THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

Temuka Leader, Issue 4017, 28 February 1903, Page 3

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

CHRISTCHURCH, February 26

The twentieth annual conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church was opened in Durham Street Church this evening. , „ T The President, the Itev. b. Murray delivered an interesting valedictory address bearing upon the history of the year. Eeference was made to the Proclamation of peace the Coronation, the English Education Bill, (which had been condemned by the Wesleyan Conference of Eh S' land) and the General election. The local option poll was favourable commented upon. Commendatory notice was made to the Bible-in-Schools movement.' Feeling reference was made to the, obituary of the year, which included Bishop Taylor, E. Smith, H. p. ; Hughes, Dr. Parker , and Archbishop Temple. The name of the Chjirch* in&New ; Zeal and twas henceforth

to be the Methodist. Regret was expressed at the unfavourable reply on union from the Primitive Methodist, Church. The evangelistic missions of the year were referred to in terms of approval. The burning of the Bibles in Fiji was condemned in strong terms as a matter claiming immediate redress. The address closed with an earnest appeal for loyalty to Methodism, and every hope for the future work of the Church.

The Rev. J. A. Luxford, of Lyttelton, was elected President by a large vote. In the first reading of stations those of South Canterbury were allocated as follows Temuka, Rev. J. Blight, Timaru, Rev. S. J. Serpef Waimate, Rev. W. Tinsley, Ashburton, Rev. A Peters, and Rangiora, Revs. T. Pec and T. A. Joughin.