METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10303, 10 March 1905, Page 4

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

(Per Press, Association.) WELLINGTON, last night

The Conference held an open cession to consider the general returns and 1 work. There was a good attendance of the public. Tlie total number of churches js 306 other preaching places 350; ministers and probationers 131, home mission. nri«3 32, members 13,924, adherents 72,062. In Maori work -there are nine ministers, 12 churches, 1355 members, and 5600 attendants at public services; also 12 Sunday schools with 393 scholars. A resolution moved by the Rev. T. G- Can-, and adopted'- by the meeting, expressed gratification at the increase of 604 members, and referred' with pleasure to the stimulus given by the Welsh revivalj also to tlie successful work m connection with Bible classes and Christian Endeavor Societies. It viewed with hopefulness the growth of public opinion on nolicense and the work among the natives of the South Island. It expressed joy that the interest m: foreign missions) was deepening, andi also reaffirmed the eacredness of the Day of Rest. Tlie Conference took much interest m the appointment of an organiser for the young men's forward movement. Eventually the Rev. C. Porter, of Hawera, was appointed. The second reading of stations occupied much of the day, the sheet being re-com-mrtted before adoption by the Conference. Changes were effected as ioNows : Birkenheadi, Rev. G. S. Cook; Maori Missions, Rev. A. I. Sea-mer ; Mahurangi, Rev. W. Wills; Rotorua, Rev. E. P. Blamires; New Plymouth, second, Rev. R. T. Williams; Hawera, Revs. S. J. Gibson aud A. J. Read; Wanganui, second, Rev. W. J. Oxbrow; Kimbolton, one wanted; Taihapc. Rev. A. C. Randefson, 8.A. ; Wellington, third, Rev. A. Mcßwm; Petone, Rev. A. B. Chappell, M.A. ; Blenheim, second. Rev. B. J. Jameson ; Richmond, Chnstchurch, Rev. L. Hudson ; Kaiapoi, second, Rev. E. O. Blamires jMalvern. Rev. E. P. Keall ; Ashburton, second, Rev. G. F. Stockwell; Balclutha, Rev. F. W. Boyes ; Oaniaru, Rev. C. Griffin. The- third ancl final reading will be the first business on Monday morning. The report of the Prince Albert College was adopted. A resolution was passed expressing much satisfaction at the marked success of the College, as shown by the very large percentage of honors gained, by the pupils. The Foreign Mission, report presented by the Rev. W. Slladle expressed- gratification at the increased interest m the missions 'd\urin# the year, the total amount raised "boiiiig £1737, including gifts of £200 from Canterbury and £50 from Cargill road, Dunedin. The Rev. J. W. Burton, Fiji, will labor five months m New Zealand and as a deputation this year.

Miss Jennes, of the Lower Hutt, goes to New Guinea as the first Methodistlady missionary from- New Zealand.