PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12248, 11 January 1902, Page 7

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

THE QUESTION OP UNION. (Peh United Press Association.) 1 WELLINGTON, January l'O. At the Primitive Methodist Conference tonight Mr fioldie moved the following resolution:—"That this conference places upon record its high appreciation of tho eourtosy shown by the Wesleyan Methodist Chu-ch in its letter upon the question of Methodist union, yet wo again resolve that we do not see our way to acrcpt union on the basis offered, the concessions made by them beinft insignificant, whilst the sacrifices required from us include the absolute exclusion of laymen from diFCiiEsion or vote upon questions of the reception, ordination, efficiency, final stationing;, and superannuation of minister*, and al»o unon tho question of appeals affeeling thn status of ministers and members, the exclusion of laymen from taking any part in these questions being directly opposed to our church policy, which proviSoß that lnymnn are eligible to u?o both voices and voto upon all questions coming before any of our church courts." Mr Booth, of Auckland, seconded the resolution, and said union at the present time would bn an evil, as the people were not prepared. The Rev. J. Dnws'on (WellineIon) complimented the WaJpyan Methodists on tho_ excellent spirit shown in again approaching: the confi'rflnce re amalgamation, and moved us an amendment that the question of Methodist union be referred to the next September quarterly mooting. Mr Linton seconded the 'amendment. A lengthy debato followed, which is expeoted to last for two days more.