AUSTRALASIAN METHODIST CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12600, 2 March 1903, Page 5

AUSTRALASIAN METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAT. NEW ZEALAND CONFERENCE. (Fkom Our Special Reporter.') CHRISTOHURCH, February 28. Tlio Mothodiat Conferenco resumed its work this morning in ministerial session, the president (Itev. J. A. Luxford) presiding. Tlio Rovs. K. T. Keall and Mr Wills having travelled four years as probationers and passed all their examinations satisfactorily wore admitted into full connexion. They will bo ordained in St. Albans Church on itlonday ovenin". Tlio Rev. Mr Wills was especially commended on the good results of Iris examinations during his probationary course. Tlio following 1 ministers were passed in their several years of probation:—Revs. E. P. Blamires, W. Greenslade, J. H. Haslarn, A. N. Beottcr, W. R. Tuck, B. Wilson, (leorgo S. Cook, 0. Baton, W. J. Oxtrow, A. Reader, J. Betton, C. E. Godboliear, H. E. Eoget, and T. T, Thomas, B.A. Tho Row. M. A. R. Pratt, E. D. Patohet, and B. J. James were received as first year's probationer. Messrs A. M'Bean, A. C. llandorson, A. J. Rood, Fl Copeland, G. Suddon, and F. J. Tyler are to continue at the oollego in Auckland for further theological training. Mossrs W. W. Avery, P. R. Paris (Contra! Mission, Dunodin), A. J. Slamer, and R. 11. Wylio have been admitted as candidatos to the ministry and to ontor the college. Revs. Ropata Taltu Potiki (Robert Hadden) and Hapeta Renata, Native preachers, who have boen three years on trial as probationers, are to continue. Hone Hari was received on trial as a Nativo probationer, and to labour under the direction of the Rev. W. Gittos. Tho Rev. J. S. Smalloy becomes a supernumerary for one year, with the right to reside in England. The conferenco resolved to restore to the minutes tho name of the Rov. ft. S. Harper (Wanganui), who since 1878 has been a supernumerary, and since 1882 has bad his namo on tlio general only. The Rovs. F. W. Isitt and L. M. Isitt wore passed as ministers left without pastoral charge. The Revs. W. B. Martin and I". T. Road are granted permission to rest for a while with the viow of visiting England, tho former to havo a probationer as supply.

The Rev. A. B, Chappell was granted permission to rost for another year in order to pursue liia university studies. It was resolved that tho request of the Rev. O. E. Bcccroft to visit England in 1901 be rccommendod for favourable consideration to the conference of that year. Tho sauio resolution was passed m tho application of .the Rev. J. T. Pinfold, providing that satisfactory arrangements qui bo mado with the circuit. The conferonco resolved unanimously concerning degrees that they can recognise only such foreign litoraty degrees as can also ho held as ad oundoin dogrees in connection with the New Zealand University. Fraternal greetings were received from President Bavin (of tho New South Wales Conferonoo), who also intimated that the Rov. W. Slado (late of Fiji) lmd been transferred to tho Now Zealand Conference. The President heartily greeted Mr Slado. Greetings were also read from Presidents .Tefferies and liones, of tho West Australian aud Queensland Conferences. It was agreed that conference sympathise with the Itov. J. Berry in ■ his oontinucd ill-health, and that a letter to that effect bo forwarded to him. Tho session adjourned to Tuesday, wlion tho second' reading of stations will bo the first matter for eoiisidoration. REPRESENTATIVE SESSION. The conference in its representative Session met upon the adjournment of tho ministorial eossion, Tho Secretary read a lottor from the Rev. J. Gibb (convenor of the Presbyterian Church Committee) acceoding to the conference's request re tho deputation on union, which will be received on Wednesday morning. A number of alterations in tho boundaries of circuits were agreed to. It was agreed to change tho name of the Riverton Circuit to Otautau. It, was resolved that a Homo Missionary bo appointed to assist tho minister at Otaki, with a grant ot £30. A probationer will bo appointed as an additional minister to the Blenheim Circuit with a grant of • £35. It was also decided to send a Home Missionary to Murchison with a suitable grant, and io anpoint a Homo Missionary to tho Greypiouth Circuit should tho quarterly meeting agree to arrangements to be mado by the Home Mission Executive. Tho conference adjourned to Monday morning. March 1. To-day being conference Sunday ministers attending tho conference other than those stationed in Canterbury occupied the pulpits of all tho Methodist Ohurchos in and around Christcliurcli, as well as Primitive Methodist, Presbyterian,'and Baptist Churches. Fiftytwo ministers were thus engaged, the president of the conference preaohing at Durham street in' the morning and the Rev. C. H. Garland in tho evening. Tho Rov. W. A. Sinclair preached at the East Belt Church in tho morning and St. Albans in the evening ; Rev. T. 6, Brooke at Panama in the morning, St. Albans in the afternoon, and Aldington in tho evening. The Rev. P. W. j Foirclough was at Kaiapoi all day.