METHODISTS CONFER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9596, 28 February 1917, Page 5

METHODISTS CONFER

ANNUAL CONFERENCE YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. - Tha Methodist Conference was resumed yesterday morning. Tlic Rev. G. Bond presided in the absence of the Rev. W. A. Sinclair. A memorial received iron) Gisborne, asking for the withdrawal ot the home missionary assistant to the minister was not entertained. CHURCH PROPERTY. The general report on church properly was adopted. Owing to the war, efforts in the way oi extendin',; i: ' uii ’y l promises and of improve meats geueially wero being -rest noted. During only two-thirds of the amount spent in 1915 had been expended. The district totals were given us follow :—Auckland district. £1532 los 6d; .South Auckland, .£3005 Os 9)1 (including business premises at Hamilton); Taranaki-Waiigumu, dl-7.1 2s 4d; Hawke’s Bay—Miinawulu, •EIJ.) 17s 6d; Wellington. .£572 12s Ud; Nelson. M ss; North Canterbury, .£B3 Is 7d; South Canterbury, £l9l 8s It’d; Otago, XIIS 11s lid; Southland, Xfii Is id; total, XC'JiiT 17s lid. CURRENT TRUST ACCOUNTS.

Tho position of current trust accounts was given us follows: —The total trust income reported, which included credit balances amounting to £1317 Its lid, was £43,376 Os 2d. _ Tho total trust expenditure, including debit balances amounting to .£l2ll is 9d, was reported to bo £51.619 7s lid. Roth the income and expenditure showed a considerable failing oil' compared with Hie previous your. This appeared to be the result of tho postponement of many new enterprises till alter the war. The credit balances carried forward were X3C9I is 3d, and the debit balances tarried forward .£12,0(19 15s 2d. This was an increase on both sides, as compared with dust year. Debts to tho church build, 'ing and loan fund wero stated to bo XU,986 3s 3d, and on other securities £105,335. Tho last-named item showed a largo reduction duriug the year. Tho total indebtedness hndi been reduced by £9201). Insurances had been increased by X1P,980. CHURCH BUILDING AND LOAN FUND. The report of the church building and loan fund committee showed that XIII2 of now loans had Even advanced from, tho general funds and X 513 10s from, the special branch. A special vote of; thanks was passed to donors of property to tho church during tho past year. Special consideration wart given to the position of church property in Coromandel, which, through decline in population and other causes, had shrunk in value. CONNEXIONALFIRE INSURANCE. A report received on eonnexional fire insurance stated that tiny assets show an. increase for the year of X‘795 13s 9d, tho total now being X 8670 Is Cd. The committee believed that it would bo rightly interpreting the will of the conference by investing a portion of its funds in war bonds, and, therefore, invested XSOO in this form of security. The interest on' investments received ■during tho year amounted to XlOt" 15s Uld, being an increase of £63 Is lOd, as compared with Inst year. The amount received for insurance levies for the year was XB4B 2s Id, being an increase of £3B 19s 7d on the preceding year, a total increase of £XO3 Is sd. The report was adopted. PROBATIONERS. Tho following wero received ns probationers :—Messrs J. Dennis, F. J. Parker, E. B. Chambers.' A. M. Contain, 6. AV. Jackson, T. Dent, and J. B. Nelson. AFTERNOON’S SESSION. Tho Rev. AV. A. Sinclair occupied the chair at the afternoon’s session. Tho report and balance-sheet in connection with the Methodist "Times" was received and adopted. Tho Revs. W. J. Williams and J. Cocker, editor and subeditor, respectively, -were thanked for their services and re-appointed. TEMPERANCE AND GAMBLING. Tho report of the committee on. temperance and public morals was adopted. In respect to the report the following motions were carried : "(a) The conference views with alarm tho increasing mania for gambling in tho community and condemns the evil principle of State legislation under which totalisator betting, art unions, and raffles flourish in our midst. It professed profound regret that in the guise of patriotism license should have been given by those in authority to unworthy methods of raising money for our soldiers. While recommending the members and adherents of our churches to support liberally all legitimate means of raising funds for patriotic purposes, it strongly urges them to discountenance all forms of gambling as being vicious and detrimen. tal to the best interests of the_ State. "(b) In view of tho swift and insidious growth of gambling in the Dominion this conference protests against the num. ber of race days being increased by 31— whereby tho spirit of gambling is being fostered as is evidenced by tho everincreasing sum® that pass through the totalisator. This conference impresses upon ministers, Sunday school superintendents and leaders of our church, the necessity of giving definite instruction to tho scholars of our Sunday schools on tho evils of intemperance." "That this conference (a) records its sense of disappointment, shame, and indignation at the recent decision of Parliament in regard to tho proposed early closing of hotel bars. Such a decision, in view of tho imperative need for economy, efficiency, and righteousness in these times of national testing, we feel to bo not only Jacking in true patriotism and statesmanship, but also an affront to tho 100,000 electors who peti(ioned for this reform, and a serious violation of tho principles of democracy, (b) That we respectfully urge upon the Government that it is not yet too late to reverse the former unfavourable decision, and gyant this reform; thus delivering our land from its present, in. glorious conspicuous place: and bringing it into lino with modern developments of temperance throughout the British Empire, and among other foremost nations of the world, (c) Meanwhile this conference urged our people everywhere to organise and work and agitate and pray until such time as Parliament bo impelled to accede to our righteous dcm ends." The conference resumes at 9.30 a.m. today. DRAFT OF STATIONS THE FIRST BEADING. The first rending of stations foot place at the conference just before it rose yeslevdny afternoon, as follows; AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Auckland Central—Charles U. Laws, 8.A., John J. Lewis, Harry Ranstop, M.A., Percy K. Paris, Joseph S. Smalley (sup.). James Thomas (sup.), Joseph Sharp (sup.), Cornelius Griffin (sup.), T. Francis Jones (sup.), George T. Marshall (sup.). Arthur J. George T. Marshall (sup.), Arthur J. Seamer (with the Expeditionary Forces). A. B. Chappell, M.A., F.R.E.S. (without pastoral charge). Auckland West—Harold E. Bellhouse. Wm. A. Burley, M.A., and a Homo Missionary. Auckland East —James Wngley, C. 11. Garland (Mount Eden), A. M. Costain (Grafton road), one wanted (Romuera), John Smith ■ (sup.). David McNicoll (sup.). George Bond (sup.). Henry R. Dewsbury Gup.), Thomas Q. Carr (sup.), j

Gf-orgo W. J. Spcneo (sup.), Joscpn J. Mather (sup.). Wesley Training College, Three Kings -Joseph H. Simmonda, pnn--1 cipiil. Home Mission fund—Thomas G. Brooke, general secretary. Ecological Institution—Charles H. Garland, pnnAvondale- —Lewis Hudson, T. Dent, a Home Missionary, Joseph Blight (sup.). Auckland Methodist Mission-Edwjn 1. Cox, M.A.. James Wilson (without pastoral charge). ~ w North Shore—William J. Elliott, W. 11. Hocking John S. Hishworth (sup.) Birkenhead—Harold A. Sharp, John D. Jor.y (sup.). ■ , Onehunga—Colin C. Harrison. Olaliuli.u —William G. Slade, M.A. Fapakura—ll. Daniel. Pukckobe —J. F. -Martin and a Homo Missionary. Waiuku—W. S. Potter. Mivhurangi—John Southern. Paparoa—C. Roberts. Northern Wairoa—William H. Speer, a Home Missionary. Whangarei—J. R. Clark. Northern Maori Mission —T. G. Hampiond (.superintendent of Maori Missions), flapeta Renata, Davis Wilcox, Piripi Ra-kcn-ii. Te jl’ulii Hcretijni, Eurera Te Tuhi, a Home Missionary, Hamiora Kingi (sup.). Port Albert—A Homo Missionary. Waikato Maori Mission—Hone M. Haro, Pnrairc R. Paikea, lldri Kakucre. Coromandel, Hclensville, Bay of Islands, llokianga, Whangaroa, Mangonui, and Hikuraugi, each a home missionary. SOUTH AUCKLAND DISTRICT. Thames—Samuel J. Serpell and a homo missionary. To Aioha—John Dukes. Mon-ins villa—One wanted. Waihi—C. A. 'Boston. Paoroa —One wanted. Cambridge—George S. Cook and a homo missionary. Hamilton—Thomas J. Wallis, J. D. McArthur, J. Clover (sujn). bluntly—One wanted. Rotorua—Harold T. Peat (Chaplain to Forces), and one wanted. Tauranga—H. Ryan. Opotiki—G. W. Jackson. Te Kuiti—One wanted. Taumarunui—Ernest E. Sage. Te Awamutu—S. Henderson. Whakatanc—One wanted. To Puke, Mutamata, Ohura, Ngarunwahia, Marakopa, Waimiha, each a homo missionary. New Plymouth—W. A. Sinclair (Presidont of Conference), F. Copeland, William Cannell (sup.), and a home missionary. Waitara—Georgo B. Hinton and a homo missionary. Inglowood—Raymond Richards. ■Stratford —Robert B. Tinsley, and ono wanted. Eitham—Archer O. Harris. Hawcra—Ernest O. BlapiUos. Manaia— F. J. Parker. Cape Egmont—Robert B, Gosnell and a homo missionary. Kaponga—Charles Blair. Wanganui —Henry L. Blamires, Samuel J. Wex-ren (supply), and a home missionary. A ramoho —Charles A. Sims. Rangitikei— P. J. Cossum. Tailmpc—R. E. Fordyco. Wnimarino—A. J. Lester Minifie. West Coast Maori Mission—Robert T. P. Haddon. Neho Hemi Papakakura, a home missionary, a homo missionary, a deaconess, a native deaconess. East Egmont, Mokau, Patea, each a home missionary, HAWKE’S BAT-MANAWATU DISTRICT. Napier—Thomas B, Richards and a home missionary. Hastings—M. A. Rugby Pratt. Gisborne—William Wills, and one wanted. Waipawa—J. Olphert. Danuevirke—Thomas N. Griffin. Woodville—T. I l '. Jones. Pahiatua—Harry Cottom. Palmerston North (Broad street) Frederick W. Boys and Home Missionary. Palmerston North (Cuba street) —Jonathan H. Haslam. Feilding—G. F. Stockwell, Thomas Coatsworth, P. W. Jones (sup,). Sanson and Rongotea H. Purcell Keall. Foxton-yA. Harding. Apitd lytul Norsewood —Each a Home Missionary. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. Wellington. (Taranaki street)—James G. Chapman, a Home Missionary, William Walker (chaplain to Forces at Treniham), L. B. Nealo (chaplain to Expeditionary Forces). Wellington Central Mission G. Knowles Smith. Wellington (Thomdon) —Amos Reader, one wanted, John Dumbeil (sup.), Charles H. Standage (sup.). Wellington South- Edward Drake, James Richards, John Dawson, William H. Beck (sup.), and Home Missionary. .Tohnsonville —W. Rowe, on© wanted. Uutt—William Beckett. Samuel J. Garlick (sup.), F. Rands (chaplain to Forces at Trentham). Pelone—Angus Mcßcan. South Wairarapa—H. L. Richards. Carterton —Josiah AYard. Master-ton—James A. Hosking, one wanted. Eketahuna—Charles B. Jordan, B.A. Lovin —William H. E. Abbey. Otaki —Hedley White and Home Missionary. NELSON DISTRICT. Nelson—William Baumber. Richmond—Arthur Ashcroft and Home Missionary. Blenheim Benjamin F. Bothwoll, Thomas R. B. Woolloxall, and a Home Missionary. Hokitika—One wanted. Greyraouth—Ernest D. Patchett. Motucka—E. B. Chambers. Rcefton —Charles Penney. Westport—Ben Dudley, F.R.A.S. Havelock. Murchison, Runanga, Dcn-niston-Qranity, Tapawera, Dovedalo Each a Homo Missionary. NORTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT. Christchurch (Durham street)—Percy N. Knight. 8.A., Henry Bull (sup.), John A. Lnxford (sup.). Connexional Secretary and Authorised, Representative —■Samuel Lawry. Durham street south —One wanted. Christchurch East —E. P. Blamires, Avthtir Liversedge, a Home Missionary, Robert Taylor (sup.), AV-illiam C. Oliver (sup.), Arthur Mitchell (chaplain to Expeditionary Forces). Christchurch (Cambridge terrace)— James Cooker. Charles E. Ward (sup.). Christchurch (AVoolston)—AY. J. Entioott, William J. Williams (sup;). Christchurch (Sydenham)—X). J. Murray. Christchurch (Addington)—Thomas AY. Vealie. a Home Missionary. Christchurch (St. Albans)—Albert C. Lawry, Thomas Fee (sup.), one wanted. Christchurch (Papanui)—C. Abernethy. Lyttelton—John E. Parsons. Springston—AY. Bramwell Scott. Tai Tapu—Basil Metson. . . Leeston—M. Laycock. Homo Missionary (supply). Kaiapoi—Paul AY. Fairelough, F.R.A.S. Ohoka—W. AY. Avery. Rangiora—James Guy, N- Turner. Qreendalo and Malvern—John Harris and a Homo Missionary. Amberley and Oxford —Each a Home Missionary. SOUTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT. Timaru (Bank street) —Thomas A. Jpughin, J. H. Dennis, Joseph R. Sullivan (chaplain with Expeditionary Forces). Timaru (AVoodlands street) —Ralph J. Liddell. Waimate—B. N. Scotton, B.A. Temuka (King street) —John AY. Griffin and a Home Missionary. Geraldine —George P. Hunt. Ashburton—George Frost, one wanted. AYillowb.y—AValtor J. Oxbrow. Oamaru—John A. Lochore. Methvcn ami Mayfield—Each a Home Missionary. OTAGO DISTRICT. Dunedin (Trinity)—AY. Arthur Hay, J. R. Nelson. Thomas AV. Non bold

Dunedin Central Mission.—Clarence Baton. W. Ready (chaplain with Expeditionary Forces). Dunedin (Dundas street)—Samuel Griffiths. Dunedin (Cargill road) —Robert Raine. Dunedin (St. Kilda) —Arthur Hopper. Dunedin (Kew)—Alexander Allen, a Home Missionary. Dunedin (Mornington) William Greenslade. Frederick T. Read (chaplain with the Expeditionary Forces). Dunedin (Roslyn)—T. Arthur Pybus. Mosgicl—James T, Pinfold, B.D. Port Chalmers—Samuel H. D. Peryman. Waikouaiti and Palmerston —One wanted, a Homo Missionary. Balclutha —Benjamin J. James. Milton —Jacob Featherston. Roxburgh—One wanted. Kaitangata,—A Home Missionary. Lawrence —A Homo Missionary. 'Cromwell —A Homo Missionary. SOUTHLAND DISTRICT. Invercargill (Leet street) —A. Peters. Invercargill (Teviot street)—Ono edInvercargill (Don street) —H. Olds. B.A. Invercargill (Elies road) —George Clement. Bluff —Albert H. Fowles. Gore —George H. Mann. Otautau—Samuel Bailey. Edondale —One wanted. Riverton, Winton. Tuatapere and Nightcaps—A Home Missionary. ORDINATION SERVICE. In the evening the Taranaki street Church was well filled for the ordination service, which was conducted by the president of the conference, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair. Tbo new ministers ordained were the Revs. R. B Gosnall, Percy Battey, and H. T. Peat. In the course of his ordination charge the Bev. A. C. Lawry congratulated the new ministers, and spoke to them words of counsel and of cheer. He impressed upon them the necessity of taking care of their health. Without their health there would, be little hope of

using well the greater gifts that God would offer them. Then again, said tho speaker. - they must train their voices. "Fill your head with facts," said the Rev. Mr Lawry, "your heart with honest sympathy, and your lungs with arr. Then speak out and people will listen.” He advised them not to advertise their uncertainties. They should settle those for themselves in their own hearts and homes, and proclaim from the pulpit only what they were sure was God’s truth. Many other qualifications necessary for a successful minister were touched upon by the speaker.