Church of England Men's Society.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume III, Issue 8, 1 February 1913, Page 118

Church of England Men's Society.

The Conference at Nelson. The yearly .Conference of the C.E.M.S. was held at Nelson on Wednesday, Jan. 15th. It was feared that a large number of brethren would be unable to arrive m Nelson m time for the Conference, owing to the fact that the Union Company's steamer did not, because of the strike of firemen, leave Wellington on the day advertised. There was a steamer belonging to another shipping firm which was due to start, and a number of brethren were able to take a passage. This boat arrived early on Wednesday, but unhappily many of the brethren could not be accommodated on the ship, and were therefore unable to be present on the day of the opening of the Conference. There was a celebration of the Holy Communion at 7.30 a.m., and after breakfast the brethren assembled m the " Cathedral for Morning Prayer, at which the Primate gave an address. The Conference assembled under the presidenc}'- of the Primate, and the subjects set down upon the Agenda Paper were considered. The steamer on the next day brought others to attend the Conference, which was marked by the utmost earnestness and paternal feeling. The question of the appointment of a Travelling Secretary was referred first to a Committee, who reported favourably upon the pro-, posal. and eventually it was resolved to leave the selection of a suitable man for the post to the Archbishop of York and the Revs, t Woolcombe and Ditchfield. The Conference was addressed by Canon Garland on the Bible m State Schools movement, and a resolution was carried urging the > members of the C.E.M.S. to vigorously supnort the Bible m State Schools League. ' Work among ' boys was discussed at some length, and a resolution was car- < rjed. "That work and purpose

of the S. Oswald's GuilcL be jrecommended to tihe attention of all branches of the Society." The resolution concerning industrial problems led to interesting discussion and helpful addresses from the Bishops of Christchiirch and Wellington. The study of social problems was strongly recom-, mended. It was generally agreed that evangelistic work should be a prominent feature m the life of the different branches. The proposed Constitution for the C.E.M.S. received careful and prolonged consideration. Copies of this will necessarily be forwarded to members. An Executive was appointed 'to act when the Conference is not sitting. It was found necessary for 'the Conference to meet on the Friday morning m order to complete the business. The Conference expressed its grateful appreciation of the work of the General Secretary, who was re-elected, the conditions under which he was prepared to act being readily agreed to. A most helpful Conference was then brought to an end by the members ' standing to say the Creed, and to give expression m Thanksgiving to Almighty God by singingf the Doxology.