POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13277, 30 November 1911, Page 3

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

ABOMINABLE TACTICS.

MR, L. M. ISITT AND THE

CHURCH

CHARGES REFUTED

The.following letter which has appeared in the "Lyttelton Times," shows what abominable tactics are being used in the ChristchuVch North election with a view to defeat Mr. L. M. Isitt, the Government candidate:

'•Sir, —Electors of Christcluirch North having approached officials of the Methodist Church stating that * wide-spread rumour obtains in the city to the effect that Mr. L. M. Isitt had to retire from the active ministry of the church on account of serious charges against his moral character, we feel it imperative to give tliesu rumours an immediate and unreserved denial. In doing this we have no political end to serve, but are prompted solely by a desire to protect the reputation of the church which we represent and the character of one who, during the whole of his twentynine years as a Methodist minister, maintained nil unblemished record.

"In 1893 Mr. Isitt sought release from active ministerial work with the one object of devoting himself to the advocacy of the temperance cause, and the Conference, in granting his request, expressed its complete sympathy with his mission. Until 1908 Mr. Isitt's name was retained upon our roll of ministers, though lie was not engaged in circuit work, and he was subject to the searching questions as to character which the Methodist Church asks annually in Synod and Conference regarding each of its ministers. Never at any time did tht slightest suggestion or suspicion arise that Mr. Isitt's conduct was unworthy of his status as a Christian minister.

"When in 1908 Mr. Isitt, having entered into business, was, by the rules of the church, compelled to resign, t from tlio ordained ministry, the Conference expressed itself in the following resolution, which was carried with unanimous assent, and published in our printed minutes :—

"The Itov. Leonard M. Isitt, having tendered his resignation as a minister of our church, on account of having entered into business, this Conference desires to place on record its deep regret that Mr. Isitt has felt it necessary to take this step, also its high appreciation of the services renderedby him to the church during his active ministry. His work as an eloquent preacher of righteousness, especially in such centres as Wellington and Christchruch, will long continue to boar fruit. He was one of tho leaders in the prohibition movement, and since 1893 has devoted his great gifts to the advocacy of this reform, both in England and in New Zealand. The Conference rejoices to know that the endeavour to secure no-license for the Dominion will still have his wholehearted support. The Confernce desires to assure Mr. Isitt that in his retirement from tho ministry of the Methodist Church, he carries with him the love and the respect of his brethren, and their prayers.for a successful future.

"Since his retirement Mr. Isitt has been accorded tho unabated confidence of his church, as is seen from the fact that, as a layman, he has preached in its pulpits, attended both Synod and Conference, and to-day sits on several important connexional committees. Trusting that you will give prominence of this official statement.

We aro, etc., "C. H. LAWS, Chairman Canterbury Methodist District. "SAMUEL I/AWRY, Secretary New Zealand Methodist Conference. "C. H. GARLAND, Superintendent Durham Street Circuit. "Christchurch, November 24."