OPENING SESSION.

Press, Issue 14828, 20 November 1913, Page 10

OPENING SESSION.

The Synod commenced its session yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, there being twenty-eight ministers and fortythreo.lay representatives present. The Rev. Cr H. Laws? 8.A., presided. The President of the Conference (the Roy. S. Lawry) wrote expressing his keen disappointment ■at being unable, through ill-health, to bo present and to carry out his duties as chairman of the district. The Synod, expressed its deep sympathy witH the President i his prolonged illness. A -resolution of. condolence was carried iv connexion with the death of Mr •T./I/.. Scott, and also of Mr G. Laurenson, the report of whose decease was received with very deep regret.

A gear's rest was granted the Rev. S. Griffith, who intimated his intention of visiting "England. The Rev. Ar H. Scriven was recommended for foreign mission work.

A commission was set "up to consider the readjustment of tho boundaries of the Lytteiton circuit.

A report was received from the commission set up to consider the boundaries of the Rangiora and Woodend drciiit. After discussion, the' Question was preferred back to the commission to consult with the quarterly circuit.meetings concerned, \ahd report to Conference. - - :

The statistical returns showed an increase in Church membership, both senior and junior,- throughout the district. The'membership-now, stands as follows: —Senior, 3620 and 42 on probation; junior, 622; Sunday-school scholars,* 4620; number of scholars received into full membership during the year, 195: young people in Bible classes, 769. Contributions from Sunday, schools for foreign missions, £112 8s 9d; for

home missions, _"t'.' lGs -Id. Attendants on public worship. l-,*l-"><'. The Synod adjourned at 12.30 p.m.

The secretary presented a gratifying report of the re.-uks achieved by the Mission of Inspiration and Appeal. Ono oi the missioiiers reported that over 1200 oer-ons over twelve years of ago had signed decision cards in his meetings.'

Mr (.'. E. Salter, district secretary of Church property, presented his report, ilr Salter was thanked tor his services, and was recommended to Conference for reappointment. On the motion of the He v. T. Fee. the following resolution was carried: —

•That this Synod strongly protests against the undemocratic and inequitable handicap ol" the three-filths' majority imposed upon No-license and Prohibition voters at tho licensing poll, and urges that the present Parliament place an Act or. the Statute Book this session which will remove this unfair handicap. A copy of this to be sent to the Prime Minister and to Sir J. 0. Ward."

The Rev. W. A. Sinclair was elected representative to Conference, and the Rev. W. Laycock substitute representative.

The Rev. B. F. Rothwell presented the report of tho Home Mission Executive. Its recommendations, involving a healthy progressive policy, wero agreed to. The Hoy. T. G. Brooke, Home Mission organising secretary, was thanked for his services, and his reappointment. was recommended. It is proposed to organise extensive work in new settlements, and also to increase the staff of Nativo ministers.

The report with reference to tho "Methodist Times" was received and adopted. The editor was"" thanked for past services and recommended for reappointment. It was also recommended that correspondents and agents bo appointed in all circuits. Tho Rev. J. N. Buttle was recommended for reappointment as general secretary for Foreign Missions at the same honorarium as last year.