AFTERNOON SESSION

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13635, 25 November 1914, Page 4 (Supplement)

AFTERNOON SESSION

In addition to cho ministers present ao the morning session, the following laymen were1 present in the afternoon: Messrs W. 0. Pike (Blenheim), D. M. Anderson (Reetton). "Si. Ayrton (Run■a.n»:;), I*- B. Strongman (Richmond), J. Go'-unon (Murehi.son), C. S. Cresswell (iNiiiUieka), F. Turner (Dovedale), and T. Flower (Havelock). A dispensation for absence was granted to the Rev. R. Wilson, of' Reef ton. The Rev. A. Ashcroft was appointed secretary, the Roy. U. Roberts assistant secretary, the Rev. T. R B. Woolox all journal secretary, the Rev. E. T. Cox reporter to ".Vjethodist Times,'' and the Rev. C. A Foston reporter to the local Press. Foreign mission matters were reviewed, and it was reported that the sum of £161 had been raised in the district. The Synod unanimously decided against 'the sotting apart of «• minister to organise foreign mission matters at the present time, being of the opinion that just now it was inopportune. It was resolved: "In view; of the approaching elections, we again urge our ■people to renewed effort to secure the total abolition of the liquor traffic as a Irade wholly inimical to the welfare of the people. We record our conviction tfeat the present requirement of a threafifths majority is an unfair handicap, which ought to be removed, but nevertheless we trust that in spite of this heavy handicap the efforts of temperance workers n«ay at the coming poll toe crowned with success.' August 21. The Methodist District Synod resumed its sittings yestordaj morning^ and the following business was transacted: The report of the Home Mission Executive was received and the following resolution was adopted: "That we concur in the recommendation to appoint the Rev. Geo. Bond as general treasurer at a suitable.remuneration." The report of the Deaconess's Institution was reaJ and adopted, and gratification was expressed at the work done. A lengthy report of thf» work done at the Theological College in Auckland was received from the Rev. C. H Garland, principal, and satisfaction was expressed at the character of the work. The Synod heartily adopted the sug- j gostion of the Publication Committee that new arrangements be made for printing the "Methodist Times," the recommendation of the committee for1 the church to take the responsibility of publication being agreed to. The report of the district secretary of Church property was received and adopted and the following resolution: unanimously agreed to- -'This Synod recognises the painstaking work of Mr Jas. Boon as secretary, and heartily recommends his reappointment for tlw

ensuing year." . The report of the custodian of deecis was received, and certain matters needing attention ordered tn be attended to. The report of, the Connexional Simday School Board was submitted and adopted. Orpranage.—lt was resolved, lnat we express" our pleasure at tho successful establishment of the' South Island Orphanage in Christehurch, and we commend it to ..tho generous support ot our people." " i,. Conference Travelling - Expenses.—U was decided to support a Conference travelling expenses equalising fund, in. order that the cost of travelling might ]ye more ■ equitably distributed. The Synod discu^d at length the question of abolishing the time limit .:n reference to ministerial tenure, and decided by a strong vote to retain the present system. The Rev. 0. Roberts was appointed representative to thp Conference Stationing Committee, the Rev. A. Ashcroft to be substitute. It was decided to ask Conference to arrange for the nroper equipment of Methodist ehsj>!ains' -it the various military camps. Bible in Schools.—lt was resolved^ "That this Synod is of the opinion that, other thing?"being equal, no candidate for Parliament is worthy of the support of the people who is not prepared to give them the right to vote on the question of tho introduction of the Bible into our day schools.'' The War. —It was resolved, ' lnat the Synod deplores the fact of the terrible war now raging on the Continent of Europe, with "the sad wastage of human life- that is involved, and tho misery and suffering that it has created. * It holieves, however, in the perfect justice of Britain's part in the great conflict, and prays that God may give, victory u> her orms. It further E>rays that' tho rinal result may be a permanent peace, anu that the nations may soon learn to war no more." Votes of thanks w>re accorder. to '^he hosts and hostesses for hospitality to the visiting delegates, to the secretaries for their painstaking work, and to the reporters to the Press. j The Synod meets next year at Blen-i iieim.