METHODIST CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14776, 8 March 1910, Page 2

METHODIST CONFERENCE

■ Tenth Day.—Tuesday. _ The Methodist Conference continued its sittings yesterday. The president (the Rev. C. H. Laws, B.'A.) presided over a large attendance. STATIONS. The Stations Committee- submitted the third reading of appointments, which was referred back ivith a few suggestions. The commilteo agreed to the suggestions, and the following appointments were thereupon confirmed :— Auckland Distj-ict—Auckland: Pi;|i Street—W.. Ready, G. S. Cook; Mount Albert-A. N. Scotter (Kingshmd), J. S. Smalley, and J. Thomas (supernumeraries); Auckland West— G. Bond (Ponsonby); Auckland East-H. R. Dewsbury, H. 'Boggs (Mount Eden), J. J. Mather (supernumerary) ; Wesley College, Three Kings—Joseph H. Simmonds; home mission secretary, T. G. Brooke; Auckland Methodist Mission— J. Wilson; Auckland (North Shore)—W. H. Beck (Devonport), John S. Rishworth (supernumerary); Auckland (Birkenhead)— T. G. Carr; Onehunga—S. J. Gibson; Otalnthu—Edwin Cox; Mahurangi-R, •' P. Paris; Thames—T. Trestrailj Upper Thames—A. J. Reed; Waihi—J. Wriglcy; Paeroa—A. C. Randerson,; Franklin—J. Dukes (Pukckohe), one wanted (Waiuku); Cambridge-W. Tinsloy, a home missionary (Te Awamutu); Hamilton—H. L. Blnmires, one wanted; Huntly—one wanted; Paparoa -G. F. Stockwell; Northern Wairoa-J. D. Jory, a homo missionary (Rehia); Whangarei—W. J. Elliott, a homo missionary (Hjkurangi); Rotorua-J. D. M'Arthur; Auckland Maori Mission—W. Gittos (Devonport), Hapeto Renata, D. Wilcox (Kaeo),. Tc Tuhi Heretini (Wh/'irinaki)-, Hamiora Kingi' (Ruakura), Hauraki Paul (Rcweti), Piripi Rakena (Kopua), 11. M.. Hare (Tc Kuiti). Wanganui District.—New Plymouth—J. G. Chapman, W. Canr.ell (supernumerary), a homo missionary; Wa.itara—W. Wills; 'Inglowood-W. S. Bowie; Stratford-C. C. Harrison; Elthani—F. Copeland; Hawera -F. W. Boys, .W. A. B.urley (Manaia); Cape Egmont—B. P. a '.feme missionary (Ra-hotu); .Kapcnga—W. B. .Scott; Wangamii—J. A. Luxford, G. Frost; Aramoho—E. D. Patohett; Rangitikei—C. Qriflin, a home missionary (Margaweka); Sandon—G. Frost; Fcilding—C. .E. Becoroft; Palmcraton North—G. W. J ; Spcnce T. T. Thomas, B.A. (Cuba Street), one wanted, G. S. Harper (supernumerary); Taihape — A. Allen; Waimarino — J. Richards; West Coast Maori. Mission—T.. G. Hammond, 11. Haddon, a home missionary, and a deaconess; Taumarunui—one wanted. Wellington District.—Wellington; Taranaki Street—S. J. Scrpell, J. R. Clark, 11. B. Redstone (supernumerary), F. W. Isitt (without pastoral charge); Central Mission —E. 0. Bhimires; Thorndon—T. Fee and B. S. Rothweli; Wellington South~'J. Ward and R. Richards; Johnsonville— A U.'Chappell, M.A.; Hutt-B. F. Rothweli,' S. J. Garlick (supernumerary); Pctono—A. J. Sca-mer, W. Kirk (supernumerary); South Wflirarapa-C. 11. Standage, W. 6. Maslin (Featlierston), a home missionary (Greytown); Masterton— C. E. Porter; NapierA. C. Lawry, A. F. Burehell; Hastiii"ST. J. Wallis; Gi.sbornc-J, A. Lo'chore;. Electa huna—J. J. Pcndray; Dannevirkc— J. W. Griffin; I.evin-Otaki-T. F. J ones F. Rands; Waipawa-B. J. James; Wood-villc-B. 11. Ginger; Pahiatua—W. H. Speer. Nelson District.—Nelson—J. J, Lewis, J. . Crump (supernumerary); RichmondG. Eaton, a home missionary; Blenheim— T. R. Richards, E. P. Blamircs (Tin Marina), two home missionaries, W. Lee (supernumerary); Hokitika-H. RaiHon • Grcymouth—T. N. Griffin, a home missionary ; Motueka—C. B. Jordan B A • Reofton-R. Wilson; Westport-H. A, G. . Keck. Canterbury District,-Christchurch (Durham Street)--C. H. Garland, C. H. Law, 8.A., president of the Conference (East Bolt), J. N.' Buttle (Woolston), A. M'Bean (Richmond), N. Turner (Durham street South), "J. Smith, W. C. Oliver, L. M'Nicoll, R. Taylor (supernumeraries); connexional secretary, 11. Bull; Christchurch (Sydenham!. L. Hudson (editor connexional paper); Chrislchurch (Addington) —S. Griffiths, a home missionary; Christchurch (St, Albans)—W. A. Sinclair, a home missionary; Christchurch (Papanui) -S. Lawry; Lyttelton—A. Peters; Springston-J. T. Pinfold; Tai Tapu—A. Ashcroft; Leeston-T. A. Joughin; Kaiapoi—A. Mitchell, C. Roberts (Ohoka); Rangiora—C. Abernethy, J. H. Haslam (Woodend); Malvern — one wanted; rimaru—W. Baumber, one wanted; Wa.i----matc-C. Pctmcy; Tcmuka---W. Beckett; Ashburton—ll. E. Bcllhousc;' Willowby— S. 11. D. Peryman, a home missionary;' Amberlcy—J. F. Martin. Otago District.—Dunedin (Trinity)—Pv W. Fairclough, R. B. Tinslcy (North-East Valley); Southern Maori Mission—Noho Hcmi Papakura: Duncdin (Centra.! Mission)—W. . Slade, a homo missionary; Duncdin (Cavgiil Road)--D. J. Murray, R. B. Wylie (St. Kilda); Duncdin (Mornington) -P. W. Vcalic; Duncdin (Roslyn)-T. W. Ncwbold; Moegicl—W. E. H. Abbey; Port Chalmers-F. f. Read; BalcluthaJames "A. Hosking; Milton—A. Reader; Lawrence—W. J. Oxbrow; Invcreargill— Wi Grigg, C. Blair; Oamaru-W. J.. Williams; Gore—W. Grccn6lade; Otaiilau— G. T. Marshall, a home missionary (Nightoaps); Roxburgh—3l. A. R. Pratt.. W. W. Avery is accepted for foreign mission work. In addition, there are a number of homo ' mission stations to which appointments have not yet boon made. CHAIRMEN Or DISTRICTS. The following were appointed chairmen ■of districts by ballots—Auckland, Rev. G. Bond; Wanganui, Rev. G. W. Spcnce; Wellington, Rev. T. Fee; Nelson, Rev. J. J. Lewis; Canterbury, president of Conference (Rev. C. 11. Laws), ex officio; Otago, Rev. P. W. Fairclough. SUN'DAV SCHOOL GOVERNMENT. The committee concerned submitted a constitution and a scheme for the government of Sunday schools. It was stated that the proposals made for a stronger bond between tho Church and Sabbath schools. The gist of tho proposals were that, in place of Sunday school teachers' meetings governing individual schools, there shall boa Sunday school and young people's--local' coimmltx l -! -which ..shall,have the supervision of the young people's work in each individual church. All schools and young people's organisations in a circuit 'shall have their work supervised by a circuit committee. Instead of the Sunday School Advisory Board, the functions of which have so far embraced Sunday school matters only, there shall be a Connoxional Sunday School and Young People's Board, having oKthc whole' work of the youth of tho Church, including the work of all young people's societies. . The Row 'Mr Fairclough believed that a certain amount of reticence was being observed in this ihat-ler. Ho believed that they should all have a proper understanding of the position, which, in?-his should be much more clearly outlined. . ' The Rev. W. Sladc said he was surprised to hear a wiso man like Mr Fairclough talk eo foolishly. The rev. gentleman went on to point out how the question of Sunday school teaching required more attention than had been accorded- it in the past. In America one never saw the comic papers pouring scorn on tho calling of a Sunday school teacher. .. It was also pointed out that the Church had no control over " Sunday school administration or of the'election-, of the office-bearers: Some of the .wore not members of the Church. A' scheme of unification aiid control was necessary. The Rev.'A. B. Chappell contended in the course ,of his remarks that these proposals- were merely' ib fake the' machinery already'6efr up and to bring it under one pair-of '.eyes. . .. - The proposed scheme described by various speakers' as x "comprehensive,','"progressive," and "cumbersome," .was," provided it was made optional instead of mandatory, and subjected to modifications, was adopted, a result which cannot be regarded as wholly satisfactory. - MAORI SERVICES. ■ The following extract from a letter from the Rev. T. G. Hammond (superintendent of the ' West Coast Maori Mission) was held to be of interest:—" We have just had a splefdid Maori meeting at Okaiawa. Just fancy a Sunday morning service—a Maori choir, 60 strong, led by Peperi Rakiua's son; over a thousand hearers, with the Native Minister and party. Haddon preached, and a £5 collection. This among tho raiweot Parihaka peo-.ilc, who at one time wouW have hunted 4s! The change is coining fast. Haddon surpassed"himself. Carroll'said it was one of the. finest things 'lie had listened' to." . - . _-,".- ■-.The mention of the collection s was received with applause'.' .;' ■'■ ■ ' y lOUXG METHODISTS. -. The mnual report of the Methodist Sunday schools- of New Zealand was presented. It showed that there are now 320: schools in (he Dominion with" 2254 teachers and 22,627 scholars. '. The average attendance, • hoivevct, is only 15,957; or, in other words, - tliere is an average absence of nearly one o'iit of e\ery three scholars. Otago is the .only district with an increase .of junior members, returning 238 this year, as against

219 last j ear. The- committee also reported that Wls books had been added to the libraries during the year, bringing the total number t0.47,394. The report was received.. GEXEKAI,. The thanks of the Conference'were tendered to Rev. W. J. Williams and Mr Kellow, treasurers to the children's fund. These gent'emen wen re-appointed for the ensuing year. ' It was resolved:—" That the scale of payment in the case of disabled ministers be considered by the Contingent Committee, to report to tha next Conference." This matter arose fnm a question as to inadequacy of payment. - AFTERNOON SESSION. The following matters wero dealt with '.— Sunday snl-col recommendations (consideration completed), training of local preachers, Wellington Central Mission, appointments in connection with naval and military matters, the.formation of a lay pastorate on tho re-' commendation of a committee appointed by tlis previous Conference, e rcsolm-nn of protest against the military proposals of tho Government (lost by one vote), suggested emendations in the wording of the burial and other church services, and the bringing of the claims of the British and Foreign Bible Society before the Church. Thanks were accorded to.the hosts and hostesses, the local press, :tho Arrangements' Committee, the president, secretary, assistant secretaries, etc, • after which the doxology was sung. , , ~-,.'. : . "The Conference 'will resume in representative session this morning, when the journal will be signed and the proceedings formally closed. ' . FOREIGN. MISSIONS. . , There was a pleasant -break in the afternoon. The Otago Ladies',! Auxiliary of Foreign Missions invited ■ the members of Conference, with their hosts and hostesses, to afternoon tea. Tho' company that gathered quite filled. the schoolroom. Mrs Grigg (vice-president of the auxiliary) pre-' sided. A brief report of the work of the auxiliary was presented -by Mrs Ernest Rosevoar, secretary,..who also read an in-, tere.sting letter recently .received from Sister Maijie, of Papua.-. Rev. J. N. Buttle, foreign, mission. secretary, in a .brief address bore! testimony to. the .valuable .work of. the Otago Auxiliary, whose splendid example was stimulating other centres. Ho also read a letter of greeting and appreciation from Mrs G. Bowron,. president of the Canterbury Auxiliary. On tlie suggestion of Mr G. 11. Blaekwell, a retiring collection _ was taken up on behalf of tho auxiliary. During the proceedings a solo was'effectively rendered by Miss Sparrow. YOUNG PEOPLE'S RALLY. " . The closing public function of tho Conference was held last evening in the Trinity Church, taking the shape of a young people's gathering. There was a very large audience of both scholars and adults, which completely tilled the building. The meeting was throughout of a very hearty nature, and the various speakers showed at every stage that they wore in entire sympathy with their audience. The president of the Conference (Rev. C. H. Laws) was to have taken the chair, bat his attendance was'required elsewhere for the closing business of the Conference. In his absence the chair was taken by the Rev. 11. Williams, who in his introductory remarks apologised for the absence of the president. . The. speakers of tho evening were the Rev. C. E. Beecroft, Rev. A. B. Chappell, M.A. (organising secretary of the Young People's Forward Movement), and tho -Rev. P. R. Paris. The theme of each had naturally reference to the young life of the Church. Mr Beecroft spoke on " A Firm Grip on the Handle of Life," and developed the points of his subject with such skill as to adequately impress them on the minds of his-hearers. Mr Chappell developed- the

thought of the altruistic movement of tho century, and spoke strongly on the necessity of rightly caring for tlic youth of the Church, inasmuch as it was the formative period of character. The . concluding speaker was Mr Paris, and he reasoned interestingly on the points of ideal possession, action, and aspiration. Interspersed with the speeches wore hymns, led by the Cargill Road Church choir, which also contributed an anthem in an excellent manner.