. , It was decided to hold the next Synod at Cambridge on October 8, 1912. Evening Meeting.

In the evening a well-attended " knife and fork tea" took place, provided by the ladies and friends of the Eden Terrace Church and station. < A mass meeting followed, when the chair was occupied by Mr. . James Carter', of Cambridge, who carried the proceedings through in ' an able manner. Inspiring addresses were delivered by Rev. J. Clover, of Hamilton, on Shall the Church Lead or be Left? " ; Rev. F. A. Thompson, of Waihi, on "True Manhood;" Rev. H. Foston, of Cambridge, on Our Emancipation." Solos were given by Mrs. J. Campbell and Mr. H. Moore, while the choir rendered several anthems in a most pleasing manner. Mr. Campbell at the organ rendered valuable assistance. Votes of thanks to hosts and listeners, moved by Rev. J. Clover, seconded' by Mrs. Scott, and thanks moved to speakers and performers and to those who provided the tea,' by Rev. N. Hyde, seconded by Mr. Hitchcock, closed the proceedings.