UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCHES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5562, 25 January 1879, Page 3

UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCHES.

A public meeting in connection with the sittings of the district meeting was held on Thursday evening, and considering the number of meetings, &0., that have been held during the week, it was very well attended. The chair was occupied by (the Rev. H. B. Redstone, who In a pleasant manner introduced the various speakers. The following were the pieces rendered in a very efficient manner by the choir, under the able leadership of Mr, Hudson: “ Shout the tidings of salvation,” “My Sabbath song,” “ The gleaner,” “It is well,” and “No parting there.” The speakers were the Revs. 0. Worboys, C. Penny, H. R. Wilkinson, J. White, and J. S. Macfarlane. The 'sittings in connection with the above were continued in the schoolroom yesterday morning, when the Revs. T. R. Fisher, S. Macfarlane, and J. White were appointed a committee to conduct the examinations by printed questions. The following resolution on temperance was carried unanimously,—That this meeting deeply deplores the continued prevalence of intemperance and the fearful effects produced thereby. It would earnestly impress on all our churches and ministers the necessity of decisive and active co-operation with those who are employed in the great work of seeking to bring about a temperance reformation, and would recommend the establishment of bands of hope and temperance societies In connection with our schools and churches. The report of the Finance Committee was read and passed. The third and final reading of the stations of the ministers for the coming connectional year is as follows :—Auckland, Robert Taylor ; Addington, J. White; Christchurch, 8. Macfarlane, A. Peters, W. LockWood, supernumerary ; Napier, H. R. Wilkinson ; Oxford and Malvern, J. J. Pendray, M. Balter, supernumerary; Rangiora, T. Hodgson; Reefton, J, Parkin ; Waipawa, 0. Penney ; Wellington, H. B. Bedstone. The following vote of thanks was passed :—That the representatives to this district meeting hereby record their deep sense of the kindness and hospitality they have received from the families where they have been located, and rejoice in this extension of Christian friendship, and pray that the Divine blessing may rest upon the intercourse enjoyed. Votes of thanks were also passed to the sub-secretary and the Press reporter. Fraternal greetings were sent to a similar meeting in Australia. One of the happiest and most successful district meetings held was brought to a close. Most of the representatives have left for home, and it is to he hoped that they may have a safe journey.