THE METHODIST CHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 49

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

Two years ago, at Auckland, the Methodist Church of New Zealand celebrated the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Wesleyan missionaries in New Zealand. The last annual conference decided upon a forward move, and the work amongst tha Maoris and pakehas is to be co-ordinated. The Rev. A. J. Searner was set apart as the general superintendent of the Home Mission Department. During the past month Mr Seamer, accompanied by a party of Maoris, has been visiting Otago and Southland in tho interests of the mission. On Thursday, at Trinity Church, the final rally was held A representative gathering of the ministers and office-bearers of the Dunedin (Methodist churches met for tea in the schoolroom. Mr G. A. Skene presided over ilia gathering, and he was supported by tho Rev. A. J. Seamer and the Rev. If. K. Bel! house. After prayer by the Rev. H. L. Richards. Mr Seamer gave an address outlining the policy of the department, and asking for the co-operation of those present. At the conclusion of the address the following resolution, moved by Mr J. M. Benton, and seconded by Mr YY. H. Johnston, was carried: —“That this meeting of official representatives of Methodist churches in Dunedin expresses its deep appreciation of the visit of (he Rev. A. J. Seamer and party, and its sympathy with the forward movement of the Homs Mission Department as set forth by him.” The church was crowded when the public meeting was held. Tlie Rev. IT. E Bellhouse (chairman of the Otago district) presided. After prayer by the Rev. E. O Blnmires, the chairman congratulated Mr Seamer on liis appointment to the responsible position of general superintendent, and extended a cordial welcome to him and his party. The. party consists of (he Rev. Erueva To Tulii (Kaipara). Chief To A ho-o-G-rangi (W'ikato). YB-s Ara Winiata (Hokianga). Miss Rttihi Ruamoetahuna (Taranaki), and Miss Rongo Kabul (Rahotu). During tlie evening they contributed several Maori hymns, greetings, and pot action songs, also a typical Maori welcome. In a stirring address Mr Seamer made a strong anneal on behalf ofl the work amongst the Maori population. He made a strong indictment against tha treatment of (he Maori by the oakeha, stating that while the white man had given them the Gospel he had also introduced a great number of vices. The result wan that the Maori population dropped to about) 70,000. The tide had again turned, however. and during the last 20 years (ha population had increased hv 12,030. I’ho Chief Te Abo-o-te-rangi gave an address in Maori, which was interpreted by Mr So.amer. He paid a tribute to the work of the Rc-v. Samuel Leigh, the first Methodist minis-tet who landed in North Auckland district over 100 years ago. He made an anneal for volunteers to boln to educate the Maori children and load them in the right wav Prior to the close of meeting the chairman presented to the chief an embossed address of welcome greeting. The chief expressed his thanks and appreciation of the gift.