METHODIST SYNOD

Taranaki Daily News, 21 November 1929, Page 9

METHODIST SYNOD

NEW PLYMOUTH DELIBERATIONS. REPORTS INDICATE PROGRESS. The Taranaki-Wanganui District Methodist Synod was continued yester-. day, when the full session was opened by a communion service conducted by the chairman of the district, Rev. W. W. Avery, assisted by the Revs. C. Eeaton, 'J. Olphert, R. B. Gosnell and R. T. Haddon. The communion address was delivered by the Rev. B. Dudley, F.R.A.S. At the close of the communion service the synod proceeded to general business.

The vice-president of the conference, Mr. T. P. Hughson, in addressing the synod, expressed his appreciation of the high honour conferred upon him by his appointment to the office of vice-presi-dent of the Methodist Conference of New Zealand. He paid a high compliment to the governmental organisation of the Methodist Church, claiming that it was probably the best system in the ecclesiastical world.

The speaker intimated that this would be the last .synod over which the Rev. W. W. Avery would preside as he had been invited to an Auckland circuit next year. He paid a tribute to the work of the chairman during his term of office and wished him success in his new sphere. Mr. Hughson concluded by expressing the hope that the synod would have a fruitful session.

Sympathy was expressed with the Revs. H. L. Blamires, G. L. Cook and S. Keen, ail of whom had suffered fl breakdown in health. It was decided to- recommend to conference that the Rev. G. S. Cook be allowed to rest for another year, and that favourable consideration be given to the request of the Rev. H. L. 'Blamires to become a permanent supernumerary next year. The statistical report was presented by the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, and the Rev. P. J. Cossiun presented the report of the Young People’s Department, In adopting the former report the synod congratulated Mr. Gosnell upon the splendid report submitted and recommended that he be appointed statistical secretary for the ensuing year. The afternoon session was devoted to the consideration of the various departmental reports. The reports of the Young Women’s and Young Men’s Bible Class movement revealed that a fine progressive work was being carried on among the young people of the church, and the synod expressed its gratitude for the increased interest being displayed in the youth movement. The Rev. W. W. Avery presented the foreign mission report and intimated tliat°mo3t of the circuits had increased their contributions •to this department of the church’s work. After the adoption of the reports, Mr. Hughson paid a glowing tribute to the enthusiastic efforts of the chairman on behalf of the foreign mission cause. The Rev. Haddon also congratulated Mr. Avery on the success of his efforts.

Mrs. Avery then presented the report of the 'Women’s Missionary Auxiliary, and on its adoption the synod complimented her upon her activities as organiser. The Rev. R. B. Gosnell was elected synod representative to the conference, which meets in Wellington in February, 1930.