METHODIST SYNOD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 145996, 30 November 1917, Page 6

METHODIST SYNOD.

THURSDAY’S PROCEEDINGS. The sessions of the Methodist Synod were continued on Thursday. At 9 o’clock the discussion was continued concerning the “Problem of the Commonwealtn.” A feature of the discussion was the presence of the Hon. U. Carncross. who was able to speak from a special knowledge of the inner workings of Imperial matters. The onen sessions of the synod were continued at 10 a.m. Matters relating to Home Missions were dealt with, the Homo Mission returns were incomplete, hut next year’s estimates were carefully gone into. Reports were received on various church properties, including the Okaiawa, Grey Lynn, and Kai Iwi trusts. It was resolved to recommend that the Rev. Val Trigge, conference evangelist hold a mission during next year at Paten., Revs. N. H. Papakakura and T. Haddon also assisting. _ The reports from the Home Mission Executive and the general seorerffl.j’y were received, and a- series of Recommendations relating to the training and status of home missionaries were adopted. The condition of the Maori work was dealt with, and Revs. Haddon, Papakukura, and Wi Kaitara addressed the synod. The Rev.. Hammond summed ably the Maori position. The following resolutions were passed ; “That notwithstanding the convictions secured, violation of the licensing laws are too common in the matter of drinking to excess on licensed premises and sales of drink to be consumed in the settlements and in no-Hcense area*. We feel we are only performing a sacred duty in calling upon the Government to exhaust every constitutional expedient in enforcing existing laws relating to the drink traffic and the native people.” Also, “We congratulate the Government upon the firm stand taken in suppressing’the white tohnngas. who in many cases, have exploited the. Maori people,' and would suggest that information of the illegality of such pretensions be published in the Maoris language, with an intimation that all such attempts to impose upon the credulity of individuals is a serious offence among anv people, and cannot be tolerated among Europeans or Maoris.” Regarding church properties, the valuations for the district were dealt with and reported as follow: —Land valuations £26,045; buildings £32,360; total £58,405. In New Plymouth the Queen Street church had been sold for £I9OO. and the parsonage at Waitara for £750.

Regarding foreign missions the report revealed a most gratifying spirit. A distinct forward movement had been achieved, with a total result of £ll,640, over £IOOO of this being raised in the Taranaki-Wanganui district. The report re the theological institution, which is closed during the term of the war, was received, as was also the report from Wesley College. Rev. C. Blair was elected as district representative to conference. The reports of the Deaconess Institute were presented, and adopted, being highly satisfactory The annual report from North Island Orphanage was received, showing that S 3 children were cared for. The South Island orphanage also was reported upon satisfactorily. Appreciation of the work done was expressed, and the synod advocated a bolder nolicy. A report on military and naval affairs was dealt with.