METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3131, 18 March 1914, Page 79

METHODIST CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Thursday—Seventh Day. The business of the annual conference of the Methodist Church of Now Zealand was continued on the sth, the president (the Rev. S. J. Serpell) in the chair. adieux. Leave of absence having been granted to the Rev. W. Slade and the Rev. S. Griffiths to visit the Old Country, the conference proceeded to pass resolutions accrediting those gentlemen. It was resolved : “That the Rev. W. Slade be the representative of this conference to the British Wesleyan Methodists, the British Primitive Methodists, and the British United Methodist Conference, and also to the Irish Methodist Conference. That the Rev. S. Griffiths be associated with the Rev. W. Slade as representative to the British Wesleyan Methodist Conference, and receive special letters of commendation to that body.” The President wished the departing gentlemen a pleasant holiday. HOLIDAYS. It was resolved: “That the officials and members of our various circuits bo urged to make such arrangements as will enable their ministers to have at least two weeks rest in each year.” COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES. A deputation from the Comic.l of the Churches, comprising the Rev. Messrs Hcighway and Dallaston, and Mr Duncan Wright, was received lay the conference in a very cordial manner. The Rev. Mr Hcighway (secretary of the council) regretted that their president (the Rev. R. S. Gray), and the Rev. Graham Balfour were unable to attend in their representative capacity. Mr Hcighway congratulated one of the members of the council (Mr E. Rosovear) on his appointment as vice-president of the conference. The Rev. J. Guy, on behalf of the conference, expressed the appreciation it felt on receiving the deputation, for it was representative of the universal Church of Christ. He expressed the pleasure of the conference in seeing amongst the deputation Mr Duncan Wright, whose work and character were known to all as a friend and helper. Ho was sure all the members of the conference were delighted to have representatives of the Council of the Churches amongst them, and prayed that God’s richest blessing would rest upon their labours. Mr C. M. Luke welcomed the deputation on behalf of the lay members of the conference. The President, in taking leave of the deputation, remarked that it was a common thing to-day for ministers of the various churches to exchange pulpits. This harmony showed that the churches were different regiments in the one groat army. Ho wished the council great prosperity in the coming year, and God’s richest blessing on their labours. The visitors then withdrew. HOME MISSIONS. Mr J. Veale, representing the Home Mission Executive, submitted the schedule of income and expenditure of mission stations and circuits requiring aid during 1913-14. Ho said there had been considerable difficulty in getting suitable men to fill the necessary stations, and many important stations wore vacant in consequence. If it had been possible to make suitable provision for married men the difficulty would have been met, but that was impossible. He presented a statement showing the incomefor 1913, which was as follows; •Auckland, £l2Ol 13s 8d; South Auckland, £202 7s 6d; Taranaki-Wanganui, £346 6s 2d; Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu, £389 16s 4d; Wellington, £366 2s sd; Nelson, £209 3s 9d; Canterbury, £661 5s 4d; South Canterbury, £302 18s 9d; Otago, £276 3s Id; Southland, £2Ol Is 6d; total of districts, £4156 18s 6d. Income from other sources, connexional properties, interest on investments, etc., £1704 17s 4d; total income, £5861 15s lOd. The estimate of the total income for next year was £5982. Mr Veale moved the adoption of the balance sheet, and explained that the reason there was such an unusual credit balance was that conference sat a month earlier last year, and £5lB of that amount should have been included in last year’s statement. Then there was a donation of £123 that could never be calculated on, and there were some unexpended balances. The capital account of the Home" Mission Fund now stood at £6288 10s, and there was £6OO waiting for investment, and was not wholly unproductive, as it stood against an overdraft. Mr Veale then submitted estimates of expenditure totalling £5980, leaving a balance of £5860 to be carried forward. These were considered seriatim and agreed to for the most part. The Rev. T. G. Brooke, Homo Mission secretary, presented the Executive Committee’s report, which, amongst other matters, proposed that Messrs H. Dickon, W. Dimery, and R. T. Miller be appointed members of the Home Mission Executive Committee in succession to other members who were incapacitated from attendance. It was further resolved, on the recommendation of the committee, “ That the conference Homo Mission Committee consist of the president, vice-president, and secretary of conference, the chairmen of districts, the connexional secretary, the organising secretary of homo missions, the treasurers of the homo mission fund, and one layman from each district, the organising secretary to be convenor.” It was resolved :—“ That the conference expresses its grateful appreciation of the faithful services rendered by the Rev. T. G. Brooke during the past year in his capacity as organising secretary of homo missions and organiser and supervisor of the Native work in ihe Auckland provin and that ho bo reappointed to these offices.” —The motion was carried with hearty applause, and with appreciative references to the good work Mr Brooke had clone. An honorarium of £SO was voted to the Rev. W. Gittos, the supervising and organising secretary, and it was recommended and agreed to that £SO per year be granted to Mr J. Veale. the lay treasurer of the Home Mission Fund, for the purpose of enabling him to engage clerical assistance. The matter of continuing the Native Deaconessos’fl Training Homo at Okinawa was referred back to the committee. Pursuant of a policy of extension in home mission work it was resolved to increase the staff of Native ministers in the Waikato; that a probationer bo placed at Taumarunui, and a saddle-bag missionary bo appointed for North Taranaki district, where

no religious services are held, when a suitable man can be found. As these extensions would involve an increased expenditure of £345, the committee urged increased liberality in the support of home missions. It was resolved—“ That, in view of the large number of families, Methodist and otherwise, beyond the roach of our regular ministrations, the next conference is recommended to consider the securing of a gospel van for immediate service.” It was resolved —•“ That a special advisory committee for the West Coast Maori Mission, as per recommendation of the Tara-naki-Wanganui report, consist of the Revs. T. G. Hammond, E. O. Blamires, R. B. Tinsley, and the Maori ministers, with Messrs E. Dixon, T. P. Hughson, and J. Masters; the chairman to be convenor. Also, that the executive for the coming year be the home missionary organising secretary, the minister of Auckland and suburban circuits, Rev. J. B. Dittos, Messrs J. E. Wheeler, J. W. Shackleford, T. M‘Masters, T. W. Jones, P. Crowe, J. C. Allen, J. Veale, T. Caley, A. Reak, J Parnell, J. Trounson, J. E. Ashby, W. Hetherington, H. E. Pacey, J. W. Court, J. Robbins, J. Watkinson, T. Moor, A. Trenwith, H. Tucker, W. Dlmery, R. T. Miller, W. Arnbray, P. J. H. White, and F. L. Prime (a life member).” FOREIGN MISSIONS. The Rev. J. N. Buttle, convener and general secretary of foreign missions, on taking a seat on the platform, was very cordially received, he having recently recovered from a serious illness. He was heartily welcomed by the president and several other members of the conference, who were unanimous in praise of the good work done by Mr Buttle during the 11 years he had held the office of general secretary, and for the admirable and prompt way in which ho had replied to all correspondence that came into his hands. A resolution expressive of Ill's high appreciation was carried with more than usual heartiness. Mr Buttle, in acknowledging the vote, spoke with emotion. Ho said he could hardly trust himself to speak to the conference, but said he had always done his best for the Church and for its foreign missions. lie had always been ready to talk and to preach about those missions, and when he heard thorn opposed he reminded the objectors that the first work given to His disciples by the Lord was to go into alj the world teaching in His name. He believed they had reached a crisis in the history of foreign m'ssions, arid therefore ought to take more means to put vigour into the work. For that reason he thought the time had come to appoint a younger man as general secretary.—(Applause.) The Rev. J. W. Burton moved the adoption of the following resolution: —“That missionary advocacy be not limited to annual sermons, the visits of deputations, nor to quarterly lessons in the Sunday schools, but rather interfuse the life of the entire Church the whole year through ; that missionary study circles bo formed, or that missionary study be combined with Bible study in Bible classes, fellowship meetings, etc.; that missionary topics be conspicuous in the syllabus of the Wesley Guild and other societies of the Church; that the reading of mis sionary biography be encouraged in connection with lire Sunday school libraries and in home reading; that the editor of the Methodist Times be requested to give voice to this propaganda in a special page oi missionary education items; that the intercession of the Church be directed habitually to the various phases of the world-wide programme of Christianity; that conference be recommended to appoint an organising secretary and a foreign mission committee in each district; that as Methodist union beneath the Southern Cross has now been completed, save for the inclusion of Tonga, and, further, that as the recent General Con fcrencc of the Methodist Church of Australasia has made overtures to the Free Church of Tonga with a view to its union with either the Australian or Now Zealand Church, this Synod, while deprecating undue precipitancy, recommends the conference to take such steps as will secure New Zealand being represented on any deputation sent to the Tongan churches, believing that the identification of the dominion with such a body will facilitate the union; the Synod notes that the Methodist Missionary Society of Australasia is embarking upon a campaign of aggressive missionary activity, ana recommends the conference to employ such special means as will enlist the practical cooperation of the whole connection in the forward movement; the Synod expresses its satisfaction at the prospective visit of the Rev. George Brown, D.U., president of the General Conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia, and recommends the conference to endeavour to arrange for Dr Brown s visit at an early date.”—The resolutions wore adopted without discussion. Mr Burton then presented the report ot the New Zealand members of the Board ot missions for 1914, which referred to th 9 matters discussed at the recent conference in Sydney, where the various States and New Zealand wore strongly represented. The report referred to the financial difficulties connected with mission work, the balance sheet for 1913 showing a deficiency ot over £3OOO. Of this sum the board decided to place £IOOO to a reserve fund, So that 1914 commenced with a debit ot over £sooo. The deficiency was caused by the disastrous hurricane in Fiji, which reduced the contributions from that district from £II,OOO- in 1912 to £BOOO in 1913. There was also an unaccountable shrinkage oi income in New South Wales of about £SOO. This problem, the board’s report said, was made more acute by the fact that development and success on the field demanded larger expenditure. The order had been given, in the name of the Church, to go forward, and the missionaries had obeyed. The various mission districts sent up care-fully-considered estimates amounting to nearly £59,000. It was clear, in the face of the income of 1913 that such an amount could not be granted and leave any reasonable prospect that the society would cortfo out on the right side at the end of the present year. It was clearly shown that the reasons why the income had not risen sufficiently were twofold —the spiritual apathy of the Church and the grievous lack of organisation in the circuits. At tins stage there arose a very delicate situation, which caused much pain and anxiety to the whole board. In onSor t n finance the huge operations of tint society a large overdraft (reaching £22,000 in 1913) was necessary. This was largely caused by the fact that the bulk of the moneys from the circuits do not reach Sydney until December or January, whilst the expenditure has to be incurred during the whole year. Against this overdraft the board had lodged securities with the bank to the value «vf £BOOO, and the lay members of the board signed a personal guarantee for £12.000. Some of the guarantors firmly refused to continue if a sum exceeding £42,000 (the amount raised the preceding year) wore

allocated. A strong committee, consisting of representatives from each State and New Zealand, was set up to consider how the estimates of expenditure could be reduced, and reported that the lowest amount which might be granted, without actually imperilling the work on the field, was £51,000. After a long discission in the board, it was decided that £45,000 should bo the amount allocated to the work of the society for 1914 (the amount cf the estimated income for the year), and that the deficit already existing '(£<1000) should be wiped out by special effort. Then the sub committee had the unenviable task of still further reducing the district estimates from £51,000 to £45,000. The report wont on to deal with the question of Now Zealand taking a separate mission field. Fiji and India wore out of the question, because of the expense, but the board recommended the Solomons. Tonga, and Samoa as the future field of the Now Zealand Church, on the grounds (1) that wo could compass it financially; (2) that we could find the necessary staff; (3) that the virgin character of the work in the Solomons would arouse the enthusiasm and touch the imagination of our people; and (4) that we should have every hope of securing help both in men and in money from Tonga and Samoa. Mr Burton explained the scope of the report very clearly, and moved its reception. Mr E. Roscvoar seconded the motion, and commented favourably on the business-like wav the affairs of the Sydney Conference had been conducted. He pointed out that £I7OO was paid for interest on the mission account, and that much of that might, bo saved if contributions were forwarded by local churches as soon as they wore collected. If, ho said, they were going to make application for a special field much more interest in mission efforts must be taken than had been clone hitherto. Mr Burton urged that before they put a spado into the Solomons they must have a reserve fund. The report was received. Resolutions were then carried referring the proposal for a separate field to a committee to be set up to report to next conference. Mr Burton read proposals for the formation of a corporation with a capital of £50.000, in shares of £1 each, to carry on mission work, but the question was regarded as so novel that the matter was postponed for further consideration. The Rev. W. Slade was appointed foreign missions secretary for New Zealand for the coming year, with the Rev. Lewis Hudson as supply.—Mr Slade thanked the conference sincerely for the confidence it had reposed in him, and assured members that no would do his best to fill the office, as his heart was in the work. The statement of accounts showed that the expenditure, which amounted to £46,427 14s Bd, had left a deficit of £2£69 16s lid, as certain moneys had not come to hand m time for the balance. The following resolution was earned unanimously “ That the conference place on record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the cause of foreign missions by the Rev. J. N. Buttle, who for 11 years served the Church with singular attention and unflagging zeal. To his efforts was due the fact that the missionary income was materially increased, and the conference regrets that continued ill-health made it inoperative that he should retire from this position. The thanks of the entire Church are due to Mr Buttle, and the conference prays that he may be long spared to continue his special interest in this portion of our Church’s activity.” VALEDICTORY. At the conclusion of the evening’s business the President reminded members that the Rev. Mr Burton would not be with them again, as he was going to Victoria. —Mr Sorpell went on to speak in flattering terms of Mr Burton’s services to the Church. —A.fter other members had spoken in a similar strain, Mr Burton, who was greeted with applause, feelingly replied. N Friday-Eighth Day. The annual conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand resumed its sittings on the 6th. The Vice-president (Mr E. Rosevoar) took the chair in the morning until the President (the Rev. S. J. Serpell) arrived. A report in re Winton land was adopted, directing that the land there be sold, and all the proceeds over £75 be set aside to assist in the erection of a parsonage in Winton at some future date. It was agreed that, in the absence of the chairman of a district, a deputy may be appointed to preside at quarterly meetings and at home demonstrations. ■ Boards of management for the four central missions were appointed. The headquarters for the Wellington mission was fixed at Webb street. The order of probationers’ circuits was fixed as followsWaiuku, Waimate, Gisborne, Eeilding, Taumarunui, Havelock, Auckland West, Port Albert, Balclutha (Kaitangata). THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTION. The report of the Rev. C. H. Garland (principal), which was adopted, stated that the college opened last March with 13 students, the present number being 11. It was decided that the principal should not allow students to take more than 13 services in any quarter. Hearty thanks were accorded to the Rev. Mr Garland and Mrs Garland for their capable domestic management. As the site of a new theological institute was not yet decided, no action, it was reported, had yet been taken, but there was £BOOO in hand. The Rev. Mr Vcale submitted additional grants to various stations that were agreed to and converted the credit balance of the home mission funds from £SB to a debit of about £2OO. PRESBYTERIAN VISITORS. The Rev. J. Chisholm, Professor Dickie, and Dr Watt waited on the conference as representatives of the Presbyterian Church. They were very cordially received and welcomed by the President. The Rev. J. Chisholm road the fraternal resolution passed a few days ago by the Dunedin Presbytery. He then referred to the fact that when the ship Philip Lang—the Mayflower of New Zealand—arrived in Dunedin it brought Dr Thomas Burns (a Presbyterian) a,id the Rev. Charles Creed (a Wesleyan). Dr Burns preached the sermon in tho morning and Mr Creed ia the afternoon. Dr Burns, writing of thafc occasion subsequently, referred to Mr Copied as an excellent and devoted man, and expressed the opinion that they would bo able to strengthen each other’s hands in extending the Church of Christ in the now land. That hope was still alive. Professor Dickie, Moderator of tho Presbytery, referred to ihc Wesleyan Church as

having a most wonderful history, and as wonderful a record lor practical work. Dr Watt was also called on by members of tho conference to speak, and gave an extremely interesting address, tracing ecclesiastical appointments from the time when an apostle was chosen to take the place of Judas, to the growth of the dogma of apostolic succession in the Roman and Anglican Churches. Ihe Rev. J. A. Luxford replied on behalf of the ministers and Mr 11. D. Bedford for the laymen. THE FIVE YEARS’ TERM. Dealing with miscellaneous recommendations of synods, tho most important was that reading as follows— “ That the law of tho Church relating to the appointment of ministers bo altered so as to provide that any minister being a member of the conference may bo appointed to tho same chapel or chapels or premises year by year successively for any number of years without limit.” —To this was added by consent the following providing for special cases:— ” Every proposal to make an appointment beyond live years shall bo regarded as a special ease. A written statement of reasons signed (signed by the circuit stewards) shall bo presented to conference, and the conference shall vote on each case, and tho Stationing Committee shall not be permitted! to station any minister for more than five years unless the proposal that it bo regarded as a special case be carried by 75 per cent, of those present and voting.”— Mr Flcsher, who submitted tho motion, said that ever since tho consummation of the union it had been felt that the five years’ barrier ought to be removed. The Rev. J. Cocker supported the proposal, and referred to several instances whore ministers had been doing splendid work, but were taken away from their spheres of usefulness Ho would be glad to sec tho legal barriers removed. The Rev. S. Lawrv said he was not prepared to vote for the proposal absolutely, but thought there ought to be some provision mad© to meet special oases. Their people, he thought, were not prepared to adopt tho proposals contained in the motion without some safeguards. Mr T. Hodgson (Auckland) thought the change proposed would be a groat injustice to the rank and file of the conference, and would take away incentives from the young men now in active service. Tho Rev. W. Baumber (Nelson) opposed the motion. The .itinerary system of Methodism was one of the things that distinguished them from other Churches, and had worked well. They were not a Congregational Church, but their ministers belonged to the whole Church, and the whole Church had a right to the services of each individual minister, so far as they could be obtained. He did not, however, object to individual cases being specially provided for, but ho did object to the motion as it stood, in the interests of their young men. The Rev. C. IT. Laws said he hoped to see tho itinerary destroyed, as it was the most wasteful system that could exist. Speaking from personal experience, he could say that at tho end of his term, when he had obtained an influence over the younger members of his congregation, when, for instance, ho had been training a boy from 12 to 17 —the most precious time in a youth’s life—the ties were ruthlessly broken, and he had to start again elsewhere, with the same prospect. That sort of thing played havoc with their opportunities for usefulness. A minister’s life work was cumulative, and should not be broken in its continuity. After his 30 years’ experience in the Methodist Church he must say that, if he had had his present light and knowledge of the system when he joined, he would not have offered himself to the Methodist Church. Tho Rev. G. Frost, speaking as one who had spent 20 years in country churches, said they knew where tho resolution before conference came from (North Canterbury), but there had been no requests for this change brought before conference. If the motion was agreed to, it would have a heartbreaking effect on the young men, who looked ionvard with some ambition to being stationed in some of the important centres. The Rev. P. W. I'airclough said that it had been urged that their ministers would be better placed under the existing opportunities for change given by the itinerary system, but did the system bring the men in tho back-blocks into the principal cities? They had an instance to the contrary before conference, whore one of their number had come to Dunedin, then went to Christchurch, and was to bo stationed in the future at Pitt street, Auckland. The influence of a minister was measured by his power and activity. He instanced the ease of Dr Waddell, who had been 35 years in Dunedin, and his people had expressed the wish that ho was 30 years younger, so that he might remain longer amongst them. The Doctor’s influence was most powerful throughout New Zealand, and he would never have got that influence if he had been tossed about from one church to another —he was a feature in tho community. Their ministers were the only employees in the community that had not had their conditions ameliorated and the conference were their emlpoyers.—(Dissent). When he was removed from Dunedin to Wellington half his income had to bo sent back to Dunedin to grease the 'wheels of the family be had to leave behind. There was no minister amongst them who did not feel that he would have been enormously benefited if he had ceased his connection with Methodism long ago. Sectarianism was rapidly being broken down, and it was time that their ministers ceased to bo treated like horses who were taken from one stall to another without being consulted in the matter at all. After further discussion, and a reply from Mr Flesher, the motion was put and "carried, the voting being 83 for and 32 against. YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEMONSTRATION. There was a largo gathering in the Octagon Hall in tho evening to enjoy the singing of a choir of close on 200 children, under the direction of Mr T,~ Holgate, and various solos and recitations by individual members of the choir. The soloists were Vera White, Leslie Mew, and Miss Guy. Recitations were given by Stanley Lawson, Kitty Ashcroft, Arthur White, Rene Aslin, and Heather Smith. There was also a recitation of Psalm XIX by the boys from Trinity Sunday School. All these were greatly appreciated. The chair was taken by Mr H. Holland (Mayor of Christchurch), and addresses were given by the Rev. G. H. Stockwell and Mrs W. J. Williams, of the Young Women’s Bible Class Union. Miss Harland, at the fine Octagon organ, materially assisted in tho satisfactory choir singing. Saturday.— Ninth Day. Ti c siUin;.; ■ !' the annual conference of the Al'. ihoilist Church of New Zealand was

resumed on Saturday, the Rev. b. J. Serpell (pmuetetitj iu Ute cnair. i.iio Kev. P. \V. Fairclough moved'— lliat the conference lias learned with sorrow oi the illness of Mr D. Haynes, who was a member of this Caurch when it was first organised by the Rev. Isaac Harding, 32 years ago, and lias been a stalwart heipcr of many a Methodist enterprise in tlie years that have passed since then; and that the conference send kindly greetings and best wishes to Mr and Mrs Haynes ” —'lhe Kev. W. Baurnber seconded ttie motion, and said Mr Haynes was in an exceedingly low condition, hut it seemed to do him good to hear that .members were asking about him.—'lhe motion was carried. Mr E. liosevear read a message from Mr A. G. Wansbrough (Wanganui) to the effect that at the A.M I.C.E. examination he had secured second place out of 150 condidates forwarded from ail parts of the world. — Members of conference expressed their gratification. The Kev C. H. Laws presented a report from the Wellington Educational 'trust Board, which showed that three kindergarten schools were conducted in conformity with terms of the Supreme Court order. At Webb Street the number of scholars was 57> M le Aro 61, and at Taranaki Street 44. Nme teachers wore employed, and Mies M. Kearney was in charge of all the schools. —Report adopted. METHODIST LITERATURE. Mr J. A. Flcshcr presented a report dealing with the affairs of the connexional paper, and this was taken in committee. The recommendations were subsequently adopted in open conference. The capable editorship of the Rev. W. J. Williams, was acknowledged, and his reappointment was recommended with an honorarium of £55 per year; also the reappointment of the Rev. A. N. Scotter, who had rendered valuable service as assistant editor.—The report was adopted. A report from the Methodist Hymn Book Committee stated that £59 15s 9d was available from its fund for the Church building and loan fund.—Report adopted, and the committee reappointed The report from the committee set up to consider the advisability of establishing a Christian literature department said that the committee had secured the consent of Rev. A. B. Chappell to write on “ The Relation of Young People to the Church: Their Privileges and Obligations ” ; Rev. Principal Garland, on “ The Divinity of Jesus ”; Rev. J. W. Burton, on “An Appeal to Young Men and Women for Decision ”; and Rev. W. Slade, on “The Evils of Gambling.’’ It was also recommended that 5000 copies of Dr Fitchett’s manual, “ What Methodism Stands For,” be purchased. A recommendation that a handbook bo compiled for the guidance of young Methodists on the history, doctrine, and polity of the Methodist Church; the sacramental, marriage, and public recognition services of the Church; and the attitude of the Church to doubtful recreations and other questions perplexing to young Christians, was agreed to, and a report on the matter to be presented to the next conference. METHODIST UNION. The committee appointed to deal with matters arising out of Methodist union stated that the fusion was working satisfactorily. An edition of 500 copies of the souvenir that worthily commemorated the historic event had sold readily in most circuits, but there were 1170 copies still in the publisher’s hands, and it was proposed to sell those at half price to members of conference and to Sunday schools, the profits of the sale of the souvenir to be equally divided between the two Methodist orphanages. —Report adopted. Mr Flesher reported that it was at the time of the union considered doubtful whether the provisions of 7 the Methodist Union Act of 1896 were sufficient to vest all lands and property belonging to the Primitive Methodist Connexion in the United Church, and it was thought advisable to promote a Bill to confirm the union of the two Methodist churches, and vest in the United Church and assimilate the trusts of all lands and property held in trust for the uniting churches. That Bill had been passed by Parliament. —Conference recorded a vote of thanks to the Prime Minister, the Hoh. H. D. Bell, and Mr C. M. Luke for their services in facilitating the passing of the Bill. ORPHANAGES. The report of, the Auckland Orphanage Committee presented by the board stated that a commodious house of 19 or 20 rooms, situated on two and a-half acres of land at Mount Albert, near Auckland, had during the year been anonymously offered by a Methodist layman and his sister as an orphanage for needy children, irrespective of creed. The house had since then been enlarged at a cost of £llOO. towards which £607 of the Knox legacy had been used, and donors had provided the balance. The furnishing would cost about £3OO, but a committee of ladies had taken that liability on themselves. The cost of maintenance would be met by voluntary contributions, towards which the donors of the property and promised £IOO per year for three years. The Rev. J. Blight and Mrs Blight had been appointed manager and matron. — Adopted The Rev. W. A. Sinclair reported on the steps being taken at 0 Christchurch to establish there a Methodist orphanage and children’s home, to meet the needs of the whole South Island. Five acres of land with a house on it that had cost £2OOO to build had been purchased for £2750. The committee had paid £750, and the balance remained on mortgage for two years. The larger part of this sum the synods had guaranteed to raise in two years. A lady had undertaken to furnish the orphanage free of charge; in fact, said Mr Sinclair, it had been a very easy thing to secure money for the orphanages. The Rev. G. Bond congratulated the conference on having come into possession of so valuable and beautiful a property, and one so suitable for the purpose for which it was intended. The report was adopted, and votes of thanks were accorded to Mrs Williams, tho donors, and the committee. It was resolved that a special Sunday, to be called Orphans’ Day, be set apart on which collections would bo made for the orphanages, and that Sunday schools and young peoples’ classes be invited to make collections bar the same purpose. WESLEY TRAINING COLLEGE. The report of the college expressed approval of the policy of the board and the work being done. The Rev. J. Sjimmonds explained that 97 acres had been purchased near the Paerata Railway Station, and the Mount Roakill County Coucil had comstructcd a road that would greatly improve the property. It was proposed that portion of the land should be farmed, and that boys old enough to leave the orphanages bo trained there.—The report was adopted.

the recommendations of the committee approved, and Mr Westney was added to the ADDITIONAL MINISTERS. The Rev. T. G. Brooke, secretary of the Home Mission Board, asked permission to obtain 10 young men from Cliffe College (England) to carry on home mission work. He pointed out that they had not enough ministers to fill the stations vacant. Ho said that the Rev. W. Slade, while m England, could see that a proper selection was made, and they could be here by July to enter upon the duties that would be given to them. —The necessity of letting these young men clearly underst/.nd the positions they would be invited to fill was urged by several members of the conference, and the permission sought was granted. Monday.—Tenth Day. The sitting of the annual conference of the Methodist Ohurcii of N ew Zealand was resumed and concluded on the 9th; the President (the Rev. S. J. berpeii) m the chair. DISTRICT CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES. A ballot resulted in the election of the following as district chairmen: Auckland, Rev. G. Bond; South Auckland, Rev. W. G. Spence; Taranaki-Wanganui, Rev. H. L. Biamires; Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu, Rev. D. J. Murray; Nelson, Rev. W. Baumber; North Canterbury, Rev. W. A. Sinclair; South Canterbury, Rev. T. A. Joughlin; Otago, Rev. E. Drake; Southland, Rev. W. Ready. The President ot the Wellington district (the Rev. S. J. Serpell) is, ex officio, the president of the conference. In every case but one the necessary absolute majority was secured on the first vote. For the Otago chairmanship the names of the Revs. E. Drake, F. T. Read, and W. A. Hay were sent to a second vote, and the Rev. JVLi Drake was elected. The newly-appointed men shortly returned thanks. It was decided that the election of secretaries be left to each Synod for this year. Statistical secretaries were appointed as follows;—Auckland, Rev. E. O. Biamires; South Auckland, Rev. T. N. Griffin; iara-naki-Wanganui, Rev. A. B. Chappell; Hawke’s tSay-Manawatu, Rev. T. J. wains; Wellington, Rev. P. J. Gossum; Nelson, Rev. G. Easton; North Canterbury, Rev. H. Ranston; South Canterbury, Rev. J. Guy; Otago, Rev. F. 1- Read, Southland, Rev. M. A R. ■ Pratt. THE SUPERNUMERARY FUND. The Rev. S. Lawry (treasurer) presented the report of the Board of Management of the supernumerary fund. It stated that it had been found impossible to come to a satisfactory arrangement with the Australian Board of '.treasurers for a settlement of details in connection with transference of the New Zealand portion of the supernumerary fund, but the New Zealand board had offered to submit the disputed points to arbitration. Until a final settlement was made the treasurers could not present to conference the revenue account and balance sheet required by the rules. The cash statement submitted showed the capital in the hands of New Zealand treasurers to be £40,363 13s 4d, including remittances from Australia during 1912-1913. In the Australian treasurers credited the New Zealand fund on December 31, 1913, witff £02,588 13s Id. Without taking into account any adjustments that may be made, the total capital of the New Zealand fund was, on the above date, £72,952 6s sd. The cash statement showed balances carried forward, £7278 7s lOd; circuit levies, £1685 Is; ministers’ personal subscriptions, £1463 19s 7d; interest, . £594 18s; remittances from Australia, £24,500; purchase of benefits on account of P.M. ministers, £7238 5s "lid; valuation fees, £4O 19s;- —total, £42,801 11s 4d Disbursements by annuities and grants, £2185 Ss Set; sundry expenses, £l7B 12s Id; investments on mortgage and cash balances, £40,363 13s 4d;—total, £42,801 11s 4d. The report further said that the arrears of subscriptions, fines, and interest due totalled £466 19s Bd. It was recommended that, second wives’ annuities of ministers who are members of the fund have the same right in regard to annuities as first wives, without any additional payment, subject to a reduction of 1 per cent, per annum from her annuity for each year of her juniority as compared with her husband. In reply to the Rev. J. Dawson, the Expresident said that ministers who were at present contributors to the fund would share in any fluctuations, but not annuitants. The action of the board with reference to the Australian difficulty was approved, and it was decided that contributors in arrears on May 31 be charged 7j, per cent, as from April 1. children’s fund. , Owing to the death of the Rev. Mr Ginger (treasurer), no balance sheet of the children’s fund was available, but a statement was presented, showing a credit balance of £lll.—The report was received, the balance sheet to be presented at next conference.—The Rev. P., J. Cossurn was appointed treasurer. home mission appointments. The following appointments to home mission stations was agreed to: Auckland District. —Auckland West: One wanted. Avondale: W. Gatman. North Shore: Supernumerary. Franklin: A. Fitchctt. North Wairoa; A. E. Haynes. Te Kopuru: One wanted. ITkurangi: A. J. Webster. Port Albert: A. H. Crouch. Coromandel: J. S. Fletcher. Helensville: J, A. Loudon Bay or Islands: E. N. Pain. Kohu Kohu : One wanted. Whangaroa : E. N. Taylor. Hokianga: E. Foote. Mangonui: W. T. Blight. South Auckland. Cambridge: One wanted. Taumorunui: One wanted. Ngaruawahia: W. A. Parler. Otorohanga: One wanted. Waimana: A. Laybourn. Te Puke: One wanted. Mataraata; O. W. Brown. Ohura: H. Ford. Marakopa: (saddlebag mission): One wanted. Taranaki-Wanganui.—New Plymouth : One wanted. Cape Eg nont: T. W. Featherston. East Egmont: C. Aker. Wanganui: F. P. Prellow. North Taranaki: O. Beam. Mokau ; One wanted, Patea : G. H. Bridgeman. Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu.—Napier: P. Cooke. Gisborne: One wanted. Feilding: One wanted. Foxton: J. Crawford. Kimbolton: J. W. Parker. Norsewood: J. Oliver. Wellington. —Wellington (Brooklyn); J. H. White. Masterton: G. C. Laws. Nelson.—Richmond: P. Strongman. Tapawera; One wanted. Blenheim (Picton) : One wanted. Dovedale: One wanted. Denniston: R. H. Todd. Granity: Ono wanted. Havelock; T. W. Treby. Murchison : J. Common. Ruanga : _ M. Ayrton. North Canterbury.—Christchurch East ginwood): E. Strand. Addington: W. arris, Amberley: A. M. Costam. Breendale: Skeen. Oxford: W. B. Cuming. South Canterbury.—Waimate : One wanted.

Temuka: One waited. Methven: H. Benny. Mayfield: W. E Sleep. Otago. —Waikoua-ti-Palrnerston : W. T. Hooper. Lawrence: C. Duncan. Cromwell: One wanted, __ Southland. —Otautau (Nightcaps) : J. E. Weir. Riverton: W. Watson. Winton: W. K. Wallers. Tuatapere : J. Dennis. ARREARS OF PAYMENT. The Rev. T. A. Joughlin submitted reports relative to the Wellington Bible Class case (taken in committee!, and teaching courses in Sunday schools. With reference to the Theologioal lnstitute, he moved —“That conference learns with surprise and regret that during the past year the finances of the Theological Institute have been embarrassed by the unpunctual payments to the treasurers of the contingent fund allocation. As the treasurers of that fund say that this is due in turn to the unpunctual payment of circuit levies, conference urges upon superintendents the grave importance of seeing that the charges are promptly forward to their respective chairmen. —The motion was carried. MILITARY AND NAVAL FORCES. A report was presented recommending the appointment of the following as chaplains to the forces: —The Revs. W. A. Hay (Dunedin), P. M. Knight (Christchurch), T. A. Joughlin (Temuka), W. Ready (Invercargill) j also as chaplains to H.M. ships: —The Revs. C. M. Laws (Wellington), J. G. Chapman (Lyttelton), A. Mitchell (Dunedin), G. T. Marshall, and J- Sharp (Bluff). It was also recommended that hearty co-operation of the churches be g ven to the Y.M.C. Association in providing religious services at territorial tamps. HONOURING THE REV. S. MARSDEN. The Rev. W. J. Williams moved —“That in the celebration this year of the centenary of the arrival of the Rev. Samuel Marsden as the first missionary to New Zealand, this conference recognise an occasion that calls for dovoutest _ thanksgiving to God. As marking the beginning of the Evangelisation of this country, the Methodist Church join with all other sections of the Christian Church in grateful commemoration of the most illustrious event in New Zealand history. They recognise, however the special claim to honour which the commemoration brings to the Church of England, whose faithful and devoted servant Mr Marsden was, and in congratulating the Church on that centenary the conference pray that it may be an occasion for creating a deeper interest in the great cause which brought the pioneer missionary to these shores.”—The motion was carried. STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE. The Rev. J. Cocker, pursuant to notice, moved that a statement of doctrine be printed on the front page of the new Book of Laws. These were 10 in number, and were so dogmatic and contentious that a member of the conference moved that the previous question be now put. It was put and carried almost without dissent. GENERAL. A committee was appointed to deal with the question of revising the Book of Offices, after the president had pointed out that the offices of the CJhurch —Baptism, burials, and administering the sacrament —were often conducted in a very slovenly manner, whereas they should bo used with decency and in order. It was resolved that Orphanage Sunday be held on the Sunday before Christmas Day. Several formal motions were put and carried. The Rev C. M. Laws said the Christchurch Synod had unanimously invited the next conference to meet in Christchurch. The invitation was accepted, the annual meeting to be in the last week in February, 1915. The passing of numerous votes of thanks brought the conference to a close.