WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4883, 15 November 1876, Page 2

WESLEYAN DISTRICT MEETING.

The annual district meeting in connection with the Wesleyan Church, Wellington, began its session yesterday morning, at 10 o’clock, in the vestry of the Manners-street Church. There were present the Revs. Alex. Reid (chairman of the district court), J. B. Richardson, W. G. Thomas, J. S. Smalley, H. R. Dewsbury, W. S. Harper, E. Neil son, and Heteraka Marihi. The meeting having been opened with devotional exercises, Mr. Richardson was elected district secretary. The customary questions respecting. the character of preachers were answered satisfactorily. It was stated to the meeting in re Rev. J. J. Lewis (who is at present residing ,in England), that the President had received communication from Mr. Duller, indicating the probability of Mr. Lewis’ early return to the colony, for partial work ; but as nothing definite had been arranged, no action could be taken by the meeting. Mr. Smalley requested the meeting to release him from colonial work, and favorably recommend his re-affiliation to the British Conference. A conversation of some length ensued. Deep;sympathy was expressed for Mr. Smalley'in his domestic affliction, and eventually the'following resolution was unanimously passed—“ That this meeting has, with much regret, heard Mr. Smalley’s request to be allowed to transfer his allegiance from this to the British Conference, and having given its most careful consideration to the subject, feels itself reluctantly compelled to recommend Conference to favorably entertain his request.” The Greytown circuit repeated its application of last year for an additional minister,with a grant in aid of £75. The application was laid on the table, and it , was agreed that it be forwarded to Conference. Permission was given to Messrs. Dewsbury and Smalley to attend the approaching Conference, to be held in Christchurch next January. In answer to the question—Have we any recommendations to offer to the theological training of candidates for our Ministry ? the following answer was given;—Notwithstanding the pressing claims of certain circuits In the connection to additional ministers, "the meeting respectfully but strongly urge upon the Conference, that the students in the Theological Institution receive not less than two years’ training. The meeting then adjourned till this morning, at 10 o’clock.