METHODIST CHURCH.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 81, 18 November 1911, Page 5

METHODIST CHURCH.

WANGANUI DISTRICT SYNOD

The Synod resumed in financial session business on Thursday morning, when a report was made by Sister Nellie on Iter work among the Maori people. Site congratulated the church on the work of the past and present. She pleaded for the education of young Maori girls, otherwise the raising of the womanhood and race would be difficult. It was stated, also, that there is no provision tor tiie registration of births or deaths of natives. The Sister said that the church should insist on changing this state of things. The Rev. R. Haddon reported on the general work of the West Coast Maori Mission. Difficulties were named, yet the outlook is hopeful.

Rev. Geo. Kirkwood also gave a satisfactory report on his work, in the Waimarino district..

A splendid offer was made on behalf of natives of a block of 200 acres of land as a site for a college for natives.? The president suitably expressed the gratitude of the Synod, which resolved: “That after hearing the reports the Synod expresses its thankfulness to God for the signs of progress, its appreciation of the work accomplished, and high hopes as to the future work amongst the Maori people. It was also resolved: “That the Synod request the conference to take action and bring before the Government the urgent need for making provision for the registration of births and deaths of Maori people, and remove the injustice under which these people j are living.” A copy of the resolution is to be forwarded to tiie Native. Minister.

Home Mission recommendations wore made as follows;—The Home Missionaries pass an entrance examination and also one for two years; that a special fund be established for saddle-bag missionaries in North Island; that married missionaries bo paid £l2O a year, with furnished house, and unmarried £IOO. The afternoon session opened with a discussion on the proposed basis of union between the two Methodist Churches in New Zealand. This basis was accepted with one minor alteration, which insists that the senior circuit steward ho ex-officio member of Synod. A committee was set up to accompany the chairman to circuits so as to secure for each, minister the minimum stipend of £2OO. It was resolved: “That this Synod views with stern disapproval the promulgation by the Roman Catholic authorities of the Ne Temere decree, and urges that there bo preserved inviolate a recognised validity of marriages as now celebrated in opposition to tiie terms of the decree.” The secretary presented a summary of the general returns as follows ;—54 churches, 89 oilier preaching places, 15 school-rooms, 17 parsonages, 20 ministers and probationers, 110 local preachers, 13 class loaders, 2578 meiiihers (163 increase), on trial 54, and 425 junior members, attendants on public worship 9747, 56 Sunday-schools, 299 teachers, 3237 scholars.

After review, it was resolved: “That reviewing!the work of the year, this Synod expresses its gratitude for the signs of progress shown, especially the work among the youth of the church, and expresses its conviction that greater results may bo attained through renewed consecration and energy.” .-£■