METHODISTS CONFER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 14

METHODISTS CONFER.

AUCKLAND CENTRAL MISSION

GOOD WORK ACCOMPLISHED

STATUS TO BE RAISED

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Friday. The Methodist conference resumed today, the Rev. A. N. Scott presiding. The good work accomplished by the Auckland Central Mission was the subject of approving comment, and to further encourage this work, promises of financial assistance having been received from business mon, it was decided that tho mission be raised to the status of a circuit, and that an ordained minister and a married home missionary bo appointed, with a suitable home mission grant. The report presented to conference stated that a marked advance had been registered in the achievements of the mission. Evening services in a local theatre were being held with a view to reaching part of the city's multitude of non-church-goers, and these had proved very popular. The theatre's seating capacity of 1500 was often considerably overtaxed. Relief of Distress.

Much had been accomplished in the relief of unemployment and distress. Over £IOO9 had been expended in this direction, 5000 beds and meals provided for workloss men, and 3000 parcels of food and clothing distributed. These efforts had been largely mado possible by the generosity of Auckland business men. After prolonged discussion the conference agreed to the resignation of Rev. G. J. Laurenson as assistant-superintend-ent of homo missions. Having completed their probationary course, the Revs. J. H. Hall and G. R. Harris wero unanimously received by conference as ministers in full, to be ordainqd during tho conference. The following students wero received as ministers on probationßevs. J. M. Blight, W. J. Court, J. C. Draper, E. C. Leadley, M. A. McDowell, J. W. Parkqr and W. G. Parker. It was resolved to grant tho applica tion of tho Rev. H. L. Blamires to become a supernumerary and to give the same status for one year to tho Revs. A. Mitchell and J. Harris. Thq Revs. A. Liversedge- and J. E. Parsons were given leavo to visit England this year, and it was resolved that they be accredited as representatives of tho New Zealand Conference to the British Wesleyan Primitive and United Methodist Conferences. Tho Rev. F. G. Brown's request to visit England in 1931 was granted. Candidates For Ministry. Conference received tho following as candidates for tho ministry to receive theological training:—Messrs. B. Mc Gregor and Chrystall (Wellington), A. E. Orr (Otago-Southland), R. E. Patchett (Hawke's Bay-Manawatu), and Belshazzar Gina, tho last-named being designated for work in the native ministry in the Solomon Islands mission field, the synod of which had nominated him.

The Rev. J. H. Haslam intimated his wish to be relieved of the duties of secretary, after 12 years' service on the Board of Examiners. The resignation was accepted, several speakers paying tribute to the admirable work of Mr. Haslam as examination secretary. The vacancy was filled by the unanimous appointment of the Rev. W. A. Burley. The following lay representatives to conference were elected:—Stationary committee: Auckland, A. Peak, T. Clark. South Auckland: J. E. Tidd, J- T. Bryant. Taranaki-Wanganui: T. P. Hughson, F. Webb, Jones. HawWs Bay-Manawatu: J. R. Hodder. W. Ross. Wellington: W. H. Johnson, H. Dixon. Nelson: F. H. Southgate, S. Gorman. North Canterbury: A. Williams, H. Holland. South Canterbury: Bruce Logan, II- C. Bailey, Withell. Otago-Southland: D. C. Cameron, P. A. Pearc& Solomon Islands: W. S. McKay. Extra representative: R. C. Clark.