METHODIST CHURCH

Otago Witness, Issue 2920, 2 March 1910, Page 33

METHODIST CHURCH

THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE. REV C H. LAWS ELECTED PRESIDENT. The thirty-seventh annual meeting of ministers and representatives of the Australasian Methodist Church in New Zealand is taking place in Dunedin this - year. The opening session was held in Trinity Church, Stuart street, on Feb. 24, in the presence of a very large attendance of clergymen, representatives, and members of the church. The chair was taken by the retiring president |Rev. Thomas Fee, of Thomdon, Wellington), who was supported by the Rev. C. E. Beec.of t (ex : president), of Feilding, and the Rev. S. Lawry (secretary of the conference), of Papanui, Christchurch. There were present 61 ministers, eight probationers, one student, six candi dates, seven representatives of connexidnal funds arid institutions, and 67 representatives of circuits: —total 150. ■ The proceedings opened with praise and prayer RETIRING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The Retiring President, in the course of his address, said : The homes of an unprecedented number of our ministerial brethren have been invaded by sickness during the year, and many a willing worker has for a time been laid aside. A number of these brethren have been so far restored to health and strength as to permit of their return to their beloved toil; but others may require extended rest before taking up their circuit duty again. As there is no effect without an adequate cause, the Conference may deem it expedient to inquire into the reasons as far us they can be ascertained, of so much sickness in our parsonages. The ministerial life is becoming increasingly strenuous, and added to the weight of circuit work and circuit worries—which are far from light,— it may be-found that domestic worries also are on the increase, owing to the inadequacy of some of the stipends pajd and the consequent, impossibility of the necessaries. of life, to say nothing of its comforts, out of such a slender income. The cost of living during the last 10 or 12 years has gone up something like 25 per "cent., and though many of our people have been increasing their wealth in the meantime, the minister's stipends have either remained in the status quo, # or they have not been raised in proportion to the rise in J;he cost of living; this has in some — it 'may be many—instances caused serious embarrassment, and it is not to be wondered at if the worry therefrom has affected the b-salth of both the ministers and thenfamilies . The subject is a delicate one, and many a brother would rather continue to suffer than speak, so that the present condition of things may be largely the result of want of thought, but " Evil is wrought from want of thought as well as want of heart." And, I feel it is my duty, in the best interests of our Church, to bring this matter before you, hoping that it may lead to something effective being done, to wipe away this reproach. It has been with considerable difficulty that pulpits rendered, vacant by sickness nave been supplied during the year. As your president, I set my face against the calling out of any of our college students. I think;- if at all possible, this should be avoided; as such an interference with their studies is upfair to the young men, to their teachers, ah-ct to our Church as a whole. I am report that we were able to manage, without resorting to such a course. During-'ftße yeaT two of our genial and beloved - brethren—W. J. Watkin and W. G. Thomasr-were called to the higher servioe. Bro. Watkin continued to labour in the Master's vineyard almost to the end of his life. Bro. Thomas, after a long and trying illness, " passed through death triumphant home." It was my mournful duty, on your behalf, to send messages of comfort and sympathy to each of the bereave^'families. Of our who have been called to their*-.£eWard during the year time forbids me-to' mention more than four, each of us ait times in bur Conference, and took delight in furthering the interests of our beloved Methodism. They _a^?- r m-ueh missed, and will be long remembered for many excellent Christian qualities. e ,_Their praises are in all the churches f "wSiicb were privileged to know them:- *: I to the late John Jackson, of Joseph D. Gibson, of Raetihi, the news? of whose death came as a thunderbolt to "his ''family and friends and to the whole Methodist Church; J.. D. Melville, of Hamilton, and Samuel C. Phillips, of thk city. vli These, being dead, yet speak. Thbugh l - iP takes me outside the boundaries of our Etejgsinion, there is a name dear to our whohj. ■Australasian Church which I must not "pass in silence. It is the name .of the late Sir Frederick Holder, a man of: sterling piety and commanding abilities, the alarming suddenness of whose end remind? me that "In the midst of life we are in death." I cabled the sympathy and condolence of our New Zealand Church, to Lady Holder, for which she was exceedingly grateful. • While l -'-Death has been reaping his hairvest in our midst, he has not been idle elsewhere. The passing of the late Drs Rigg, iPallanger, and Moirtton, together with Peter Thompson and Richard Roberts has enriched the Church Triumphant;--' but a big gap. which it will be bard-to fill, has been made in the -ranks of the-Chuvch Militant. May God rake lip m-en of equal power, and fidelity to take the places left vacant by the promotion of.-'these eminent servants of Christ. During the year our Church has made substantial progress. An increase of 740 members, .72 Sunday school teachers. 541 Sunday'soil sonolars, together with an increase of 13 churches, 7 schoolrooms, and 8 parsonages make pleasant _ reading, and supply good reason for gratitude to God. Unfortunately some of our most vigorous organisations for the extension of the MaUte-'s kingdom, such as Wesley Guilds and Bible" classes, are not recognised in our' statistics. We c\o npt claim that the Methodist Church, is the Church. It is but a part, a section, of the great Church of Christ. But, though it is gnte it is n 6 ■mean section*: At is tfaJd'/to'* :'bs in. -rioint, of numbers, the'-gre's.te.s.t on this planet.V TheVla-fe&k dtattstics of "World-wide Methodism.?' on'-which. I have been able to-lay -my hand are a 3 follow: Adherents 39.606.555 Senior .church members ~ 8,502.189 Churches ... 96. "66 Ministers Sa.MO 'Lay preachera ... ... 103,691

Sunday scholars ... ... 7,025,000 Sunday school teachers, etc 837,192 Sunday schools ...-..: . 84,489 Last conference took a new departure in the appointment of a home mission organising secretary. It will take more than 12 months to test the wisdom or otherwise of this appointment. Nevertheless, it will be found*that the good brother appointed to that office has given himself, to the tasks involved in no half-hearted way, and, in the midst of a time of financial depression, he has done well, and, so far as we can judge at present, has justified the high expectations of his brethren. Our foreign missionary secretary once more gives us the very welcome information that contributions .to the Foreign Mission Fund again have reached a record. The needs of the foreign field are great, and our people are evidently trying to keep pace in their giving with those great and ever-increasing needs. A review of the past year, in relation to the Methodist Church, would be very incomplete without a reference to the great meeting of the various sections of Methodism which was held lately in "Wesley's Chapel, City road. The Home Conference covered itself with glory when, by an overwhelming majority, i*; decided to admit women to take part in its counsels on an equal footing with the men. The action of.the Wesleyan Conference in this regard makes a strong contrast to the action of the nation in its shameful treatment of the suffragettes. One does not need to approve of all the methods and tactics of the suffragettes, to feel incensed and indignant at the mean, unmanly, and sometimes inhuman treatment meted out to them. The question is not: Are their methods justifiable, but is their cause just? Have they a right to what they demand. We unhesitatingly answer they have. Then in the long run they are bound to succeed. No question is ever settled until it is settled right, for great is truth, and will prevail. The upheavals in the social world claim our attention. There is a blatant, blasphemous, Atheistic Socialism abroad, for which we have no sympathy and to which we shall do well to give a wide berth. But there is a Christian Socialism which means the translation of the principles of the New Testament into human conduct, in the treatment of our fellow men, and this claims >both our attention and support. The inculcation of the principles of the New Testament means the death of selfishness, and selfishness is the tap root of the upas tree of all our social wrongs. But the selfishness of capital is not going to be cured by a display of the selfishness of Labour. The practical application of the teaching of the Great Master is the only panacea for our social as well as our moral ills.

We must not give too much heed to the cry against politics in the pulpit and political parsons. Ifc_ is to be feared that many who raise this cry are not so anxious for the sanctity of the pulpit as they are for the safety of their purses. The greatest struggle perhaps in her history is the struggle that is going on in the Mother Land at the present time. The question that is up for settlement is not the veto of the Lords, nor Tariff Reform, nor Land Taxation, nor Home Rule for Ireland; but the great question is: "Shall the liquor traffic rule the nation and ruin it, or shall the nation arise and destroy the liquor traffic and save itself?" This struggle may be a prolonged _ one, for it is, the death struggle of the liquor traffic, but by the help of God the nation 9 will emerge triumphant. The country is now awakening to a knowledge of the fact that the' liquor traffic is the enemy of the race, and that while it depletes her purse to the tune• of a. half a million of money every working, day of the week, it has no redeeming feature, no compensating quality, but instead of doing good it is the fruitful caiise' of poverty, crime, degradation, disease, death, and The Church dare not stand aloof from this great struggle which, according to Charles Buxton, brewer, is a development of the war between Heaven and Hell. It has been well said that the only common ground between the liquor traffic and the Church is tne battle ground, and it must be a war of extermination and no quarter. In our own fair New Zealand, we have our duty to perform, and we must not shrink from it nor shirk it. Our Churoh has already taken an honourable stand in the very forefront of this great battle, and for the sake of the men and women who are engaged in- this deiorrading i traffic, and are themselves among its victims, for the sake of the safety and well-being of the community at large, we must not retreat nor desist until the flag of victory shall float over every part of our beautiful Dominion. We want not only a bold and fearless platform, but we want a press, the influence of which will be used for the advancement of the interests of the community at large; and I trust that the time is not far distant when such things as have happened in my lifetime within this Dominion shall fee an utter impossibility. What do we think of some of the editors of our leadinsr papers of this Dominion prostituting their position to the accursed liquor i traffic and urging their constituents —urging their subscribers—to vote for the support of the most accursed traffic that blights the face of God's earth? I say it ,i« a shame, a downright shame, and the time will come when people will wonder that such an atrocity was permitted by people who call themselves men. I sav again, " We want men "—editors, as well as parsons,—who are not afraid to trust in God and speak the truth and do the right.—(Applause.) I know, it is said by some that we have but little to complain of in New Zealand, that drinking and drunkenness here are not a circumstance compared with what they are in England and elsewhere. But is it a matter of indifference to us that in the midst of a time of depression, which means unemployment and privation to many, we should be squandering £5,000,000 per annum on that which is an unspeakable curse to the community and a blessing to none ? While the indirect loss is probably as great as this wasteful expenditure; and this is the least part of the evil. Is it, generally known that since the beginning of the century the number of persons arrested and convicted for drunkenness for the first .time exceeds an average of 5000 per. annum,? . That /is more than' 45,000' first convictions 'during--J;the"-" 'past nine _ years. And how many'niore^escaped the yiligance of the police! Is that' a satisfactory return for the £45,000.000 we 1 ' have spent in alcohol during that period ? While this nefarious traffic is allowed to continue to do its' deadly work it is a menace to every home in the land from the North Cap© to the Bli-.ff. We are called upon, not only to protect

T OUr weaker brethren from this great curse, j but we are called upon especially to safe- ; guard the young and rising generation trom its insidious encroachment*. There are in this Dominion from two to three hu.ndred thousand children and young people -whose temporal and eternal wellbeing is being threatened by this heartless traffic, and can we stand by inert and see our children slain ? The visit of our good Brother Cole, of Melbourne, was accompanied with many blessed results. And glad tidings came from many circuits as a result of local effort. This year we are favoured with a visit from Dr Henry and Professor P. P. Bilhorn, of America, and others, for special evangelistic work. And next year Dr Wilbur Chapman and Mr Alexander, also of America, intend to pay us a visit for a similar purpose. But we must be careful not to depend on others to do for us the work that we ought to do for ourselves. Every Methodist minister is to be, first of all, a Methodist preacher, and it is incumbent on each " to do the work of, an evangelist." Take your stand beside the prophet of old, and see with his farseeing eye, the world emancipated from the curse and power of sin by the triumphant power of manifested love divine. Our cause, brethren, is a glorious cause, a triumphant cause, it is the cause of God, therefore let us "Be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; forasmuch as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord." Amen. THE NEW PRESIDENT. The Rev. C H. Laws, 8.A., of Christchurch, was elected president for the ensuing year, receiving 88 votes out of a total of 108. The next name on the list was that of the Rev. Mr Ready, who received five votes. Five . other ministers received than five vote,. The Rev. Mr Laws then took the chair, beirg greeted with warm applause. In the course ot a short address, he said he could not express the tumult of feelings he experienced at that moment. He was greatly honoured by the vote, and he accepted the trust with trembling hands. He had' never sought the office. He had scarcely ever dared to hope that it might come his way, but perhaps, after all, these were among the best qualifications he had for the work. That night he could only oast him<self fo» guidance and for grace on the great Head of the Church. During the year they would have to consider the status of their ministers. It seemed to him, while facilities for self-cultivation were increasing on every hand and while the doorway to every professioin was being made a little more difficult of entrance, the doorway to the Methodist ministry was not quite so difficult- as it should be. Further, every minister should receive a full and adequate stipend, and should not have to go cap in hand to get it.—(Applause.) The question of a separate and eelf-governing conference for New Zealand would also come up for consideration, and when the policy of the church had been declared on the question, he hoped their comradeship and their brotherhood would be unimpaired.—(Applause.) He thanked the Assembly for the very high honour it had accorded him. INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE. The Rev. Mr Lawry gave notice of the following motions: —" (1) That the proposal for an Independent Conference for New Zealand having been approved by 73 per cent, of those who recorded their votes in the .quarterly meetings to which the question was submitted, and by 156 out of a total of 228 who voted on it in the District Synodis, this, Confe-enoe declares its conviot'on that the time has arrived when independent and self-governing powers should be conferred on the New Zealand Annual Conference, and the General Conference is recommended to accept the accompanying ' working scheme" and to pass , the registration., necessary to give effect to the same. (2) That the General Conference be requested to appoint a Select Committee at an early session to consider the proposed ' working scheme,' and to report thereon when the question is brought ap for discussion. (3) That our representatives be instructed to support the foregoing recommendations and to vote for them* in the General Conference." " That a committee be appointed to consider the proposed : working scheme' for an Independent Conference, together with the amendments recommended by District Synods, and any others that may be proix>sed, and to.report to the Conference.not later than Wednesday, March 2; the committee to' consist of the president, ex-pre-sident secretary of Conference. Revs; J. J. Le*vis, W. J. "Williams, P. W. Fairclough; D. J. Murrav. Messrs T. W. Jones, W. G. Bassett, E. H. Penny, J. A. Flesher, E. Roseveav, and J C. Stephens, the secretary of Conference, convener." GENERAL. The Rev. S. Lawry, of Papanui, Christ- ! church, was re-elected secretary, receiving '7B votes out of a total of 107. The Rev. Mr Lawry acknowledged the vote accorded to him. i A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the retiring president (Rev. T. Fee) for his services. A similar vote was accorded 1 the secretary. The following officers were appointed: ! Assistant secretaries, Rev W. A. Sinclair and Rev. A. B. Chappell; journal secretary, Rev. A. Ashcroft; corresponding secretary, Rev. G. T. Marshall; precentor, Rev. T. A. Joughin; reporter for Press Association, Rev.T. N: Griffin. THE NEW PRESIDENT. • The Rev. C. H. Laws, 8.A., the new i president of the New Zealand Methodist ! Conference, was born at Newoastle-on-Tyne, England, on January 21, 1867. With his parents he emigrated to New Zealand in 1873, and settled at Napier, where he attended the district school, of which he became dux in 1379 and subsequently a pupil teacher. During the ministry of the Rev. J. J. Lewis he became a member of the Methodist Church, and in 1884 was received as an accredited local preacher. Early in that year he was appointed first assistant master in the Hastings School. At the Dunedin Conference of 1885 he was accepted as a candidate for the ministry, and in the same year he entered th>Q training institution at Wesley College," Three Kings, Auckland. ..Since leaving.'college he .has . been > stationed at Thorndon (Wellington), "Ponsouby (Auckland), .Hawera. East Belt (Christcliurch), Trinity Church (Dunedin). and is at present back again at East Belt, Chrisfccburoh.

Second Day.—Fbiday. The annual Conference of the New Zea- . land Methodist Church was continued in

Trinity Church on Friday morning', the Rev. C. H. Laws (president) in the chair. . FIRST READING OP STATIONS. Auckland District.—Auckland: Pitt street—W. Ready, G. S. Cook; Mount Albert, A. N. Scatter; Kingsland, J. S. Smallcy and J. Thomas (supernumeraries); Auckland West, A C. Lawry (Pohsonby); Auckland East—H. R. Dewsbury, I-I. Beggs (Mount E<len), J. J. Mather (supernumerary); Wesley College, Three Kings, Joseph 11. Simmonds, home mission secretary, T. G. Brooke; Auckland Methodist Mission, J. Wilson; Auckland (North Shore), George Bond (Devonport); John S'. Rishworth (supernumerary); Auckland (Birkenhead), T. G. Carr; Onehunga, S. J. Gibson; Otahuhu, Edwin Cox; Mahurangi, T. Trestrail; Thames, W. H. -Beck: Upper Thames, A. J. Reed; Waihi, J. Wrigley; Paeroa, A. C. Randerson; Franklin, J. Dukes W. T. Aldridge (Waiuku); Cambridge— W. Tinsley,- a "home missionary (Tc Awamutu): Hamilton, H. L. Blamires, one wanted; Huntly; one wanted; Paparoa, G. F. Stockwell; Northern Wairoa—J. D. Jory, a home missionary (Rehia); Whangarei—-W. J. Elliott, a home missionary (Hikunangi); Rotorua, R, B. Tinsley ; Auckland Maori Mission—W. Gittos" (Devonport), Hapete Renata (Kaeo), To I'uhi Merclini (Whirinaki), Hamiora Kingi (Ruakura). Hauraki Paul (Rewcti). Piripi Riakena (Kopua\ H. M. Hare (To Kuiti). Wanganui District. —New Plymouth—J. G. Chapman, W. Cannell (supernumerary, a home missionary; Waitara, W. Wills; Inglewood, W. S. Bowie; Stratford. C. C. Harrison; Eltham, F. Copeland ; Hawera. F. W. Boys, W. A. Burley (Manaiaj; Cape Egmont—R. F. Keall, a homo missionary (Rahotu); Kaponga, W. B. Scott; Wanaanui. J. A. Luxfovd; Aramoho, E. D. Patchett; Ransitikei—C. Griffin, a home missionary (Mangaweka); Sandon,, G. Frost; Fsildi'ng, C. E. Beecroft; Palmerston North—G. W. J. Spence, T. T. Thomas, B.A. (Cuba Street), R. Richards, G. S. Harper (supernumerary); Taihape, J. D. M'Arthur; Waimarino, J. Richards; West Coast Maori Mission—T. G. Hammond, R. Haddon, a home missionary, and a deaconess; Taumarunui, one wanted. Wellington District.—Wellington: Taranaki Street—S. J. Serpell, J. R, Clark H. B. Redstone (supernumerary), F. W. Isitt (without pastoral charge); Central Mission, R. P. Paris; Wellington: Thorndon, T. Fee; Wellington South, J. Ward; Wellington Suburban, W. R. Tuck, M.A.; Johnsonville, T. W. Newbold; Hutt—B. F. Roth well, A. J. Seamer (Petone), W. Eir%C S. J. GarUck (supernumeraries); South Wairarapa—A. B. Chappell, M.A., W. G. Maslin (Featherston), a home mis" sionary (Greytowji); Masterton, C. E. Porter; Napier—W. J. Williams. A. F. Burohell; Hastings, T. J. Wallis; Gisborne, J. A. Lochore; Eketahuna, J. J. Pendray; Dannevirke, J. W. Griffin; Levin-Otaki — T. F. Jones, H. A. G. Keck (Otaki); Waipawa, B. J. James; Woodville, B. H. Ginger: Pahiatua, W. H. Speer.

Nelson District.—Nelson—J. J. Lewis, J. Crump (supernumerary); Richmond—C. Eaton, a home missionary; Blenheim —T. R. Richards. E. P. Blamires (Tua Marina), one wanted (Picton); Hokitika, H. Ranston; Greymouth—T. N. Griffin, a home missionary; Motueka, G. Snadden; Reefton, R. Wilson; Westport, C. Blair. Canterbury District. —Christchurch (Durham Street)—C. H. Garland, CH. Laws, 8.A., President of the Conference (East Belt), J N. Buttle (Woolston), A. M'Bean (Richmond), N. Turner (Durham Street South), J. Smith, W. C. Oliver, D.' M'Nicoll, R. Taylor (supernumeraries); Connexional Secretary, H. Bull; Christchurch (Sydenham), L. Hudson; Christchurch (Addington)—S. Griffiths, a home missionary; Christchurch (St. Albans)—W. A. Sinclair, » home missionary ; Christchurch (Pananui), S. Lawry; Lyttelton—A. Peters, W. Lee (supernumerary); Springston, J. T. Pinfold; Tai Tapu, A. Ashcroft; Leeston, T. A. Joughin; Kaiapoi —A. Mitchell, C. Robets (Ohoka); Rangiora —C. Abernethy, J. IT. Haslam (Woodend); Malvern, C. B. Jordan, 8.A.; Timaru, W. Baumber, one wanted; Waimata, C. Penney; Temuka, W. Beckett: Ashburton. H. E. Bellhouse; Willowby—S. H. D. Peryman, a home missionary; Amberley.' J. F. Martin. Otago District.—Dunedin (Trinity)—P. W. Fairclough, A. Allen (North-East Valley); Southern Maori Mission—Neho Hemi, Papakura; Dunedin Central Mission, W. Slade; Dunedin (Cargill Road)—D. J. Murray, F. Rands (St. Kilda); Dunedin (Mornington). T. W. Vealie; Dunedin (Roslyn), E. O. Blamires; Mosgiel, W. H. E. Abbey; Port Chalmers—F. t. Read; Balclutha, James A. Hosking; Milton. A. Reader; Lawrence, W. J. Oxbrow: Invercargill—W> Grigg, R H. Wylie; Oamaru. C. H. Standage; Qore, W. Greenslade; Otautau—G. T. Marshall, a home missionary (Nierhtcaps); Roxburgh, M. A. R. Pratt. W. W. Avery is reeommended for foreign missions.

Thtkd Day.—Saturday. _ w< _^ > __ The annual Conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church was continued in Trinitv Church on Saturday morning, the Rev. C. H. Laws (president) in the chair. The F<rvs. James R. Clark. Percv R. Paris, W. W. Avery, W.m. T. Aldridge (late of South Africa) were received as ministers in full connexion with the Con. ference. It was agreed that the Rev. Mr Aldridge be appointed to a probationer's circuit for four years. Revs. Alexander Allen, William A.. Burley, and James Richards were received as probationers. Messrs Matthew J. Evans, Robert B. Gosnell, George B. Hinton, and William Lea were received for training in the theological institution. It was further decided that Mr William A. Watson remain on the president's list of reserve, and that he be received into the institution when the first vacancy occurs. Messrs Francis F. Harris and James F. Hoeking were received for theological training. Mr Davis Wilcox was received as a Native preacher | on probation. Mr Edward Te Tuhi was received as a student for the Native ministry, to be employed in. meantime as a horn© missionary. Rev. W. W. Avery was designated for foreign mission work. The requests of the following ministers to become supernumeraries were granted: 'Rev. Robert Taylor, of North Shore, Auckland; Rev. Joseph J, Blight, of Thames (for one yea.r); Rev. Joseph J. Mather, of Whaneiarei (for one year). The request of Rev. E. 0. Blamires for leave of absence from his circuit during the greater part of the year was granted. It was resolved to recommend the Oon--1 ferenoe of 1911 to comply with the re quests of Rev. C. E. Beseroft and Rev. L. Hudson for permission to rest during that

t year, the.former to travel and the latter ! to visit England. READING OF STATIONS. The first reading of stations was passed | without discission. | It was decided to have a meeting of th« ! Station Committee on Tuesday evening, so that the second reading could take place on Wednesday morning. Fourth D*y—Monday. The annual Conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church was continued in Trinity Church on Feb.,2S, the Rev. C. H,. Laws (president) in the chair. - -SALES LEASES AND BUILDINGS PROPOSED. Dunedin Central Mission was permitted to lease, for a carriage factory, about onosixth of the entire area of the property, for a period of 21 years at a rental of £53 per annum, with right to lease for a further term of 10 years, subject to revaluation. Dunedin (Gargill Road)■/Circuit (erection of new Sunday school, in brick, at St. Kilda, 43ft x 28ft, with folding screen-door classrooms. Estimated cost, £BSO. Loan of one-third when available from the Church Loan Fund). —Sanctioned. Roxburgh Circuit (to secure by purchase a church section of one rood at Miller's Flat).—Sanctioned. CHURCH PROPERTY FINANCE. The General Secretary reported on church property for the year ending September 30, 1909. He regretted, owing to incomplete summaries received from some districts, that he was unable to include in his report the information usually presented in connection with churoh buildings and* sites, and hoped that such arrangements may be -made, at this Conferenoe by the Special Committee as will ensure completeness in future returns. The current trust accounts reveal a healthy financial condition without, however, any very marked enlargement. Seat rents show a slight increase. Subscriptions and donations an increase of about £4000; the total increase for the 12 months amounting to £4753, and the total receipts for the year, not including credit, balances brought forward, being some £34,000. The total cur-" rent expenditure for the year, amounting to the considerable sum of £38,375 5s sd, reveals a Pair measure of activity in the ranks of the Methodist Churches throughout this Dominion. It should also be noted that the debit balance carried *orward is less by some £3OO than the amount .reported last year, proving that increased activity and expenditure do not mean an increase of debt. The Church is indebted to the following gentlemen who have presented church and parsonage sites during the year:—Messrs Martin Bros., Manurewa; Mr W. Harris, Te Kowhai; . Mr •Worker. Wellsford; Mr C. J. Crawford, Seatoun; Mr J obn Holmes, Crofton; Mr Frederick Smith, jun., r .fiua Marina; and Mr William Harding, Lowcliffe. The current trust accounts were as follows:—Receipts—Credit balances brougufc forward, £3257 14s 4d; seat rente, £ii24B 14s sd; trust collections,. £1966 lis 2d; anniversary or opening services, £2150 5» 3d; subscriptions and donations, £9886 8s Id; loans from Church Building and Loud Fund or other loans, £5843 12s 9d; all other income, £11,900 17s lOd;—total _ receipts, £37,454 3s lOd; credit balances carried forward, £3390 18s lOd. Expenditure —Debit balance brought forward, £4601 19s 8d; lighting and cleaning, £3020 lis lid; alterations and repairs, £3364 6s Id; enlargements and minor improvements, £7165 3s lid; interest, £2965 6s; insurance premiums, £873 4s Id; paid to Circuit Board, £1245 16s 10d: all ether expenses, including debt reduced". £15,138 16s lid; total expenditure, £38,375 5s sd; debitbalances carried forward, £4408 15s Bd. ■ The following resolutions were carried : " That the report be received . and adopted.' "That the thanks of the Conference be given to the district secretaries for their services during the past year, and that the following be appointed for ensuing vear:—Mr W. D. Buttle, Auckland; Mr T. R. Hodder, Wanganui (Palmerston North); Mr J. R. Randerson, Wellington (Island Bay); Mr J. Boon, Nelson; Mr C. E. Salter, Canterbury (Christohurch); Mr E. Rosevear, Otago (Dunedin)." The Church Building and Loan Fund Committee reported that loans had been issued to the following trusts during the year:— Kuripuui Infant. School, Otahuhu Sunday school, Woodville parsonage, Roalyn parsonage, Manurewa Church, Gore Church, Edgeware Road Church, Papakura. Church, Carluke Church, Teaiuka parson-, age, Fairburns Church, Taumarunui Church site, Rangaroa Church site, Newmarket parsonage, Mangonui Churoh, Urenui Church site, Runanga Church, Lowcliffe Church, New Brighton Church site, Oruru Church, Opotiki Church site. The committee had sanctioned the sale of the following properties:—Stafford street*property, Dunedin; a strip of Dunedin Central Mission site, 42ft; old gymnasium at Cambridge; Waima Mission property; Arr>wtown Church property; two sections at Hua; old church and site at Manaia; and old church property at Gore. The following extended leases had been sanctioned:—About one-sixth of the area of the Dunedin Central Mission site; also lease of back portion, about one-third, of the Ngaruawahia Church property. Mr R. W. England retires as per rule from membership of the committee at this Conference, and the committee desires to place on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by 3VIr England during a number of years, particularly as a member of the Building Sub-committee. Mr A. K. England is recommended by the Canterbury District Synod to fill the vacant position. The report was adopted, and the committee was thanked for its services during the year, FIRE INSURANCE. The Connexional Fire Insurance Fund Committee reported that the net increase in the insurable value of churoh properties on which levies have been paid during the. year amounts to £7580, and the increase in amount of insurance upon ministers' personal effects for the same period is £2005. The total insurable value of church prooerty' on which levies are now paid is £159,468. The connexional secretary, as agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company. has insured the personal effects of 62 ministers for the sum of £11,885. Seven fires (five churches and two parsonage*) have occurred during the year, involving ,a total loss of £ll6 6s Bd. The committee has added £550 to the investments, _ leaving a cash balance at bank of £23 as 2d. After meeting losses, and providing for re-insurance.-> and the working »;penses of the fund, the net "profit for the year amount

to £265 lis 7d. As per rule, Mr W. H. Seed retires from the committee this year, and Mr E. C. Brown is recommende* 1 as the new member. It was resolved that the report be adopted, that the committee be thanked for its.services during the past year, and that the following be the committee for the ensuing year:—Rev. H. Bull, the Superintendents of the Christchurch (Durham Street) and Christchurch (Papanui) Circuits," with Messrs C. E. Salter, W. H. Seed, George Bowron, Thomas P. Ormerod, and A. K. England. CONNEXIONAL COMMITTEE. The Connexional Committee reported that the woTk of the secretary this year, while not involving so much travel as in previous years, has shown a steady increase in all other departments, and the demand upon the secretary's time and energy has grown continually. The committee recommended that the cordial thanks of the conference be given to Mr John Thompson, the retiring member of the committee, and that Air Robert Alcorn be elected to theVacancy. The following appropriations were recommended for the ensuing year:—Contingent Fund, £175; Church Building and Loan Fund, £175; Fire Insurance Fund, £110; Home Mission Fund, £4O; authorised representative's office, £25. It was jesolved that the report be adopted, that the committee b© thanked for its services, and that the following be the committee ' for the ensuing year: —The Superintend.jnts of the Durham Street, Christchurch South, St. Alban's, and Addington Circuits, together with Messrs G. H. Blackwell, A. Drayton, J. A. Flesher, A. K. England, R. H. Turner, W. Fenner, R. Aleorn, the Hon. G. J. Smith, and the connexional secretary. That- the hearty thanks of the Conference be given to Mr G. H. Blackwell for hi«> efficient services rendered for many years as a treasurer. SITES AND BUILDINGS. Tb'i following sales were reported:— 'Auckland Maori Mission (Waima Mission property,.. for £100), to be invested for the ' Home Mission Fund; New Plymouth Cir- • cuit (one acre, or 11 poles, at village of Hua, for £SO), proceeds to be applied conditionally to the New Plymouth Trust; Hawera Circuit (old churoh and site, for £IOO, at Manaia), proceeds applied to purchase of new site and church erection; 'Arrowtown (church property at Arrowtown, for £210), balance, after discharging debt, but ear marked in favour of Arrowtown in the event of a new church beine required there; Gore Circuit (old church property, £275, at Gore), proceeds towards new Rev. Mr Fairclougb mentioned, that work had been discontinued at Tapanui, and the Conference sanctioned the sale of the church and site, the proceeds (if any) to go to the Home Mission Fund. .VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS.

It was resolved—- " That inquiry be made at the District Synods as to the removal of trustees by death or other causes being reported to the authorised representative." " That some, method be adopted to secure the incorporation of trustees —the matter be referred to a special committee to report to next Conference.'' MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

An abstract of the report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Methodist Missionary .Society of Australasia was circulated. The report stated that the. financial statement for 11)03 shows a healthier state of finance than has been the case for many years. The total income from all sources was £30,520 10s 3d, of which £1263 2s 7d ■was derived from three items cf special income, leaving a net ordinary revenue or £29,156 17s Bd. The ordinary expenditure was £29.278 15s lid, basides which £3OO 16s lOd was spent, in connection with the new mission in India, and £1374 5s 6d on 'account of new mission boats, these two items being treated "as special expenditure. Summarising the position, the Mission ISoard RTates: —Deducting the ordinary income from the ordinary expenditure, it will be seen that the year's working shows a deficit of £l2l 18s 3d, as against £6274 in the year 1908/ .The total accumulated deficiency is now £7489 12s Id, as compared with £7762 6s 6d in 1908, so that instead of adding considerably to its deficiency as the result of the year's opera- " tions ; and as the experience of many years past warranted the board in anticipating would be the case, the society is now-'actu-ally in a better financial position, to the extent of £262 14s sd, than at the commencement of the year. ■ The board desires to intimate that against the £7489 12s Id shown as the accumulated deficiency, there may be available an amount of £SOOO or thereabouts, being the estimated value of '.the Vickery settlement fund account. In presenting this most satisfactory and cheer,mg statement, the board would point out that this gratifying result has been brought about largely by the exercise of .scrupu- ' lous care in regard to the expenditure in the mission districts. It is well known to those who administer the affairs of the , society that in all the mission districts a rigid economy fias been, observed by the missionaries and their helpers. But the returns reveal a decided improvement in the ordinary giving of the Methodist people in both the Home and Native churches. Thb increase in the native con- - "tributions, notably in 'Fiji, is cause for much thankfulness, and there is a noticeable advance in most of the Homo auxiliaries. This is an improvement in the right direction, and, while giving all praise to God for ths evidence of a deepening sense - of missionary responsibility throughout the Church, the board tenders to all its supporters, whether donors or collectors, its •heartiest thanks. To them, and to the missionaries and their co-woikers on the ' field, the board feels deeply indebted for the assi3tance given in the endeavour to restore the equilibrium between expendi ture -intl income. Last year the board

indicated that, in the near future, the society must have an annual ordinary revenue of at least £56,000 to enable it to do efficiently the work to which it stands committed before this Chnmh and the worlc. An appeal was circulated asking that of this amount the Home churches would contribute at least £26,000, and the Native churches £IO,OOO. The latter have already responded by sending during 1909 £10,890, but th- contributions of the Homo church,4 are still nearly £2OOO below he Smurri asked for. Once more the Ed"makes the appeal for this increased annual income through the ordinary cnan3of beneficence. Apart from the oalfe and opportunities which come to tne board S eK ° new fields,, there is a pressing to enwi »« ■ £ C , rc .., s anc l syste- = v r,:, j» «^

Conference and the Church a well-con sidered and matured plan for progressive and developmental work, especially in regard to the Indian Mission in Fiji and in connection with the younger missons in the New Britain, Papua, and Solomon Island districts. CONNEXIONAL SECRETARY APPOINTMENT. The Connexional Committee reported unanimously recommending the re-appoint-ment of Rev. H. Bull for the ensuing year. It was, howe.ver, a matter -of > deep regret that, owing to advancing years, Mr Bull found it necessary to request relief from the office in 1911, when he would have completed nine years of invaluable service. The conspicaous ability, unsparing devotion, and uniform courtesy which have marked all Mr Bull's work had won for him the admiration and esteem of all, and it was with great reluctance that the committee recommended that his request be granted. In reference to a successor to the Rev. H. Bull, the committee submitted the following names in the ordsr specified—namely, Revs. S. Lawry, C. H. Garland, and W. Baumber. The Revs. Messrs Garland and Baumber asked, and were granted, leave to withdraw .their nominations. A prolonged discussion followed, in the course of which it was suggested that the matter of continuing the office furthei might well be considered. An amendment to that effect was lost by 62 to 41. The Conference elected the Rev -S. Lawry to the position of connexional secretary, to take office in 1911. The voting was: The Rev. Mi Lawry, 98; the Rev. Mr Murray, 16. DISTRICT BOUNDARIES. The Rev. D. J. Murray, on behalf of the Committee on District Boundaries, reported thai" it had met in Wellington, and had adopted the following proposal, which it now recommended the Conference to adopt:—" That.; the northern portion of the present Wanganui district, including all the circuits and dome mission stations between the Mokau and Waitotara Rivers be constituted a separate district, to be known, as the 'Taranaki district'; that all the circuits and home mission stations between the Waitotara River and P&ikakariki, togethei with those situated on the Main Trunk line, be constituted a new district, Levin-Otaki being transferred from the Wellington district, and to.be known as the ' Manawatu district.'" It was moved as an amendment: —" (1) That a new district be - constituted to be called the Hawke's Bay' district, to consist of the following circuits: —Gisbome, Napier, Hastings, Waipawa, Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Masterton, South Wairarapa, and the Norse wood "Home Mission Station. (2) That a Taranaki district be formed 'to consist of the following circuits in the present Wanganui district:—New Plymouth. Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford, Hawera, Kaponga, Eltham, Cape Egmont, Wanganui, and Aramoho, with Patea, North Taranaki and Ohura Home Missior Stations. (3) That the Wellington district consist of Wellington (Taranaki street). Central- Mission, Thorndon, Wellington South, Wellington Suburban, Johnsonville, Hutt, Levin-Otaki. Palmerston North. Feilding, Sandon, Rangitikei, | Ta,ihape, Waimarino, and Kimbolton Home I Mission Station. (4) That Taumarunui be transferred tc the Auckland district." . The amendment was carried by a larpe j majority, and it was then moved by Mr I N. Read that R,angitikei, Taihape, and Waimarino be taken from Wellington and added to Taranaki. which he also proposed should be called Wanjyanui district. After considerable discussion it was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. Mr Lawrv, that the whole question of district , boundaries be remitted to district synods, I to report to the 1911 conference. I MUSICAL FESTIVAL. The good management was one of the features of the musical festival held on Friday in connection with the Conference. I Though there was a choir of 200 voices, ■ several musicians, and 18 events on the programme, everything went with perfect smoothness. Taste and judgment were j apparent in the selection of pieces, and so the program me was relieved of that heaviness which is so often inseparable from religious musical functions of lengthy duration. One expects the music of Handel, Mozart, and Mendelssohn from combined church choirs in all parts of the civilised world nowadays, but one does not always except to find these masters so worthily interpreted as has the ease orr Friday. This merits of the combined chairs are undeni- ; able. The 200 ladies and gentlemen are ; well disciplined—a more' important factor than is usually imagir.ed,— and supported their conductor (Mr Jesse Timson) most faithfully. THREE PROBATIONERS ADMITTED TO MINISTRY. There was a very large congregation of people in Trinity Church or> Sunday afternoon, when three young men—James R. Mark, Percy R. Paris, and William R. Avery—were formally ordained ministers of the Methodist Church. The ceremony—a solemn and impressive one—was performed by the president of the Methodist Conference (the Rev. C. H. Laws), assisted by the Revs William Baumber and A. R. Dewsbury.

SERVICES ON SUNDAYS The Rev. C. H. Laws preached the president's official sermon at Trinity Methodist Church on Sunday morning. The Rev. C. H. Garland officiated in the evening. At the Centra' Mission the Rev. L. Hudson preached in the morning, and the Rev. W. Ready was the preacher to a large congregation at night. The announcement that the Rev. W. A. Sinclair was to preach in the St. Kilda Methodist Church on Sunday morning attracted a large congregation, the church being well filled. From the text " And they were with Him " Mr Sinclair gave a thoughtful and helpful address, his remarks to the children on " Building " being much appreciated. The evening service was conducted by the Rev. T. Trestrail, when the church was crowded. The text was "Eve hath not seen." Miss Clark (of Wellington) sang the solo " The soul's awakening." Miss Burrows presided at thp organ, and the choir assisted by special singing and anthems. THE GARDEN PARTY. There was, on Monday afternoon, a very large gathering of visiting ministers, laymen, and their friends at the garden party at Tolcarne, Mr P. Duncan's beautifully situated residence on .Maori Hill. Fine weather favoured the function, and the host and hostess saw to the enjoyment of their

guests in characteristic manner. Before the gathering dispersed, the Rev. C. H. Laws (the president of the conference), on behalf of those present, cordially thanked Mr and Mrs Duncan for a very pleasant afternoon.