WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1514, 7 March 1901, Page 36

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

RETIRING PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. The annual Wesleyan Conference was opened on the 28th in Wesley Church, Taranaki street. The retiring president (the Kev J. S. Smalley) commenced his review ot the past year with' an eloquent reference to the death of Queen Victoria. He then proceeded to speak oi hei successor in the following language : “Nor will our Church yield to any m her loyalty to the new King. We have no misgivings about the future. Ve have confidence that Edwaid MI. has -©ome to the throne at the right time ; that he has been prepared by many trials and the experience of years lor his ta.sk; and that he .will accentuate the be«t traditions of the Victorian era. We shall ever pray that he may be a true co-worker with God in leading forward the Empire to those high and glorious destinies which Providence has so clearly marked out for her. Go cl save the King!” Continuing, Mr Smalley said: “ The conference opened last year under the inspiriting news, after months of disaster and depression, ot the relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith. Alas! the early peace we confidently expected has not been secured. Perhaps the nation has something more to learn from this Avar, or perhaps we have ceased too soon our eager prayers for peace. God heard our cry before, and it was hut a few days after that memorable Sunday when united intercessions, went up in all our churches that the dark cloud lifted and the fortunes of war turned in our favour. Let us cry again to our Goci that an honourable, just and permanent peace may quickly be established in South Africa, on such a basis as may he best for Briton and Boer, and as shall redound to the glory of God, I know there are some amongst us who question bona fides of this war, and, indeed, of all war. At. any rate, the people of the Empire have given their manhood and their money with no other object than the welfare of the black and the white races in South Africa., and for the maintenance of Britain’s supremacy as a trustee of civil and religious 'freedom for humanity. In spite of all our misdoings, our * drink traffic, our opium iniquity, our gambling evil, and social impurity, the heart of the Empire is sound, and yearns with a touch of divine pity o\ r er the enslaved and benighted races. The flutter of our flag and the tread of our feet bring with, them unspeakable blessings. , , “ We have all been keenly interested 1 in the creation of the new Australian Commonwealth. N caa 7 Zealand as the only colony of the Australian group standing out of the federation incurs no light responsibility. It may he she may yet see her way to join the union. Meanwhile, wo wish the Commonwealth God-speed, and shall watch her progress with strained eyes. Her generous treatment of New Zealand has deeply touched us. We greatly rejoice that the united influence of the Churches was able to secure the recognition of God and religion in the opening ceremonies. “The burning question of precedence among the chief representatives of the churcnes at public functions has been raised in a very acute form in connection with the celebrations, and can only be settled in these free colonies, we are *told by some, on the basis of perfect religious equality and numerical strength. The subject has been under the consideration of your Committee of Privileges during the year, as remitted to them by last conference, but nothing definite has yet been arrived at. “How would it do to arrange this matter by the order of merit? That is to say, let the Church that produces the best •moral results take the first place. The statistics of crime published by the New Zealand Government show Wesleyans to have the smallest percentage of convicted criminals, and the Romanists the largest. By this standard the place of the chiefs of the four principal churches could be easily determined. The order would then he —Wesleyans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Romanists. I would respectfully present to the colonial Governments this easy and happy solution of a difficult problem. “The year has also been marked by the federation of churches long separated. The union of the Methodist church©3 effected in Queensland three years ago has been followed by the first, united conference of Sjouth Australia last February. New South Wales and Victoria and Tasmania Methodism are to be united in 1902. The United Presbyterian and Free Churches of Scotland have just become one church amid great rejoicings. We congratulate the parties to these unions because our own experience of partial union of Methodist churches in New Zealand is most gratifying, in spite of a few who have stood out, and in spite of some detractors. The statements publicly made that our union has been a failure I venture flatly to deny as contrary <»to the facts. Twenty-two ministers and probationers joined us from the minor bodies. One, a supernumerary, has-since died. Iwo probationers resigned. One ordained minister resigned and went into business and is still a local preacher in the United Church, and one other ordained minister has left us and started a new sect. The remaining seventeen aru happy and contented, and doing good work in the United Church. L_ _ “We rejoice, too, in the Federal Councils of the Churches of all names which are being formed in our chief cen-

tres of population, because such unions will tend to smooth, asperities and promote mutual respect, besides enabling the churches to make their combined ?n----fluence felt in fighting against private and public wrong-doing. -our effort as a church to raise sixty thousand pounds as an offering to be laid at the feet of our Divine Redeemer at the beginning of the new century has not been entirely successful, nut over £17,000 has been promised, and nearly £II,OOO paid. I do not regard the fact that scarcely one-third of the amount aimed at has been secured as any ground for discouragement or humiliation/’

The president dealt with this question at some length, and went on ■. to say “In my judgment had the British conference suggested three million guineas as its scheme, it ivould have been an easier feat than our sixty thousand pounds; because we have none of the great wealth to be found among Methodists at Home. Perhaps you Avill say, ‘nor the poverty, either.' I question that. We have many \*ery poor amongst us, and many struggling to make homes in a new country. It must be remembered that the skilled artisans of the Old Land are quite as Avell off as ours, and the labouring class there are much better paid than they were twenty or thirty years ago. Then the Methodists of the colony support a much larger number of ministers per head than the Methodists at Home, and pay them better, too. In Great Britain there is one minister to every 1410 adherents and every 219 members. In the colony av© have one minister to every 582 adherents and every 113 members. Then much of our church Avork in NeAv Zealand is of a pioneer character. I think Ave have over-estimated the resources of our people in hoping for sixty thousand pounds. Churches are in danger of creating machinery beyond the steam poAver in the boilers.”

Mr Smalley then referred to the losses by death which the Church had suffered in the past year, mentioning the Rev Edward Best and others. He added :

“One of the most: promising ministers has resigned, and been received by the Presbyterian Church. He leaves us with a blameless record, and Ave sincerely hope he may be happy and useful in his new sphere. On the other hand, Ave have eigth candidates for the ministry, tAvo of them being ordained ministers of the Primitive Methodist Church, Avho have

resigned theiir position. There have been considerable unsettlement and distraction during the year owing to military enthusiasm and the leaving of so many of our young men for the seat of war. It would net have been surprising if our returns for the year had shoAvn up most unfaA'ourably. Yet your coniiexional funds been well maintained. But in some districts there has been a # decrease of preaching places and Sunday schools. “Some of our oldest Sunday schools report a decrease of scholars. Other churches, both in the Old Country and in America, as well as in this colony, are making similar reports, Avhich seem to indicate some general cause. It may be due to many causes. But one reason seems to be the dearth of devoted and efficient teachers for our older scholars. Wei find Avhere Ave have? such Avorkers they are able to keep the advanced classes together by their personal influence. Such teachers are one of our most urgent neleds. The children are the hope of the Church, and unless Ave can make our Sunday schools more efficient and 1 retain our older scholars, the Church and the Avorld Avill suffer great disaster. “In this connexion av© must steadily keep in vieAv the vital importance of pressing the Legislature for the restoration of the Bible to cur day schools. This matter has been successfully settled in the London Board schools, and seems likely to bel arranged; in harmony Avith the religious sentiment of the majority in Victoria. The churches' of New Zealand (save The Roman .Catholics) are now practically united in their proposals, and it is to be earnestly hoped that our admirable educational system may be perfected by the inclusion of the Bible lessons as part of the school curriculum. The Wesleyan Conference, I think, lias never met since the" presewt Act came into force without* affirming this principle, and we shall never rest till this act of justice is done to 1 the children, of the colonies.

“As a Church, Ave are also pledged to use our Unremitting energies for the suppression of the open drink-bar and! legalised gambling, Avhich are einsnaring and destroying our youth and' rendering -abortive so many of our best efforts. But if we have some figures connected with our work which give us great concern we*have also to record gracious revivals in many of our circuits. Large numbers of our-young people have decided for Christ. There has beetn a considerable amount of church building and enterprise in various directions, for which we thank God and take courage. But mere statistics are no final test of progress or decline. Experience has proved that much good work can nelver be tabulated. Statistics are also found to move in circles.

“■ Strong exception has been taken to the sending of young women to China. But who shall dare to dictate to a Christian woman where she shall carryr tne Gospel of Christ ? It is a matter for these noble Av.omen themselves to decide. There are women fo be saved in China, and Christian Avornan can best approach them: „ Married women are for the most part unable to do the work which; Single women can do so .well. Are the millions of Chinese women, to perish for fear of'a few of our sisters

losing their lives? And are the tens of thousands of girls and women connected with our missions ancl schools m China to be abandoned for the same reason? We should earn the contempt of humanity it Ave listened to such craven cries. Our single Christian women, whose hearts yearn over tfie Chinese, are the loudest in then* protest against siidh a ooA\ r ardly policy. The speaker then urged that it tfie Methodist Churches were to do their part there must be a great revival or spiritual life among them. A spiritual revival Avas the supreme Avant of the hour. He also. dAvelt on the necessity for more labourers, not only ministers, but male and, female lay agents. “ There are,” he said, “ plenty of men who have neither the taste nor capacity for acquiring ministerial qualifications, but are Avilling to do any sort of Avork within their scope. For others who may not feel called to the high places of the field like China or India or the Islands of Polynesia, or even our lapsed frontier settlers, there is the Maori population of which a large part is sunk in ignorance and debauchery. Their hideous condition is a standing reproach to us a Christian people, and demands the most serious consideration of the Churches. Here is a'work at the very doors of many of our people. True, we spend as a Church about £IOOO annually on this branch of our work, and we ‘employ nine agents, but Avhat are they among so many? “ A deep and AA'idespread revival of true religion Avill be the best antidote to the rampant Sacerdotalism and Rationalism of the day. It the Evangelical Churches are going to capture this land for Christ,_ they must be terribly In earnest and shake off the paralysis of conventionalism and expediency. They must bestir themselves to subiimer prayer and living and laoour. Tlfey must out-live, out-pray and outpreach their rivals, and shame the indifference and worldly by tneir Christlike service. To shake hands with ourselves and settle down content AVith sloav and steady progress is rank heresy. May God awaken us as a people to do our duty, to realisejrar obligations and seize our opportunities!” The address was listened to with close attention, and was frequently applauded.

The election of officers resulted as fiolloAA 7 s: —President, ReA 7 C. H. Garland, secretary of the Century Commemoration Fund; secretary, Rev D. J. Murray (re-elected). . ’ The retiring president congratulated his successor, Avho was_ elected by an overwhelming majority, in a graceful and appropriate speech. In returning thanks, the Rev C. 14. Garland said that from his boyhood he had regarded the position of their president as a g fie at one, but he had felt so keenly the responsibilities of the office as he did that evening. He yielded to no man in his love of the Methodist Chur oh. He loved its teachings and traditions. He asked no other honour on earth than to live and die a minister of the church to which he owed so much. The result of other elections was as follows: —Journal secretary. Rev C. Porter; corresponding secretary, Rev J. G. W. Spence; precentor, Rev A. MHchell.

A vote of thanks Avas passed to the retiring president.

The Wesleyan Conference, met in ministerial session on the Ist. After devotional services the question : What ministers are to be received from any other conference or church? was considered. After a lengthy discussion, it Avas resolved that the Revs Samuel Barnett, and F. W. Boyes (ministers of the Primitive Methodist Church) be received into the ministry of the Wesleyan Church. -It Avas further unanimously decided that the Revs W. S. BoAvie and J. W. Barton, who have completed their probation, and passed their examinations satisfactorily, be received into full ministerial standing, and ordained during the present conference. It was also decided that the Rev Hamioru Kingi, now stationed at Te Kopua, Auckland, be ordained at the present conference. At the representative session at 2 p.m. there were about 120 ministers and! laymen present. The business of electing committees was proceeded with, and resulted as follows :

Special Home / Mission The president, the ex-president, Revs W. J. Williams (convener), H. R. Dewsbury, Gr. .Bond, W. O. Oliver, J. S. Smalley, W. Morley, D.D., P. W. Fairclough, W. Gittos, W. B. Marten, W. Lee and J. J. Lewis, Messrs T. Allen, E. Dixon, C. W. Benbow, R. Snodgrass, G. J. Smith, E. Rosevear, A. C. Caugney, J. P. Leary, H. Field, E. H. Penny, E. Holdgate, S. Bridgman and F. L. Prime.

Committee for Examination of Bal-ance-sheets—Revs S. Lawry (convener), T. J. Brooke, S. Griffith, R. Taylor, R. J. Murray, G. Frost and C. Porter, Messrs W. H. Hodson, W. H. Green, O. S. Gamble, W. G. Bassett, C. G. Cunnold, W. Hall, R. Irwin and T. HarlanxL Committee on District Synod Recommendations (1) ministerial, (2) general —Revs H. Bull (convener), W. G. Pavsonson, T. G. Carr, G. W. J. Spence, W. Ready, J. Ward, J. G. Chapman and C. E. Beecroffc- Messrs J. W. Shackleford, J. . 0. Peach, J. Prouse, W. BoaseyJ. C. Prudhoe, J/F. Arnold, E. N. Miller, J. B. Ward, G. Wat-

son, J. Trounson, R. Evans, W. Stead and! J. Wansborough. 7 Committee to consider recommendations of District Synods regarding appointment of additional preachers, new stations and appointment of married ministers —Relvs W. B a umber (cfc>n\ r ener), S. J. Garlick, A. O. Lawry, T. N. Griffin and! C. Abernethy, Messrs T. F. Reeves, G. H. Blackwell, J. C. Allen, G. D. Smith, Cl Duke, W. Harding, R. Reynolds, J. H. Uillon, J. T. Broivn, J. Barnett, A. Catehpole. A. King, J. Guest and G. Cliff.-

Committee on Foreign Missions—Re\ T s J. N. Buttle (convener), D. McNicoll, J. J. Pend ray, J. Orchard/ G. Ho unsell, J. J. Mather, J. G. W. Ellis, H. S. D. Peryman and T. W. Veallie, Messrs H. Snell. R. Wallis, G Cliff, G. Pearoe, J. W. Boon. A. Anderson, H. W. Peryman, E;. C. Cox, E. T. Reudle, G. Trott, G. Watson, H. M. Jones, E. Rowland, S. Knight, T. P. Michelle. Committee on new proposals—Revs R-. Ginger (convener), J. H. Simmonds, J. W. Worboys, T. E. Thomas and O. Penny, Messrs William Griffith, J. Grayson, J. Richardson, R/Burne, WiL Ham Hayman, G. Simpson, J. Doak and Committee to consider whole matter of publication of “ Advocate” —Revs A. C. Lawry (convener). P. W. Fairclougn, H. Bull. J. S. Smalley, W. C. Oliver, 0. Abernethy and W. J. Williams, Messrs E. Rosevear. J. C. Prudhoe, w. H. Hodson, J. H. Helliwell, George Watson, junr., and A. C. Caughey/ Committee on education affairs. President, ex-president, secretary, Rei 7 s/BL R. Dewsburv (convener), J. H. Simmonds, G. Bond, W. G. Parsonson, Dr Morley, P. W. Fair dough, Messrs A. C. Caughev, Thomas Allen, E. Dixon, C. W. BenboAV, E. H. Penny, H. W. Peryman and E. Rose a'ear. Mr A. C. Caughey (Auckland) moved that, with a view to the most economical and efficient Avorking of the Church Building and Loan Fund, a. committee be appointed to consider and report at an early session on a re-arrangement of the administration- of the fund on the lines set forth in the agenda. Some time Avas .spent in considering lioav and Avhen the question should be discusseejs. * Eventually it Avas resolved that. Mr Caughev be allowed to give his reasons for nominating the conference committee. Mr ©aughey showed that the capital of the Ghuroh Building and Loan Fund (over £8500) AA 7 as supposed to be lent to the church trusts free of interest, Avhile in reality it cost the church more per annum; for administration and repayments than Avould he paid if the same money were borroAved from the Auckland Savings Bank. The following were selected to constitute the committee: —Auckland Dis-trict-Rev H. R. Dewsbury, Mr T. Allen and Mr A. C. Caughey. Wanganui—Rev George Bond and Mr E. Dixon. Wellington—Rev W. C. Oliver and Mr C. W. BenboAA 7 . Nelson—Rev J. S. Smalley and Mr W. H. Hodgson. 'Christchurch —Rev W. Lea, Mr E. Hold gate and Mr J. T. Brown. Otago— Rev P. W. Fairclough and Mr E. Rosevear.

The motion that a committee be appointed was carried by 82 votes to 23. The report of the representative committee Avill be presented on Monday. The following: committee of lay representatives Avas elected: —Auckland: Messrs Thomas Allen, John Edson, A. C. Caughey; Wanganui, E. Dixon, W. G. Bassett; Wellington: C. W. Beahow, T. F. Reeves; Canterbury: J. C. Prudhoe, H. W. Peryman; Nelson: W. H. Hodson, E. Snodgrass; Otago: E. Rosevear, C. Duke. The Conference then adjourned The Wesleyan Conference resumed its sittings at tAvo o’clock on Saturday afternoon. After devotional exercises the Rev Richard Harcling, a member of the English. Wesleyan Conference, delivered an address. Congratulations to the president (Rev C. H. Garland), and members of the conference' were received by cable from the presidents of the - Victorian, New South Wales, South Australian and Queensland Wesleyan Conferences now in session. The Rev. W. J. Williams i (Auckland) and Mr William Shepperd Allen were appointed ministerial and lay representatives respectively to theOßcumenical Conference to be held in : London on Sept 4. Ministerial substitute, Rev Alfred Peters; law substitutes/Messrs T. Allen, Thomas Jackson, A. C, Caughey, J. C. Allen and Isaac Wilson: The consideration of recommendations to the General Conference occupied the remained of the day. The members of the Wesleyan Conference sat in ministerial session on the 4th. ’ The following were reported as having passed in their respective years of pro-bation:—-The ’Revs Wm. Beckett, M: K. Gilmour, R. P. Keall, D. Weatherall W. Wills, W. Greenslade, J. H. Haslam, A. N. Hcotter, W. R. Tuck and R. Wilson. The Rev. E. Blamires Avas reported-as having completed! one year’s travelling* The Revs. 'A. ''•lt'ea*d:ei r ' r ajild"' r W. J* brow were received on probation and arc to be appointed on circuit . Messrs C. Eaton, E. D. Patchett ana Joseph Belton were nominated for a second year’s study in Prince Albert College.

The Conference met in representative session in the afternoon, and devoted itself to a consideration of the report of the committee on the administration of the church building and loan fund. Mr Caughey’s motion, having as its object the more efficient and economical "working of the church building and loan fund, gave rise to a great division of opinion among the members. The committee appointed to report on Mr Caughey’s motion, suggested certain alterations of the rules and regulations affecting the church building and loan fund. Instead of a levy on trusts, it was suggested “That the trustees of the various churches be urged to contribute to the fund in proportion to the number of the congregation;’'’ and, instead of the committee having sole power to approve proposals of trustees, all over the colony, that “In exceptional and urgent cases the trustees he allowed to act under the direction of the chairman of the district', who shall report at the earliest opportunity to the committee at Christchurch.” It was argued by those in favour of the existing state of things—under which the general fund is.managed by a special committee at Christchurch —that the reporting committee had exceeded its powers in the recommendations it made. " The Conference, by SI votes to IS, supported the president’s ruling that the committee had a right to review and suggest any amendment arising out of Mr Caughey’s motion. The Rev J. J. Lewis and Dr Morley argued that the present rules and regulations affecting the church building and loan fund had given satisfaction, and that the history of the church in New Zealand had shown their wisdom and prudence. Mr Caughey spoke in support of his motion. ' , At five o’clock the further consideration of the question was adjourned until the next session. The Stationing Committee, representing the various districts of the colony, met on the sth instant to prepare the second draft of stations. The draft was subsequently submitted to the conference, which, after making a number of amendments, referred it back to the Stationing Committee for further consideration. In representative session in the afternoon the following resolutions of committee referring to the Church Building and Loan Fund were carried : —(1) That it is not desirable to divide the Church Building and Loan Fund or abolish the Central Committee by. which the same is managed. 2. That any change in the location of the committee is unnecessary and undesirable. 3. That in regard to the secretariat, the committee does not recommend any change. The Rev Dr Morley then presented the report and balance-sheet of the Church Building and Loan Fund, both of which were adopted. It was resolved that the thanks of the conference be presented to the members of the committee for their faithful and assiduous services, and that the following be the committee for the ensuing year:—The secretary,-the superintendents of the three Christchurch circuits, with Messrs W. Harris, G. H. Blackwell, R. W. England and C. W. Turner. On the motion of the Rev P. Fairclough, it was resolved that the superintendent minister be instructed to urge trustees to contribute to the fund in proportion to the number of the congregation. The other rules and regulations were adopted, with the exception of a verbal alteration in rule 3. The conference then adjourned till next morning. ORDINATION SERVICE. There was a very large congregation at the Wesleyan Church on the 4th, when

three young men were ordained preachers in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, with the usual impressive ceremonial. The President (the Rev C. LI. Garland) presided, and was supported by a number of senior ministers. The tbiee newly-ordained preachers —namely, the Revs W. S. Bowie, J. W. Burton and Hamiora Kingi, addressed the congregation, giving an interesting account of their religious experiences. The Rev William Gittos, Maori missionary, interpreted for Mr Ivingi. The Rev J. S. Smalley (late president) then addressed a, few words of encouragement and advice to the newlyordained preachers. The unconscious influence exercised by a high moral character was, he said, one of the most powerful influences on earth. They were neither priests nor dictators, but must rule as did the late- Queen —more by example than by precept. He warned them against intellectual sloth and pride, and against narrowing down their ministry, or, on the other hand, becoming too latitudinarian. No work paid better than that done amongst children. He gave them much excellent advice, end a number of practical hints on the conduct of their ministry, warning them against indiscreet utterances oiT public affairs from the pulpit, and concluded by invoking the Divine blessing on their future work. The service closed with the benc-We-tion. HOME MISSIONS. AN ELOQUENT MAORI MISSIONARY. A Home Mission meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Conference was held in Weslay Hall on the sth. The chair was occupied By the president of the conference (Rev C. H. Garland). The attendance was not large. The Rev W. J. "Williams offered up prayer. The Rev R. Harding delivered an interesting address on the subject of Wesleyan Home Missions in England. Their income amounted to £35,000 a year, and the work covered an immense field of usefulness. Mr Harding’s address was enlivened by several humorous stories and descriptions of Home life. Air Hamiora Xingi, of the Maori Mission, Waikato, whose speech was interpreted by Mr Rc-bert Hadden, a Maori probationer, said he was anxious to tell the audience something about the work of the Wesleyan Missions among the Maoris. At times the faith was very strong among the Maoris and at times very dull. The memory of the old missionaries who lived among them and healed their sicknesses was still cherished, and had had great influence over them, hut when the troubles with the Europeans came, the faith of the Maoris cooled. He asked those who cared for the Maoris to go and live among them. At present the work of the few whites among the Maoris was very great, 'but the fruit very little. Hau-Hauism had died out among the Waikato Maoris, and he had celebrated many marriages among the younger Maoris. Mr Robert Hadden (Rapata Tabu Potild) then addressed the meeting in •fluent English. His mother, he said, •was a pure Maori of high lineage, who had been brought up by the old missionaries. She was a Wesleyan, but had married a white man, at Hokianga, of no religion. She brought up her children well, and tried to keep them away from the bushmen and sailors who made Hokianga in the old kauri tim-ber-trading days a pandemonium with their constant fighting and drunkenness. On his mother’s death his father married a white woman, and he and his two young brothers had been set adrift. They wandered away to his mother’s people, who received them gladly. The recollection of what Lis mother had taught him made life at Parihaka revolting to him. Subsequently he met All- Hammond, the missionary, who con-

ceived a great- affection for him, and caused him to be educated. The speaker went on to describe the esteem in which his people held such men as Mr Hammond, Mr Gittos and the ole! missionaries. The old folk said “ there was too much humbug about the modern missionaries.” They wanted the missionaries to live among them. He then described how quickly the Alaoris would again fall into evil habits when left alone, even for a short time. Dr Morley said he had been deeply stirred, by Rapata’s speech. The Mission could never he said to have failed which produced such men as the last speaker. Lie ought to have a- horse to ride to save him in his long and exhausting rounds, and a where of his own for his wife and children to live in. That meeting, small as it was, should ■subscribe at least- £2O on the spot towards their purchase, and conference on the morrow would make up the balance. So stirred was the audience by Rapata.’s speech that £4l Ss 6d was collected in sums of from 5s to £5 in a few minutes. The Rey William Gittos closed the meeting with a brief and eloquent speech. If the public knew, he said, the real state of affairs among the Maoris, he felt sure enough money would be forthcoming to carry on the work as it should be. He had worked among the Maoris since 1556. He was nearing his end, raid was looking for a successor. In the light of what he knew and a fervent faith, he predicted a glorious revival among the Maoris would very shortly take place. The meeting closed with the singing of the Doxology.