METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 30

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

OPENING SESSION The fourteenth annual Conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand was opened in the Trinity Church on Thursday. The ministers present at the conference are as follows:—The Revs. 0. Bond, J. Guy, W. Baumber, W. Rotter, T. Fee, 8. Lawry, C. Abernetliy, S. Griffith, G. T. Marshall. W Laycock, A. C. Lawry, “W. Ready, G. Clement, C. H. Laws, 8.A., D. 'V. Grigg, P. N. Knight, 8.A., F. T. Read, A. Harding, A. Mitchell, T. W. Newbold, W. A. Sinclair, S. H. D. Peryraan, R. Rainc, E. Drake, W. J. Elliott, G Frost. H. E. Bellhouse, T. VV. Vealie, A. Ashcroft, J. A. Ix>chore, T. R. Richards, 11. L. Blamircs, P. J. Cossum, W. J. Hay, T. A. Pybue, S. J. Werren, P L Cooke. E T. Olds, 11. J. Odell, W. G. Slade, M.A., G. E. Brown, R. E. Fordyce, W H. Hocking, J. Dennis, F. J. Parker, W. S. Neal, J. W, Parkor, T. Skuse, W. B. Cuming, H. Ford, W. Gatxan, A. E. Jefferson, W. B: Pickering, E. &. Harkness, J. H. Allen, L. A. G. Brooks, T. fl. Burton, J. F. Jack, H. C. Orchard, H. L. Fiebig, 0. S. Pearn, M. Ayrton, Robert Tahupotiki Haddon, Hori Kakueie, Eruera Te Tuhi, W. Beckett, B._ Dudley, J. Southern, W. Wills, L. P. Rlamircfi, "W. Greenslade. J. H. Haslam, G. P. Hunt, A. N. Scottcr, 8.A., S. Bailey, J. Feather«ton, H. Ranston, M.A., Litt. D., W. J. Oxbrow, E. D. Patchett, M. A. R. Pratt, B. J. Janies, R. Liddell, A. 7. Seamer, E. 0* Blam res, E. S. Eminitt, A. M‘Bean, G. F. Stockwell, F. Copeland, J. Harris, R. Richards, W. V Avery, H. Daniel, P. R. Paris. H. Ryan, H. White. W. H. E. Abbey, W B. Scott, T. Cox. M.A., C B. Jordan, M.A„ J. F. Martin, W. H. Speer, R. B. Tinelcv, H. Cottom, J. D. M‘Arthur, W. A. Burley, M.A., C. H. Olds. 8.A., J. Richards, H. A. Sharp, W. j. Enticott. A. H. Fowles, F. L. Frost, A Hopper, W. Rowe. F. B. F E. Lerodley, J. E. Parson, W. Walker, 0. Burnet, C. A. Foston. After opening devotional exercise the roll call was taken, and the conference then proceeded with the •’ ’ ’ction of the president for 1926. The Rev. T. It. Richards welcomed a new member to the conference in the person of the Rev. Leonard Dailey, at present occupying the pulpit of the Pit Street Church in Auckland for a tern of three years. Mr Dailey returned thanks for the welcome extended PRESIDENTIAL INDUCTION. The Rev. W. A. Hay and the Rev. E. P. Blnmires escorted the new president, the Rev. P. N. Knight, to the platform, where he was inducted to the office of president of the conference, which position he had been elected to fill 12 months ago at the conference held in Wellington. The Rev. W. A. Hay, addressing the candidate for Induction, said he was approaching the chair of the highest office his Church had to offer to her servants. He was well known and regarded with respect and affection among Methodists in Australia, and he brought to his work in the Church’s council a wealth of experience <\nd sincerity, which wa9 what the Master required in those chosen to the deliberations of His church. Mr Kr.»ght wa3 a son of the manse, and had more than proved his ability and fitness to fill the position now about to be occupied by him. He was well known as a man of gr at heart and sincerity, and he was sure that the new president would bring to the chair of conference a certain degree of dignity and a firm determination to do his best for the church which had elected him to lead it. The Retiring President (the Rev. T. R. Richards) also addressed a few words to the new president and wished him the bless ing of God in his labours, and assured him that he would find the people of the church in New Zealand quite anxious and willing to assist and co-operate with his council in furthering the work of the church. Ho then presented Mr Knight with the conference Bible and seal and vacated the chair in favour of his successor. The new President briefly returned thanks for his election and induction. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. In his address to the conierence the President said that his first word must be one of thanks to God that he was spared to see that day. He acknowledged the help of Drs Laws and Ranston and other brethren. He reviewed at some length his career in the church, and thanked the conference for his election. He welcomed the Rev. L. B. Dalby, a recent arrival in New Zo-aland from the London branch of the church. He referred to the deaths of valued servants in the Revs. John Dawson, G. A. Buttle, J. G. Chapman, W. Lee, and D. M‘Nicoll. All had served their ehurc-h nobly and well. For many years past, he said, there had been a great dearth of voung candidates for the ministry, but this year many had offered themselves, and the position was much more promising, lie appealed to the conference to make the best possible provision for the next year or two, mat they might have a permanent and fully-equipped training home, adequate for the needs of the Church. He appealed to laymen to assist young men entering the field of labour, and help them in their sacrifices and disappointments. Ministers and their wives needed great encouragement in these difficult days. He stressed at great length the necessity of a highly educated and well-trained ministry. Time was when the Church was the sole educator of the people, and ministers were respected for their knowledge and learning. Today the universality of education had removed this function from the Church. The position had in some cases been reversod, and the clergy presonted a standard of learning beneath that of their congregations. If the church wero to continue to lead the people in thought and mould public opinion and -desire, then ministers must be abroast. of the knowledge of the day and able to solvo the problems troubling the hearts of men. Another point he wished to stress was the need of something fuller than the most excellent secular education to save the nation from ruin and decay. He expressed the hope that Parliament would soon rectify the position. Without religion there could be no true moral education. The Methodist Church would always regard Christian education as part of its world's programme. The President then briefly traced the birth of Methodism at Oxford and the rebirth in 1738, When John Wesley founded his faith.

Methodism was not an intellectual creed, but a life, and the church’s boast was that it always put doctrine second and life first. The religion of John Wesley was the realisation of theology in life. The aim of the Church was to train its young men, not as scholars only, but as evangelists and pastors. The treaty of Locarno was mentioned as an event of significance, and one for which the Church had to be thankful to God. Another noteworthy feature of the year had been the revolt of the British Empire against the dread menace of Bolshevism and antiChrist. Though sympathising with the lawful aspirations of the masses the Church wanted to s6e these ends gained by constitutional means. In conclusion, lie urged all members, laity and clergy, to reconsecrate themselves to the work of the Master, and make the coming a successful one from all viewpoints. Money raising and «oul winning should be the goals of all. Gipsy Smith would arrive in August, and a unique opportunity to make the year one of revival and blessing. The greatest need of the world was a religion in family life that would stand by the people in all trouble. The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt introduced the secretary of the conference, the Rev. A. N. Scotter, who, he said, was a man well versed in the work he was proposing to carry on. He was sure that the president would find in him an invaluable servant in the many duties which would fall to his lot. MAYORAL WELCOME The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse introduced the Mayor tMr 11. L. Tapley) to the president, who called on him to address the gathering. The Mayor expressed a great pleasure at being present at such a gathering, and being enabled to extend to the large number of delegates present a very warm and hearty welcome to Dunedin. He congratulated the president on his fine and inspirational address, which must certainly be an incentive to the workers assembled. He hoped that the conference would soon return to Dunedin and that the deliberations during the next few days would bring forth fruit in plenty in the direction towards which they were all working. He also expressed the hope that all would enjoy their stay, and take advantage of the opportunities afforded them to visit the Exhibition. Mr H. Holland, MJ\, replied to the Mayor’s welcome on behalf of the president, and said he was pleased to have the privilege of doing so. He congratulated Mr Tapley on the successful working of the city’s affairs in its trading concerns .and public works. He referred to Dunedin’s tramways department and the penny fare. He congratulated Dun edin not only on the Exhibition, but also on the manner in which it had carried on with thousands and thousands of visitors and many conferences. He briefly outlined the aims and objects of the Metho dist Church, and he hoped that when he and Mr Tapley got to Wellington they would be working for the same measures for the good of the community. The Methodist Church, he said, had provided the maj'ors of a great number of cities all over New Zealand. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President for 1927, Dr H. Ranston M.A., Litt.D.; vice-president for 1926, Mr I). C. Cameron (Dunedin); secretary for 1927, Rev. A. N. Scotter. 8.A.; assistant secretaries, the Revs. M. A. Rugby Pratt (Palmerston North) and A. H. Fowles (Waimate); minute secretaries, the Revs. J. D. M*Arthur and W. A. Burley; journal secretaries, the Revs. F. E. Leadley and R. B. Tinsley; corresponding secretary, the Rev. W. H. Hocking; press secretary, Rev. W. B. Scott. INDUCTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT. The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse presented the vice-president for the ensuing year (Mr D. 0. Cameron). For the past 25 years Mr Cameron had been making himself esteemed and respected among Methodists in the Dominion, and he had every confidence in presenting Mr Cameron as assistant to the president. He had proved himself well worthy the honour Conference had bestowed upon him. Mr H. P. Mourant, of Wellington, the retiring vice-president, said he relinquished his position to his old friend, Mr Cameron, with a degree of reluctance, but he was sure that the work would not suffer through having been handed over to his successor. The Rev. P. N. Knight welcomed the new vice-president, and hoped that in the days to come they might be able to do much good for the church by means of whole-hearted co-operation. Mr Cameron briefly replied, thanking the Conference for the confidence displayed in his ability by its choice of himself to fill such a high office. His connection with Methodism went back through a good number of years, and he was more than glad to be able to take up the position of vice-president. The meeting was closed with the singing of the Doxology. FRIDAY’S DISCUSSIONS. The Conference was continued on Friday morning. The President (the Rev. P. N. Knight) occupied the chair. The Rev. E. S. Eminitt, who recently arrived from England, was welcomed to the Conference by the president. STATIONING COMMITTEE. Lay representatives on the Stationing Committee were appointed as follows: — Auckland, Messrs J. Vealc and F. W. Stone; South Auckland, Messrs J. Tidd and J. T. Johnson; Taranaki-Wanganui, Messrs A. J. Perrott and S. J. Bennett; Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu, Messrs H. E. Pacey and F. S. Grey; Wellington, Messrs W. E. Howe and H. P. Mourant; Nelson, Messrs G. Gorman and E. H. Denny: North Canterbury, Messrs H. Holland and J. A. Flesher; South Canterbury, Messrs A." W. Barnett and F. Frampton; OtagoSouthland, Messrs D. C. Cameron and T. Smith; Solomon Islands, Mr W. S. Mackay. The clerical representatives are as follows:—Auckland, Revs. E. Drake and W. A. Barley; South Auckland, Revs. A. Ashcroft and F. E. Leadley; TaranakiWanganui, the Revs. T. R. Richards and W. J. Oxbrow; Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu, the Revs. M. A. R. Pratt and F. Copeland; Wellington, the Revs. W. Greenslade and W. Rowe; Nelson, the Revs. W.

Grigg and J. Fcalhcrston; North Canterbury, the Rev«. W. A. Hay and H. Ryau; South Canterbury, the Revs. A. C. Lawry and T. W. Vealie; Otago-South land, the Revs. H. K. Bellhouse and J. H. llas]am. The Hon. L. M. Isitt, M.L.C., and Mr R. 0. Clark, M.A., Dip. Ed., were elected as the representatives of Conference on the committee. CIRCUIT ALTERATIONS. The Conference then proceeded to deal with the question whether any alteration or division of any district or circuit should he sanctioned by the meeting. On the motion of the Rev. G. F. Stockwell (convener of the Committee on Circuits) the recommendation of a commission that special consideration should be given to the appointments at raeroaHauraki Plains. The Convener said that there had been no home missionary at Stratford for some years, and he recommended that the words “home missionary” he struck out under the Stratford circuit. It was decided to change the name of Waimarino to Raetihi-Ohakune. In accordance with the recommendation of a commission, it was decided that the Johnsonville-Ngaio circuit be not divided. The Rangiora circuit is to he divided— Rangiora, Southbrook, Raithby, and Ashley to constitute one part, and Woodend. Waikuku, Sefton, Amberley, and Broomfield will be the new circuit. It was resolved that the GreendaleMalvern circuit should be divided into Greendale, Darfield, Aylesbury, Glenroy, and Te Pirita on the one hand (Greendale circuit), and Waddington, Russell’s Flat, Annat, Kimberley, and Springfield on the other hand (Waddington home mission station). Otago Peninsula was made a special home mission station, and it was decided that Inchclutha be transferred to Kaitangata home mission station, and that Tuatapere and Nightcaps home mission stations be amalgamated. The appointment of additional preachers to circuits was then dealt with. It was resolved that an agent be appointed to Portland (North Auckland). It was decided that a new efreuit be constituted at Ashhurst-Bunnythorpe (Palmerston North), with an ordained minister at the minimum stipend, with a suitable grant from the Home Mission Fund. The circuit is also to be subsidised for three years by the Broad street and Cuba street circuits. Appointments to Timaru were fixed at two married ministers and one wanted. A married probationer is to be sent to Otautau in place of an ordained minister. The Revs. J. H. Allen. L. A. G. Brooks, J. F. Jack, and H. C. Orchard were admitted to full membership of Conference as ordained ministers of the church. They w’ere presented to the president, who congratu 1 ited them upon having acquitted themselves well in a severe test, and come through with distinction. He urged them to realise that their hardest work and finest work was to save souls, and this was now thoir life work. He concluded by expressing the hope that their years of service would be long and fruitful. The following preachers were received on probation The Revs. J. H. Hall. G. R. Harris, and A. H. Voyce, who nave completed three years at, the Theological College. Mr Voyce has offered himself for foreign mission work. The following candidates were recommended for theological training:—C E. Dickens (Hikurangi), H. Fallows (Pukekohe), N. R. Gutray (Cambridge), H W. Hitchcock (Avondale) L. C. Horwood (Ki) birnie), A. T. Kent (Christchurch East), H. Noble (Ohaeawai), and W. Parker (Onehunga). The names of three married condidates vho had been rejected bv the committee were referred back for further consideration. REV. W READY’S RETIREMENT. The Rev. W. Ready’s application to retire from the active work of the ministry was granted. Several members eulogised the sterling work done by Mr Ready for the cause of Methodism in New Zealand. He had founded the Methodist Ceneral Mission in Dunedir after much hard work. In reply, Mr Ready said his ministry hod been one of fighting and struggling in the fear of God, but in the fear of no rran. Throughout his career he had differed with the richest and the poorest, and manv times had been able to say, “Simon Peter ig offended and has gone his way.” He had started a good many years ago as a probationer, and “was passing rich on £2O a year.” He reviewed some of the trials and hardships which had had to bo borne before the Central Mission was an accomplished ideal. Ho concluded with an appeal to the younger members of the ministry to stick to the work and push hard for the work. The return of the Rev. T. A. Pybiig to active work was sanctioned by the meeting. GENERAL STATISTICS. The report of the general statistical secretary was adopted. It stated that there was more than a 500 increase in communicants. A disquieting feature of the report were returns which showed a marked decrease in the number of local preachers. Sunday school and Bible class activities had been affected by the epidemic of infantile paralysis. There was a decrease o f about 6CO scholars, though there were eight new schools Nevertheless, youth work showed steady progress. WELFARE COMMITTEE’S REPORT The Committee of Church Welfare in its report drew attention to certain mattors which it considered of vital importance to the church. The report was received. The committee recommended that a more diligent use be made of the openings presented by the cradle roll and other systems to forge links of interest and attachment between the church and the people. In this connection the Wellington delegates presented the following remit: —“That in view of the continued increase of non-churchgoing and nonattendance of nearly 50 per cent, of the Dominion’s children at Sunday schools, open-air preaching be undertaken with consistency and vigour in suitable places in the towns, cities, and seaside resorts.” —Adopted. The Hon. L. M. Isitt, speaking of the overlapping of church activities, Paid that one thing that must be impressed on the attention of the churches was the need for the elimination of the iniquitous over-

lapping of activities. Laymen were getting sick of the position, and wanted to see something done to remove a state of affairs which was crippling the work of the churches. The Conference should force on the churches the iniquity of the whole situation. He moved that the following recommendation be adopted aud put into practice:—‘‘That in view of the present struggling position of churches in the smaller centres and country districts of this Dominion, a committee of Conference be constituted to confer with similar committees which other evangelical churches may set up, in an endeavour to find some solution for the wasteful and un-Christian overlapping and rivalry still in evidence in such districts. That this committee consider the advisabilty of aproaching the authorities of other churches with a proposal that such committees be set up by their church courts, and that a report be presented to the Conference of 1927. On the motion of the Rev. E. P. Blamires, the recommendation was referred back to the Welfare Committee for further consideration. The committee recommended that the Fellowship of the Kingdom Movement at present in vogue in the Old Country be adopted in New Zealand, and that the Home Mission Committee should issue literature quarterly concerning the movement. —Adopted. The attention of the church was directed to the urgent and vital problems of international and racial relationships, and it was urged that the church should strive to show that nalional hostility was in conflict with the laws of God. Members were urged to the League of Nations Union. Racial antagonism presented a challenge to the church to press forward her missionary enterprise. It was decided that a period of intercession should be fixed for the Dominion, when prayer could be made for the League of Nations, and the meeting at which it would discuss the admissi; i of Germany into the League. VICE-PRESIDENCY COMMITTEE. The report of the Vice-presidency Committee and its recommendations were adopted. These dealt with title, qualifications, mode of election, privileges to be enjoyed, limitation of powers and continuation in office. LAITY v. CLERGY. The privileges of the vice-president on the platform of conference and his part in the ordination service gave rise to a debate. The Hon. L. M. Jsitt implored the conference to ‘swat’’ any appearance of sacerdotalism in the church. The layman and the cleric had th© same standing, the only difference being that the minister was set apart for the work, while the layman spent hi s leisure hours doing his share. There was no reason why the vice-president as a layman should not take part in the ordination ceremony. Mr E. H. Penny (Blenheim) asked whether the man whom the Conference had selected to lead the conversation on the work of God wa r s not good enough to sit at the ordination table.—(Cries of “Non sense. ’) That was what they were doing, he said. The Rev. W. Ready said that if they allowed the lay vice-president to carry out the ordination ceremony it would open the door to further and more serious concessions. The next they would be faced with was a lay body examining candidates for admission to the ministry. The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse appealed to the meeting to preserve somo of the dignity invested in the church ceremony, ana he said, that any action allowing the vicepresident to he on the platform for this ceremony would not tend to enhance the dignity of the church. He maintained that the work was essentially the duty of the clergy, and not of the laity. On being put to the vote the issue virtually became one of clergv versus laity. It was eventually decided that the vice-presi-dent should be given a part in the ordination ceremony. SATURDAY'S BUSINESS. The. Conference was continued on Saturday, when the Rev. P. N. Knight presided over another full attendance of delegates. GREETINGS. Greetings were received from the President of the Methodist General Conference of Australia (the Rev. Alexander M‘Cal lum). The Rev. G. Lawry presented the letter of greeting and it was decided that the Conference should reciprocate the feel ings expressed. It was also resolved to greet sister bodies throughout the Commonwealth in the same way. APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE. The Rev. J. T. Pinfold, D.D., was granted leave to reside outside New Zealand during 1927. The Rev. S. Henderson was granted per mission to visit England. It was decided that Mr Henderson be given credentials to represent, New Zealand at, all Methodist Conferences in the United Kingdom. The Rev A. H. Fowles was granted permission to visit England and the Rev H Leo was granted permission to rest for another year, but to return in time for the 1927 Conference. The resignation of the Rev. W. A. Watson wag received with great regret. STILL ON PROBATION. The Conference decided that the following probationers should remain as such:— rhomas H. Barton, A. Blakemore, G. W. Ilawes, Moses Ayrton, John Bailey, Frank Bateny, E. H. Brooker, Hubert, G. Brown, Herbert L. Fiebig. Harry S Kings, Robert M‘Gregor, O. S. Pearn John Reid, Herbert Spencer, Cecil R. Taylor, F. Gar diner Brown, George J. Laurenson, G. R. H Peterson. The following preachers were recommenced for additional theological training:—Bernard K. Haines, Norman P. Larsen, Athol It. Penn, Ivo W. Raynor, A. Whnrtou, E. Silvester, Harry V. Utting John D. Grocott, Charlie O. Hailwood, Francis J. Handy, Frank H. Hayman, Howard H. Jeffreys, the name of G. J. Laurenson to be added to the list of men In college, Ronald 11. Miles to rest for one year on account of health, and Maurice J. VV. Paulger to do likewise for a second year on the same grounds. Mr E. Oliver Iladdon was admitted ns a Native minister, and it wns decided that Mr Hoani Haharaia remain as a Native preacher on probation.

FOREIGN MISSIONS. Mr Arthur Ilarry Voyce was designate 1 for foreign mission work, nud Mr George H. Findlay, 8.A., was trnnsferrel to the New South Wales Conference for work in Fiji. The thanks of the Conference were conveyed to the Rev. Mr liaslam for his work as secretary of the examinations Committee. THE METHODIST TIMES. Tins Rev. It. Tinsley reported on behalf of the Special Committee on the editorship of the Methodist Times. He said that the resolution carried provided that the Rev. P. R. Paris's invitation to Hamilton be in no way interfered with, but that he should he eppointed editor to control the papm from Hamilton the position to be reviewed at the end of the year. A sub-committee was set up to see in what way Mr Paris coul l be assisted, and it had yet to report The repoit of the committee was adopted, and the Rev. P. R. Paris was appointed editor for one year. FIFTY YEARS’ WORK. Hearty congratulations were extended to the Revs. P. W. Jones, G. Griffen, W. Baumber. and W. S. Porter, who this year completed 50 years of service as pastors. Members referred in complimentary terms to the work done by these gentlemen. Speaking of Mr Baumber, the Rev. Dr Laws said be was an ideal minister and one to whom he himself owed a personal debt His influence in earlier years ho still felt. The Rovs Porter and Baumber returned thanks. YOUTH WORK. Tlie report and resolutions of the Young People’s Department were presented by the Rev. E. P. Blamires, who mentioned that this was the majority year of the Bible class work, and a special programme was being arranged. Mr Cyril Burton and Miss Lorna Hcdder, who are prominently connected with the youth work movement addressed the Conference The principal resolution moved by Mr Blamires was: “That the Conference hereby resolves to open the way for candidates for the ministry specially trained and designated for youth work.” The mover pointed out the value of youth work and the need for special attention to that, particularly at the present time, when it was realised how tremendous was the influence that could be exerted during childhood and youth. The position could be met by specially designating ministers for that department. Tho Rev. S. Lawrv said Mr Blamires should not go .urther than his department authorised him. He suggested tnat Conference should not commit itself to this* but merely consider it in the meantime. Mr Blamires replied that it was no use considering it with a view of doing nothing. The Rev. Dr Laws said he would fervently support the principle, but there were many points of detail which he would like t.o have information upon. He said this was a matter which should not be rushed through, and he moved a amendment, that a committee be set up to consider further the question and report to conference next year. The Rev. A. N. Scotter seconded Dr Laws’s proposal. There was further discussion, then Mr Blamires replied. Taking a point raised by Dr Laws, he said that women would be needed for this work. He touched upon other points, and finally said he did not want to rush this Conference. It was a subject worthy of very serious consideration. Summing the whole question up, Dr Laws moved-“ That Conference ha? heard with interest, the proposal to emplov ministers speciallv trained and designated for youth work, hut without at present affirming the principle appoints a committee to go into the question and report at next Conference.” The amendment, was carried.