METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144342, 5 March 1914, Page 6

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

FIRST LIST OF STATIONS. PER TRESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN, March 4. At the Methodist Conlereuce this afternoon A was decided that the A ellingtou South circuit be relieved of a prooatiouer, and that the stair consist ol two married ministers. It was resolved that the second minister in Blenheim circuit be stationed at Taumarina, and that the circuit olncials bo ashed to consider the matter of engaging a probationer for Ticlon. I’ho Jtev. C. Griffin's request that ins status be dated from 1876 was granted. 'Dio Hev. S. Griffith presentee the report of the Deaconess Committee. Sister Mabel was cordially thanked for her devoted work as superintendent of the Deaconess institution, and regrot was expressed at her retirement. Sister Grace, Iroiu England, was appointed to the charge of the institution. Hcgret was also expressed at the resignation, of Sisters .Kenneth and Lillian through illhealth. A report was received from the committees on temperance and public morals. Resolutions were adopted in regard to Sabbath observance, tho liquor problem, and industrial unrest. It was resolved to express regret that* Mid Government did nut afford, an opportunity last session for amending the three-tilths provision of tho Licensing Act, and to ask that steps be taken to have the proposed Bill passed into law as early as possible. Tho gambling question was considered, and a resolution adopted condemning the totalisator, and deprecating the recent attempt to increase the number of totalisator permits. The authorised representative (Rev. S. Lawry) presented his report, which was adopted. Twenty-one new properties were registered during 1913.

TUg report of the committee on the balance sheet was adopted, and the financial .statements of tnc various conncxiouai lauds approved. The secretary ut the Connexion*! Fire Insurance Oihee presented a report, winch was received. It showed that the capital in the fund amounted to £6398, after deducting £IOOO voted towards the supernumerary fund on account of the ox-Primitivc Methodists* ministers’ organ. The guarantors of the fund were released from all liability in view of the satisfactory growth of the capital. Appreciative reference was made to the following ministers, whose deaths occurred during the year:—Chas. K. Beecroft, Vv'm. Tinsley, and Barton H. Ginger. A suitable hymn was sung, and the Rev. Mr. Fairclough engaged in prayer. Reports of the welfare of the church were presented, and many members of the conference boro testimony to the good work of the visiting missionaries, the It pv. Mr. and Mrs. Vallancc Cook, Rev. W. V. Trigge, and Sister Francis. A series of resolutions was carried placing on record the success that had attended the labour of the missionaries.

The Rev. Mr. Fleshcr spoke of the difference between the church records of Methodist members and members returned according to the last census. The Hcv. Mr. Dawson had paid si great deal of attention to the question, and would suggest a means of tracing those not within the influence of the church.

The report showed an inexplicable decrease of 3069 in the number of adherents, whereas formerly the church return approximated to the census figures. The recommendations were agreed to. The first li*t of stations was presented to the Methodist Conference to-day, and the following arc the appointments to the Taranaki district:— Xow Plymouth..—J. A. Luxford, C. H. Olds, a homo missionary; supernumerary, W. Cahnoll. Waitara.—J. W. Griffin. Inglewood.—J. Fcatherston. Stratford.—A. Header, 0. Harris. Kltham.—hi. White. Hawcra.—K. O. Blamires.

Manaia.—W. Howe. Cape Kgmont.—One wanted. Cape Kgmunt.—ll. B. Tinsley and a homo missionary.

Fast Kpmout.—One wanted, and a homo missionary. Kaponga.—P. Hands. North Taranaki, Uruti and Patea.— Homo missionaries.