WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4297, 5 March 1901, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

FOFRTH DAY. The members of the Wesleyan Conference -at in minis! cm! simsiou yesterday morning. , 'fhe fellow ins were repeimmi as mivin.g passed in their respective y;’~rs <A probation: —The Revs Uni. Beckett, A K. Gilmour. R. V. Krall, D. Ueathcrall W. Wills, W. Greens hide, J. H. II usiam, A. X. Scot. ter , V, . it. luck and 11. Wilson. . , , The Rev. E. manures was reported as bavin"’ completed one year’s travelhmp Tin- Revs. *A. Reader and y. . J. O.xImow were received on probation and are to be appointed on circuit. Messrs C. Eaton, E. D. Patci.ett and Lff-ph Belton were nominated lor ;• second year’s study in Prince Albert Col-; I<! The Conference met in representative session in the afternoon, and devoted it-<-e!f to a consideration nf the report of Bn, committee on .the administration ~j’ the elm roll building and loan fund. Mr Causbcy’h motion, bavins as its object tlie'moVe cllicient and cc-.momicr.l ".i-rkimj -if the church iniihlin?; and loan j’ninL have rise to a great division of opinion among the members. The committee appointed to report on Air Caugbcy’s motion, suggested certain ■si t era J ions of tbo r ules and regulations nFcel in" the church building and loan fund, instead of a levy on trusts is was suggested ‘‘That the trustees or 11m various ciinrciies be urged to contribnio to the fund in proportion to the number nf the congregation;” and, instead of tlie committee bavin" sole power to approve prooosais of trustees, all over tin- coiimv. that "In exceptional and urgent cases tbo trii-Moes be allowed to act under Hie direction of the. chairman of the district', who sm-il report at the (■;; I*l iost opportunity to llio committer* at Christchurch.” ... ~ It was argued by those' in favour or the existing state .of things—umior v/hico the general fund is managed by a special committee at Christchurch t.uit the reporting committee liad exceeded its powers in the recommendations it The Conference, by 81 votes to 18, supported the president’s ruling that the committee had a. right to review ami suggest any amendment arising out of Mr°Caughey’s motion. The Rev J. J. Lewis and Dr Aloisey r.v"upd that the present rules and regulation?-. aFocting the church building and lnr.ii fund had given satisfaction, and I bat the history of the church in New Zealand had shown their wisdom and prudence. . Mr Caughey spoke in support of ms motion. . ’ At five o’clock Hie further consideration of the question was adjourned until the next session. Tiro Stationing Committee, lay and clerical, "’ill meet at nine o’clock this, morning to prepare- the second station sheet.

ORUTXATK)N SERVICE. Then* was c. very large congregation at the Wesley Church last night, when three, vomig men were ordained preachers in the Vvcsleyan Alothodist Church, wHh the usual impressive ceremonial. The President (the Rev C. H. Gar. laud) presided, and was supported by a number of senior ministers. The three i'.cwly-ordiduetl preachers—namely, the Revs W. S. Bowie. J. W. Burton am! .1 liimiora. King!, subsequently addressed the ci: ngrogation, giving an interesting

account of their religious experiences. The Rev William Gittos. Maori _ missionary, interpreted for Air King!.

The Rev J. S. Smalley (late president) thou addressed a few words of encouragement and advice to the newlyordained preachers. The unconscious influence exercised by a high moral character was, bo said, one of tho most powerful influences on earth. They wore 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 hotter 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 on public affairs from the pulpit, and concluded by invoking the Divine blessing on their future work. The, service closed with the benediction.