THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7342, 5 December 1884, Page 7

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Christchurch, November 14. In the Wesleyan General Conference to-day, the Rev W. Morley moved—” That this Conference accede to the recommendation of the Now Zealand Conference, that the New Zealand Conference he constituted independent and self-governing, and that the plana submitted for the constitution of the same be approved. He said the resolution was not intended as a slight on the Australasian Conference. Ho believed sincerely that the proposal would tend to develop the Methodist cause in this land. It was now new, but it had been received favorably qt the’ Adelaide Conference in 1881, _ and, was carried by a three-fourths majority in the Now Zealand Conference in 1881, and agreed to in 1884. Ninety-five per cent, of the New Zealand Methodists would he disappointed if it were not carriednow. The geographical difficulties in tho way of the present arrangement were very great. The distance between Australia and New Zealand necessitated a long voyage. The cost of removals : was large, and the attendance at Australian Conferences compelled lengthy absence on the part of New Zealand delegates. Othep denominations had Supreme Courts within their own bounds, but the Wesleyan body had to go to; other cplo.nies for final authority. In America and South Africa Methodists differ from tho Home body, but were recognised by it, and if the motion was carried the N OW Zealand Conference would not Bevor its connection with the Mother Country. He believed the New Zealand Conference would not be satisfied (ill the. modification suggested took plaoo. The Now Zealand Wesleyan Church now had four-fifths as many ministers, members and adherents as the Australasian Church had wheq the Australasian Conference was formed |h 18pp. Tire Genera,! Conference had power to’ deal with th'e.propogq} \v|tfio.«t reference to England. % Eredk,. ’W-hitaker had given a legal opinion that the separation oouid be don? |n (hk way proposed, Mr Hobbs, M.H.R., seconded the motion. He thought the New Zealand Conference would be allowed to walk alone, but if the request were refused he hoped they would meekly kiss the rod, The Rev. W. J. Watkin said the vot?.in the Adelaide Conference had heo.n given'under a feeling of sympathy with New Zealand after tho Tararuq disaster, Ho opposed the motion, as he fayofed a'Methodist Union. Tfio proposed constitution sacrificed 1 jyeyytljung. ' It had ho guarhntei tfie c.onlofe'nc.6 m(gfi( not ten years lienee change. |ts” doetyino. Such guarantee o-pabed iq Australian and Canadian constitutions, There was nothing in this constitution providing for the continuance of itinerancy or to prevent a layman being elected a resident of the New Zealand Methodist Chur all. There was no allusion to terms and conditions of church membership. Were class meetings to be abandoned, the Kcv, d,- C. Symons believed, the Austyalasiafi Conference coi-Jd do no more'thaSi 'recommend the proposal. ’Ho obj'Scted to the proposition rp examination of ministerial candidates, and to the proposal tha( theyi) should be iv oreod. He could not qee what was to be gained by passing tho motion, as tho New Zealand Conference managed their own affairs already. Dr Waugh read the legal opinion of Messrs Webb and Bryant, of Victoria, to the effect tfiat the General Conference had no pov,',e.r‘ to sanction the separation of an augUalconfcvence or to delegate pqwlers'of' £1(0 general conference to an amifial conference, The Rev. J. Whiteford thought the document just read rendered further discussion worthless. The President did not take the responsibility of suppressing the discussion. The Rev. S. Knight quoted the opinion of the Chief Justice of New South Wales, which was rather at variance with that of Mr Webb. The Rev. J. J. l.ewis thought the difficulties stated by Mr Watkin were imaginary. As to itinerancy, all that was sought was power to deal with exceptional crises pi an exceptional manner, 'yhere, ryiis qo intention to have a layman its president, Aa to legal opinion, tfie’ conference was not bound by legal’ terms, npr were its members confined to any creed. They were Christians first, Methodists afterwards. The Rev J. Watsford did nob think separation desirable. The difficulties as to the distance b.e(weotf New Zealand and Australia, \yaa ncit worth mentioning, for soon the voyage to Melbourne would occupy only three days. Separation was not deaGabJa on the basis set forth, which wf,a for New Zealand only. If it was r, good 1 tiling, why should it not be applied to other colonies ? Methodism would not be recognised in its proposed dress, for it seemed to him that most important principles were given UPJ ministerial functions were ignored; it was proposed to give exercises of discipline on ministerial members ; and no mixed Conference class meetings were set aside. The Rev J. B. Waterhouse said that if the proposed constitution had been kept within the bounds of the existing constitution he would have supported it, but as the proposal was he could not. The Rev K. Ravin submitted that the request should be granted, because’New Zealand Methodihts afid New Z.m]>uk! Methodism asked (of if. Tho basis proposed was not antagonistic- to Methodism. There was no wish for change in doctrine, nor for abolition of class meetings or itinerancy. There was nothingrevoiutibnaryin askir.gthai laymen should be associated with ministers in stationing ministers. Whatever ambiguity there was could be made clear. The Rev, H. Bath moved an amendment, ” That this conference after carefully considering the plan of separation submitted by the New Zealand Conference, aiid while fully sensible of tfie mcpnyem'eiW and expense incidental to. Ui,e administration of a ohurefi so, largo as Ifie Australasian connection, yet deenjs '(t inexpedient and not necessary tp,' Hacrifioe the great advantig** of that connection, besides incurring the loss and risk of so great a change for the sake of the comparatively small gain sought by the dissolution, more especially on the plan proposed,' 1 New Zealand should not out herself ou from mission works among the islands which was not complete. The proposal was not consistent with Methodist Union. Other Churches were moving towards federation, and Methodist Churches should not endeavor to dissolve their union. 1 The 1 Rev. J. Martin seconded the 'amendment, but said he would not object to' separation if the New Zealand church would engage to perpetuate the Wesleyan Methodism which they all loved. He asked what guarantee there Was against further disintegration, and whether the property accumulated In the past for the Wesleyan Methodist was to be taken for Methodism not recognised by the Conference. The Rev. R. M. Hunferthought theconnectioribetvyoen Australia and New Zealand should be maintained, both as a matter o( sentiment, and of principle. He had received a letter from one of the fathers in England, stating that Methodism on the basis proposed, would cease to be Methodism. A deputation from the Christchurch Minister’s Asasociation wqs here introduced, and on behalf of other Protestant denominations, welcomed the members of the Conference to Christchurch. The Revs C. J. Watkins, R. M, Hunter, and Mr Hobbs acknowledged the welcome of the association. The discussion was resumed on Rev Bath’s amendment, w :ich was carried by 5S votes to 23, Christchurch, November 15.

At the Au*tra!a*ian Wesleyan Conference to-day, a long discussion took place on intercolonial oppoiutments, aad the interchanges of ministers between N«w Zealand and other Conferences:. It was ultimately resolved, “'T'hat it be a further instruction to the Committee on Exchanges to report as to the definite number of exchanges to be made on the grounds of policy betwixt conferences, either at ftnee pr at intervale, districted over the next three years/* Christchurch, November 17-

At the Wesleyan Conference to-day, the Rev. J, Nftfsford moved, ‘ l That this Conference, deeply feeling the great loss sustained by the death of the late general secretary of our Foreign Missions Society, the Key. B. Chapman gratefully records its high appreciation of bis earnest and valuable labors in the mission works, and expresses its sincere sympathy with h;s bereaved family and friends. 1 The Rev. Dr Waugh seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Mr D, Nook moved a vote of thanks to Mr David Reny for the magnificent gift of a ship to the foreign mi-oions. The Conference accepted tbs suggestion and agreed to pass a more formal resolution, which con'd be

Mr Deny. The Rev. R. P»i\ : n !ri--v>il “That a vote of hearty thank* ho given U the Dr Kelynaek for his valuable s r vicr= in c nncvtion with the Spvml }{t)j Fun 1, and Ih «t the C -»;fe: -noe n o-rd if' gratilu la to tie 1f <r the -m c of the liu.d. 3 The rivtiou was seconded and c»iri<d unanimously, .‘■overal members speaking iu Itvoi* o the motion. CfiBiSTCHCEcn, November 13. The Wesleyan Conference was occupied al day, eittiag with closed doors, considering the subject of the Tongs Mission. At the luncheon several ministers of other denomination; were present, including the Revs, J. Kimslie, Hoat*on, and W, White. The Rev. R. Fisher the president, took occasion to siy that the brethren of the Conference would never forg.-l the courtesy and kindness of the ladies <>l Christchurch congregations. He also welcomed the visiting mini-te;s. The Ilr.v. J. Eimslie expressed his satisfaction at being present, and the Rev. W. H, Fitchett spoke oa behalf of the Conference,

The Conference resumed at 7 p.m. The Rev J. C. Symons submitted the report of the Superannuation Fund, which showed the if come for the year to he £18,190, expenditure £7796 3*. The capital account showed assets £138,074, an increase over liabilities during the year of £B6BB Os fid. The number of superannuated uiiuisttrn on December 31st, was 47, widows 26. The Missionary Committee iu Loudon had payed all the arrears due lo this fund. The Rev. J, C. Symons staled that Mi Black, the actuary, had estimated the amount necessary to make the fuud solvent as £9990. Another actuary, Mr Templeton, estimated the necessary captial at £14,849, but as tho actual capital wai so large the difference between these estimates am muted only U per cent The Uev John Cope give hU own etitimatis, which were much lowtr than the above. He recomtueudi-d frequent valuations by actuaries He thought the present scale of premium and allowances was peifectly safe. The Rev W. H. FitcheU, seeing that there were such conflicting estimates, advocated sending Mr Cope for higher actuarial opinion. The Rev J. Cope did not see the need for incurring bo large au expense. The Rev W. L. Blamires thought there wa< satisfaction In the fact that, however much the reports of the actuaries differed, they agreed in showing that the fund was improving in its position. After further di cnsciou the report was adopted, and the actuaries 1 reports were ordered to be printed in the minutes. Tho General Cou fert-nce also agreed that the number of treasurers of the fund be increased from six to eight, and that tho words 4 ‘ by other means M be inserted in the rule providing fur the pasatag of a contribution of six guineas from each district. Votes of thanks were passed to the Hon. A, Fraser, Rev. J. Cope, and the general treasurers of the past three years. The following were appointed treasurers till the next general conference s—The Reva Dr Waugh, Hess, J. O, Symons. S. Bath, H. V. Wills. Dr Cutts, Messrs G, King, 15. Johp, and J. E. Beaver, M L. 0., the former auditors, were reelected.

CnuiSTOaDROH, November 20. The Weeloyun Ooufcreuce to-day was occupied a causiderable time in verbal revisions of the Book of Discipline. It war decided ta write a letter of condolence to the relatives of the late William Barton, of Waikato. On the motion of Mr Kohaon, it was resolved, “ That, recognising the value to the connection of local preachers, this Conference resolves that it is desirable to aim at improving their status aul increasing (heir efficiency, and iu order to do this, recommends eaeli annual conference to adopt a literary and theological course of study which ” local preachers on trial shall be required to i-bierve.” The remainder of tho business was unimportant.

Christchurch, November 21. At the Wodeyau General Conference to* clay Jt was resolved that the next general conference be held iu Melbourne in M»y, 1888. The revision of the boo.k of discipline was completed, the Conference agreeing to adopt the book nony revised as containing the laws by which tho Australasian Wesleyan Methodists are governed, with, thp. under* standing tho£ the legislation, of the present : Conference be i,ns.ert.ed therein, The cordial : thanks of th.a Conference were presented to the Commit-eo in Melbourne, who have had thia subject before them during the last three years, and especially to the Revs J. 0. Symons and W. P, Wella. The Rev George Markin read a draft of the address of the General Conference to the British Conference. After greeting the fathers and brethren of the British Conference, the address continued ; “ It must surely he gratifying to you to know that, as the result cf your wisdom and fore.ight iu your mission opera* lions to thesu uolonuy in the early part of the present century, Methodism of the old laud ia now doing noble work in leavening the religious life of the people of Australasia with those great truths which we have received as part of our Christian heritage. Whilst looking, an the past with thankfulness wa look In the future with hope." llefarehpe was made to the material progress iu New Zealand and Australia, One of the difficulties in church work arose from the scattered and migratory character of tfye population, and the conference found itself straitened to meet the spiritual necessities of these lauds where the conditions are widely different from those of the old country, but Wealeyans hero were anxious to'build up a firm, compact, and united Methodism which sth-d\ aland a bulwark aga\us;t encroachment of diebqlM and become mighty for the disaptufuatiou of Christian truth. In connection with Home and foreign nv.siaions, the lamented death of the Rev Benjamin Oapmau was referred th, whose office of secretary for the foreign missions had been filled by the Rev W. Kelynack, D.D, Tte language of the savage natives of New Britain has been reduced to writing, aud Iho gospel of St. Mark transited fir the natives. The election of the Rev J, H, Fletcher, president of Newington College, Staumore, showed the value of the Australasian Methodist’s pi iced in the educational institution. The establishment of a Ladies’ College at Hawthorne, near Melbourne, was a new departure, and, under the management of the Kev W, Fitchett, rendered good seivice to the cause of religion and the culture oj Australasian Methodism. The address concluded with an expression a! renewed iu God and the b,e£t wishes foj tha continued prosperity o.t Me.lhocbsm in the Fatherland. In tho, afternoon a number of the Conference had picnic at Lincoln, which was attended by abjut 600, and passed off very successfully, CHRiatOHunOH, November 22. At the Wesleyan Conference to day, a long discussion took place on Methodist uaiou. The Rev. G. S, Bickford moved a resolution directing each annual conference to appoint committees to consider tho and communicate with other Methodist churches in Australasia with tbs view of finding a basis of nu!oo. Op receipt oi reports from the annual conferences, a special session of the general conference to be held to c nuder them, provided that three out of the four annual conferences decide in favor of the union by a two-thirds vote. The othar clauses of the resolution provided for districts voting upon the proposition. The Rev. K. Burgess moved au amendmeni, “That this conference recog-

niseß the desirability of Methodic union throughout Australasia, and recommends the subject to the favorably consideration of the annual conferences and directs them to open up communication on the subject with the other branches'of Methodism, and report at the next general conf/rence.” The Rev. G. S. Bickford withdrew bis potion in favor of the amendment, as a further amendment adverse to the union was to be proposed. The Rev. J, B, Stephenson moved, ** Tfyat this conferences regards, with great sati-faction ©very evidence of cordiality of feeling between the several branches of the Methodist Church, and of a disposition to discountenance contention and unseemly rivalry, and to encourage mutually helpful relations and co-operation ; and resolves to endeavor to promote and cement by all judicious means the true friendliness that ought to exist between those who are engaged in the one great work of proclaiming the common Saviour ; at the same time this conference is of opinion that at present an organic union of all the various sections of Methodism would at least be premature, and would n*-t be likely to increase, but rather to diminish the sum total of the influence exerted, and the work don© for the kingdom of God,” He pointed out that the union might produce an apparently united charge with infinite schisms like the Churches of Roms and England. Difference of temperament and taste wonld be exaggerated by the union. Would the conference be prepared to accept other Churches loaded with debt-? There was no guarantee of the continuance of the union in South Australia* Other Methodist bodies bad made no movement towards union, and other Methodists had left Wesleyanism, and thought . the Wesleyana were willing to receive them back. There was no occasion to send for them. The Rev J. G. Simpson seconded the amendment, stating that Primitive Methodists were indifferent to union. The Rev J. J. e*id the last general Conference h&d passed a resolution in favor of tho opinion, and all that was now sought was to advance it another stage. The general public could not understand the petty differences between the various sects of Methodists, who should show a united front to i the world. The debts of other churches were not large enough to be allowed to stand in the way of union* Mr P, W* Holder supported union, principally because he considered the present divisions hindered tho work of the Church, especially iu regard to missions. The Rev W. L. BlaojVies would support the amendment as far as the word “ premature.” He saw no indications cf willingness for such a

cn ii f r mi-e as would r<uKr uui-'u ]w-s-ib’ •- lie bo’hwcd the gvutr.diy wrre in favor of mum, hut the Uitv were not enthusiast!: about it. IJr W-dgb con-aden d tU-ro wen* t’t.Hio ii'i;*< cuuu' loi with tie fundamental principal ia the way of Methodic union, which hid not pr.ivtd .1 furctss in Ireland He did ti 't think the people would follow thru* ministers t-wards union, yet hfi hoped the lime f. r union would come. Mr M. Thomas bald the Victorian liity wrre qube indifferent respecting union, which would not be advautageom to Mr-thodiam, as it would destroy the healthy rivalry now existing. The Kev W. J. Williams read a statement on union from the New Zea* land Conference, which stated that the Churches sought to be united were essential!* one in all constituting the glory and strength of Methodism; tint union would secure economy of fore. 1 , enlarged opportunities for evangelistic enterprise, and increased support to foreign missions. The Wesleyan Free Methodist, Primitive Methodist aud Bible Christian Churches of New Zealand had all declared for union. Th»* Free MelbodUts had applied to the Home Assembly forleavo tostver itsemmotion aud join the proposed union, and their request had been unanimously granted. The Primitive Methodist Conference at Home gave in definite reply to a similar request, not having been correctly informed of the steps taken here. The Bible Christians had power given them to act according to their own con* viciions. Mr M. Williams said there was some difference of opinion as to the prop* r time for union The Kev. J. B. Stepheuton said that none of the Tasmanim Wesleyan ministers Were favorable t> union. *lhe Primitive Methodists there were against it, aud he was not sure that the highest type of Christianity would exist if denominations were abolished. The Kev. J. Bury pointed out that the Presbyterians, though divided in Scotland, were united In New Zealand. The Methodist Church could aHo unite. The feeling of New Zealand in favor of union was shown by various Methodist denominations uniting to publish one newspaper. The Kev. J. B. Stephenson's amendment was negatived by 20 votes to 25. Ihe Kev. 11, Burgess' motion was carried by 34 votes to 16. Ohuistchuuoh, November 24.

At the Wesleyan Conference morning Bitting, the Rev W, Motley Bail be had received & telegram from tho Crown Prince of Tonga urging the Conference to consent to the union of Tonga with tho New Zealand Conference The Conference resolved to reply that the subject had been already dealt with, and advice was forwarded by telegram to this effect to Auckland, where the Sandfly is waiting to take it to Tonga. A report on the settlement of Church property was considered. In connection with this a long discussion took place on a proposal to extend tho term of residence of ministers. The Rev A. Reid moved that ministers be appointed from year to year, but in no case the term of residences to exceed six years, Th* Rev J, C. Symons seconded thH. Mr Hobbs opposed any alteration of the present throeyears* system. Tho Kov W. Kirk heartily supported the resolution. Mr W, Thomas opposed it as fatal to the itinerancy principle. The Rev H. Bull believed the proposal to be iu harmony with the spirit of John Wesley, who did not apply a period of years to ordained ministers but to preachers, Mr Moxham b.dievod beneficial results would follow the adoption of the proposed alteration. Mr D. Nook and the Revs H, N. Burgess, J. B. Stephenson and Mr Jlanu opposed the motion. The debate lasted till the 1 p. m, adjournment, and was resumed at 2 p.m. After further discussion the motion was lost. Ayes, 26; nous, -10. A 'urlhcr amendment by tic Rev B. Butchers, to extend the term of residence to four years was also lost by 27 to 35 voles. The report on ministerial interchanges was considered, and it was resolved, that when a minister who has travelled mere than five and loss than fifteen years is tranferrud to another conference, he >ha!l have the light to return to his own con* ftrence at the eutl of nine years ; also, when a minister ha«i travelled more than fifteen years my 1 is transferred to another conference he fdvvl 1 have the right to return in six years, Tho General Conference directed tho New Zealand Conference to transfer the Rev K. Barber to Victoria in exchange for the Rev J. Thomas. A motion to transfer the Rev J. K. Moulton from Tonga to Victoria was, after a Blight discussion, withdrawn. Portion of thjAlburv and Wodotyga circuit was ordered to be tiayisforyed from New South Wales and Queeualwl to the Victorian Con* ft-rence. Alter transacting other business, dm tug wh;oh no motion of importance was carried, the Conference adjourned till to-mor-row, CTißisxcatrncu, November 25. The Conference resumed at 9.30 am. Thanks were accorded to the Indies oj the Church and others who had f-qtevtamed the members during their fcfyiy iu Christchurch. Committees oq Church property and memorials were appointed, and reports on early Church records from all the Conferences, except New South Wales, were read. The Kev G. Lane said ho was collecting materials foy a, history of the Church in New South Wales. Committees on Church history wore then appointed for all Conferences, and also for Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, aud New Britain. Several motions for alterations iu the present procedure re repr. sentatives to annual conferences, presidential clectiqoa* and examination of probations we;e, m ‘ved and lost. It was -agreed that, tfto support of suspended ministers should rest - with the annual couferenceo of which they are members. Rev L, Fison moved, “That ull our landi iu Fiji which were not given or otherwise acquired as sites for churches to be considered as tho property of tho Australasian Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society, and that the income from such lands should be secured to the said society in thi event of Fiji ceasing to be a miadon district.” The buds referred to, he explained, were the property of the Rev F. Laogham, binnelf and another, and bad been taken over from tho widow of tho late insolvent schoolmaster for an annuity. The liiuH had proved to be of great value, and should be the property of the missionary society. He was glad of the ovpmtqnity of moving the resolution, thasfc.atements made in England by Sir AGhuy Gordon as to the grasping of th* by missionaries, which were abominable lies. (“ Oh J’ 1 ) He was sorry tho phrase not strong enough. (Dissent.) The President and several members deprecated the use of the phrase, and the Rev L Fisoo withdrew if. Mr Ham seconded the motion. The Rev F. Langbam begged the conference to hesitate before passing the resolution, which would seiioudy affect the position of the Church in Fiji. Tho following amendment, by the Rev F. Bath, was carried : “ That the matter be remitted ta the Board of Missions and the Nev? South Wales and Queensland Conforeqoca for future recommendation to the General Conference.” At the afterncou sitting it was decided to issue catechumen tickets to those who could be considered preparatory society members. Reports on educational institutions were made to the effect that the Theological College of New South Wales was making good progress, Wesley College, Melbourne, was improving under the present arrangements. The Ladies* College there was flourishiutr, and another was established iu Tasmania. The colleges in South Australia and Tasmania were favorably re pm ted on, especially the former. At the college at Three Kings, Auckland. there were five English and eight or ten native students. £GOfO; to £BOOO had been subscribed for the college to he affiliate ! to the Melbourne Uniw-ilty. It was resolved that it ia desirable that a centraltheological institution be established for the whole of the colonies. The question, was remitted to the annual conferences to report at the next general conference*

At the evening sitting of tho Wealoyan Conference a terles of resolutions were passed urging the necessity of resisting all efforts to open public libraries, museums, &c. t on the Lord’s Day, and the importance of electing to Parliament and Municipal Councils persona in favor of preserving the sacredness of the Sabbath, and recommending Methodists to maintain tho utmost fidelity to the requirements of Sabbath observance. A vote of thanks was passed to the members of Christchurch for the admirable arrangements made for tho conference. It was resolved that the General Goa* declares its cordial sympathy with the objects of social purity societies formed in some of the Australian colonies, and earnestly hopes that the appeals now being made to various Legislatures to enact i measures for the better protection of young females and to diminish immorality, will meet with a satisfactory response. A resolution in support of the local option principle was also agreed to. Thanks were accorded to the President (Rev J. H. Fletcher) for the ability, urbanity, and conscienli lusuesa with which he bad presided over the Conference ; also, the Secretary (l»ev S. Williams) and' his col leagues (Revs Stephen and Daniel, and Messrs Ruddle and James). Several other votes of thanks were passed, and the proceedings of the Conference were formally closed by all present singing the Dosolopy.