THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13410, 6 March 1914, Page 4

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

YESTERDAY'S BUSINESS

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS APPROVED

[United Peess Association.]

Duneclin, March 5

At the Methodist Conference this afternoon it was decided to urge the Maori agents to secure more adequate support of home missions by Maori people. The conference deprecated the establishing of a separate fund for Maori work. The Rev. T. G. Brooke, organising secretary, and Mr. T. Veale, treasurer, were unanimously re-ap-pointed. A Hie honorarium of £50 was granted to the Rev. W. Gittos, late superintendent of Maori missions. An appeal was made to circuits to increase the income, and allow of a more vigorous policy of extension of work amongst the Maoris. Suggested amendments to the book of laws were agreed to, and the book accepted by the conference. The appointment of an organising secretary in the Dominion for foreign missions was held over pending a decision as to New Zealand's special sphere of activity, but organising secretaries were appointed for each of the ten districts of the Dominion. A resolution was approved relating to the union of the Methodilt Churches in Tonga, and the union of thosechurches with the New Zealand Church. " The report of the "New Zealand members of the board of missions offered the following alternative suggestions for separate field portions of mission work: (1) Fiji, including Indian work; (2) Indian work in Fiji; (3) Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Samoa. The matter will be considered by a special committee during the year. The third proposal will probably be adopted. * At the Methodist Conference this evening the Bible in schools question was introduced by the Rev. J. J. Lewis moving in an eloquent speech: "That j this conference affirms its adherence to the platform and '■ objects of the Bible in State Schools League, and congratulates the league on the success that has attended its effect© during the past year, and urges the Government to pass the necessary legislation to enable the people of the Dominion to express their will concerning this important question at the next general election." This was seconded by Mr. J. A. Flesher. Tho llev. J. W. Barton moved as an amendment: "That the conference regards a proposed referendum on the Bible in schools question in its present form as distinctly unfair, in that it disfranchises so many members of the community, who, while agreeing with the first section of the proposal which aims at the introduction of the Bible into the schools, cannot conscientiously vote for the section which seeks to introduce an obvious form of sectarian instruction to children. :> The amendment was lost by 86 votes to 15. The motion, on being put, was carried by 95 votes to 14; The Rev. Mr. Lewis received a great ovation on the conclusion of his reply.