METHODIST CONFERENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15183, 8 March 1923, Page 2

METHODIST CONFERENCE

OFFICIAL REPORT. In connection with Centenary matters the Conference passed the following resolution: —"That this Conference expresses its gratitude to Cod for the great blessing and Inspiration that has attended the Centenary celebrations of the past two years. The reverent and grateful review of 100 years of Methodism in New Zealand has promoted a deeper work of grace and a clearer vision of Christian privilege and responsibility." After recording thanks to the officials of the Fund it was decided to wind up the scheme on May 31. It was reported that 2,500 copies of the Centenary volume had been circulated, that 500 copies still remained and that £640 has been realised from this source.

A long series of resolutions on the Bible in Schools question was presented by Mr J. C. Prudhoe and was exhaustively discussed. • It was stated that the most Inspiring feature about the movement was the agreement or the churches.

Some time was spent in dealing with the obituary notices of Rev. W. C. Oliver who had died after 54 years' service, Rev. W. H. Beak, after 44 years' service, and Rev. Lewis Hudson after 38 years' service and Mr J. C. Yorke, a Home Missionary. The following ministers were made permanent supernumeraries:—Revs J. H. Slmmonds, O. Clement, T. A. Joughin, J. G. Chapman and J. Cocker. Revs. J. R. Clark, A. Harding, W. A. Watson and T. A. Pybus wre made supernumeraries for one year.

The reports of the Orphanage showed that at the Mt, Albert (Auckland) Home. Epworth Home had been opened during the year at a cost of £2750. Tin's new Home already had 24 children in residence, thus making 60 children for the two Auckland Homes. At Mas lor ton a very fine home had been open for 15 months and there were 24 children in residence. At Papanui, in the South Island, the Orphanage contained 47 children. The balance sheets showed that Mt. Albert had an expenditure of £3815 Is <Sd; Masterton £1525 16s 7d;and Papaniu £IGSO 7s Bd. The tot»l income for the three homes amounted to £8550. This branch of Social Service inaugurated during recent years by the Church had droved highly successful and those who assisted the venture in any way individually and collectively thanked.

The general report on church property was presented by the Rev. S. Lawry. It was shown that the accumulated capital of the Church Building and Loan Fund amounted to £1.3,480, while £1503 was held in Trust afid used for ban purposes. New loans had been advanced during the year totalling £2,875. ' During the year new churches had been erected at Kaeo (where -the Centenary Memorial Church, costing £2,000, had been opened). Te Aroha West, Hamilton East, Pjrongia, Cashmere Hills, Ghristchurch, Linwoqd, Tai Tapu and Roslyn. Sunday school rooms at Birkenhead', Waiuku, Paeroa, Fitzroy, Wallora, Foxton and Ngaio, and Parsonages at Otahuhu, Coromandel, Otaki and invcrcargill. The Fire Insurance report showed that it had been the most expensive year of the fund, claims to the extent of £615 having to be met. £3OO had been paid to the Centenary Fund, £IOO to the Supernumerary Fund, and £IOO to the Deaconess House Committee. The assets had increased during the year by £1257 and they now totalled £14,559. After Mr Lawry had been thanked for his service he indicated how the work of the connexional office, of which Jie was secretary, had ex. panded during the past 12 years.

During the last 12 years the funds of the s church had improved as follows: —Church building and loan fund, from £11,782 to £15,56F, fire insurance fund from £3550 to £14,560, supernumary fund income from £3744 to £10,357. Total fynds administered in 1911, £17,332; 1913, £151,300.

A keen debate which resolved itself into a duel between Wellington and Christchurch took place on 'Mr Lawry's motion that the time had arrived to have connexional offices of tho church erected in Christchurch. Revs. G. Frost and G. E. Rrown championed the claims of Wellington, but the resulting division was emphatic, Christchurch gaining the vote by 75 to 25.

Rev. T. G. Brooke then presented the final reading of stations for Home Missions, those affecting South Auckland being:—Paeroa, H. Payne; Putaruru, J. Vulgar; Te Puke, J. Common; Ngaruawahia, S. Keen. Mr Brooke staled that 14 Home Mission Stations were vacant, and the position was so se-rious that he moved that Dr. Laws, during his visit to England, be empowered to make arrangements for suitable supplies. Rev. W. Ready was granted permission to arrange with his circuit so that he could visit the Old Land next year. i

Rev. D, J. Murray presented the report on the children's fund. It was estimated that the income would be £OS short of income during the year. The levy was fixed at 10 per cent. Rev. D. J. Murray and Mr E. KellOW were reappointed treasurers of the fund.

A desultory discussion on amendments to the law book resulted in Revs. S. Lawry, A. N. Seotter, and Mr .1. A. Fleshcr being appointed a committee to review the question and report to next conference.

Committees for various connexional organisations were set up during the session.

Mr IT. Field presented -the report of the local Preachers' Association. A beginning has been made in the providing of suitable books and literature for local preachers. The following were' elected statislisal secretaries: —Auckland, Rev. \V. A. Burley, M.A.; South Auckland, Rev. J. McArthur; Tarnnaki-Wanga-nui, Rev. W. H. Oxbrow; Hawke's Bay-Manawatu, Rev. P. J. Cossum; Wellington. Rev. C. C. Harrison; Nelson, Rev. F. B. Lawrence; North Canterbury, Rev. W. Beckett; OtagoSouthland, Rev. C. B. Jordan, M.A. Tho conference concluded with a comprehensive vote of thanks to the officials of the conference, the press, and the Dunedin committee's arrangements for the conference.