METHODIST CONFERENCE

Otago Witness, Issue 3444, 16 March 1920, Page 29

METHODIST CONFERENCE

AUCKLAND, March 7. Tha Methodist Conference resolved that next! conference be held at Wellington. The supernumerary fund showed an income of £8344, accumulated funds, £99,185. It was agreed to increase the annuities to supernumerary ministers and widows by 15 per cent. The church property report showed a decrease in church property debts amounting to £5962. Advances from building and loan funds amounted to £3725. QUESTION OF UNION. AUCKLAND, March 8. The Methodist Conference discussed the question of union with the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. The President (Rev. Mr Laws) said the figures showed that a good deal of indifference existed. It might develop into opposition if matters were unduly hurried. The Conference must be sympathetic, keep the door open, and go on with their work. Resolutions were carried unanimously expressing regret at the unsatisfactory vote in the Presbyterian Church, reaffirming the conviction of the desirability of church union, and appointing committees to further the movement. A further resolution expressed the opinion that the time is not ripe for the joint training of students for the ministry. The Rev. Blamires, Messrs Bellringer and Oldham were appointed to represent tho New Zealand Metnodist Church at the world conference on faith and order. The final session was held to-night. The establishment of a retiring fund for deaconesses was decided upon, the fund to be retrospective. The minimum salary for a fully-qualified deaconess was fixed at £l2O per annum. It was resolved, "That, after meeting the just claims of any Methodist chaplains and soldiers who have been on active service in regard to war disability and supernumerary fund arrears, the balance be retained by the conference for future use in military work audi Territorial * camps." In regard to the rule concerning promotions that the years of active service count double, it was resolved that this be given effect to in regard to Methodist chaplains. Tho final reading of stations was adopted. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICTS. AUCKLAND, March 9. The Methodist Conference concluded today. Chairmen of districts were appointed as follows: —Auckland, Rev. J. N. Knight; South Auckland, Rev. S. Henderson; Tara-naki-Wanganui, Rev. H. L. Blamires, Hawkes' Bay-Manawatu, Hev. T. W. Richards • Wellington, ReA'. E. Drake; Nelson, Rev. W. Greenslade; North Canterbury, Rev. T. A. Joughin; South Canterbury, Rev. T. W. Vealie: Otago, Rev. B. F. RothwelL The Rev. P. N. Knight was

appointed chairman of the Board of Wesley Training College.