METHODIST CHURCH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1578, 5 March 1919, Page 11

METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. The annual conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church was continued yesterday afternoon, the Rev. IT. E. Bellhouse presiding. MEMORIAL HOME. Reports were received from the Central Missions at Auckland, Wellington, and Duncdin. These showed that very successful work was being done, and conference complimented the superintendents .on what they had accomplished. The Rev. F. Copeland, convener of the committee, reported concerning a proposal to erect a Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Home in Cuba Street, Wellington. The estimated cost was £35,000, of which the land had cost £17,000. Included in the. proposed building w T ould be a large assembly hall, capable of seating 1000 people; a Sunday School Hall, capable of seating 500 children; and a social brotherhood hall that would seat 300. There would be class rooms, band, and gymnasium rooms.

The Rev. G. Knowles Smith explained the details of the scheme, and conference expressed its pleasure at the enterprise, the matter being referred to the Church Building and Loan Funds Committee for a report.

INSURANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

It was reported by the Fire Insurance Committee that a sum of £10,687 had been accumulated out of accrued profits. A sum of £IOO had been devoted to the benevolent branch of the ministers' supernumerary fund; £1062 had been added to the capital account after all working expenses had been paid. The total insurance on church property was £362,139, and of this amount £26,907 was insured in the church c.onnexional office. The report was adopted. Lining the afternoon members of the conference paid a visit to the Methodist Orphanage at Papanui.

TO-DAY'S SITTING. The conference continued its sitting to-iiny, the Rev. H. E. Bellhouse presiding. CHURCH WELFARE. The Rev. R. Raiue, convener of the Welfare of the Church Committee, presented the committee's report. This stated that there was an increase of 430 members and 146 junior members. There, had also been an increase of 216 and 305 respectively on the active membership of Wesley Guilds and Christian' Endeavour Societies. Members on probation numbered 196. Though a broad survey of New Zealand Methodism revealed many tokens of the Divine presence, there was a consensus of opinion ! that, the Church ns a whole was not Jiving up to its privileges and responsibilities, nor showing that strong (vitality which .was so essential to | spiritual achievement. It is recommended that the lay pastorate should be encouraged and used in the work of the Church. Special steps should be taken to get into touch with the men of the'community, especially with returned soldiers. The committee further recommended the setting, up of efficiency boards to give sympathetic consideration to the welfare and progress of the work.

A. supplementary report of the mission conducted by the Rev. Val. Trigge was also attached.

These reports were received, and addresses oti the matter of Church welfare and social progress were delivered by the Rev. J. N. Milne and the Rev. F. T. Read, ex-chaplain. In the general discussion several speakers severely criticised the Church's shortcomings. Extending a sincere welcome to the returned soldiers was stated to be one way of acquiring the people's faith, while more should be done in encouraging the young men and lay members. In this connection the Rev. W. A. Sinclair moved, and the motion was carried, that a committee be set up to go into the question of how the time devoted to church work could be utilised to the most advantage. ADDINGTON CIRCUIT. Tn connection with the Addington Circuit it was resolved that a married minister, a married home missioner, and a single home missioner be appointed. PROBERT TRUST.

The financial report of the Probert Trust Board showed a debit balance at the Bank of New Zealand of £1316 5/10. The capital account showed assets amounting to £45,342 .17/-. Mr G. A. Buttle, treasurer of the fund, replied to criticism that had been levelled at the administration of the fund, lie said that the board had administered the fund in accordance with the will of the late Mr .John Probert. lie said that when the estate came into their hands 25 years ago it consisted of landed property within the city of Auckland. However, it was not revenue-pro-ducing, as the buildings on it were old. At that time the property was valued at from £IO,OOO to £U,OOo'. Some of the property was sold, but-in time tiie remainder of the property became so valuable that, it was resolved to sell no more. Mr Buttle went on to give details of the administration of the fund. He said that several new shops had been built, and let to first-class tenants. Then the war came, and there was a danger of losing the tenants. It was resolved to do everything possible to keep the tenants, and the rents were reduced considerably. If the shops had been left unoccupied they would have depreciated in value. However, the reduced rents had been hardly enough to pay the interest on the -property. During the time the estate had been in the board's hands £10,900 had been contributed to the Theological Institute. The Rev. S. Lawry said that the incorporation of the Board of Trustees was illegal without the consent of the body for which they acted —that was the conference. Mr Lawry also contended that, according to the will of the late John Probert, the conference should iiow have possession of the property. The conference would then have appointed its own trustees to administer the estate. (Proceeding.)