METHODIST SYNOD.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14829, 21 November 1913, Page 13

METHODIST SYNOD.

YESTERDAY'S SESSION-

The Synod resumed its session yesterday morniugj the Rev. C. H. Law* presiding. The report of tbo Sunday-school and Young People's Board, and the recommendation of a special committee, were received. Important recommendations woro adopted with regard to the relation of catechumens and junior members to the Church. In the case of the young people it was rosolved io recommend the formation of a Society to be called the Methodist Young People's League. The formation of a Young; People's Worshipping Leagno was also recommended. The report of tbe Christchurch Central Mission was presented by tho Missioncr, the Rev. J. Cocker.

The Synod expressed its gratification at the establishment with such prospoets of success of a Central Mission in Christchurch under the earnest leadership of the Rev. 0. Cocker; Mr Cocker and tho Mission workers we™ congratulated on tho progress made, and tbo Mission was commended to tbe hearty support of Christchurch Methodists.

The Synod extended a hearty welcome to tho Key. J. Flanagan on the occasion of his visit to tho Dominion.

Tho secretary presented the report from tho Training Institution for Deaconesses. The outstanding event of tho year, and one which caused deep regret was the retirement, owing to ill-health, of Sister Mabel, Superintendent at Deaconess House and Durham street Deaconess. Durham street Church bad been fortunate in securing as its new Deaconess Sister Winifred. With regard to tho superintendence of the Deaconess House, efforts were being made to secure tho services of a suitable deaconess from England. Miss Olds completes her two years' course as a student in December, and will then bo available for an appointment to a circuit. Miss Cherry, who has had three years in tho institution, also retires in December, and is recommended for orphanage work. The thanks of the Synod were presented to the Revs. Bull, Bellhoutc", Rothwell. Laycock, and Scotter, for their honorary tervices as lecturers.

Reports were received from the Rev. C. H. Garland, Principal of the Theological College, and from tho Rev. J. H. Simmonds. Governor of tho Maori College. Tho year's work in both institutions had been highly satisfactory. On tho motion of the Rev. ,J. N. Buttle the thanljft of the Synod were accorded to tho Rev. M. K. Gilmonr and Mrs Gilmour. Madin (Native), and the Schmidt, for their effectivo services as Foreign Mission deputations during the year. It was resolved, on the motion <of tbe Rev. J. Cocker, that tho Conference bo recomntonded to alter the law of the Church relating to the appointment of ministers, so ns to provide that any minister being a member of tho Conference may be appointed to the same chapel or cbvipels or premises year by year successively for any number of years without limit. A resolution was also carried in favonr of tho equalisation oi: travelling expenses of representatives trnvelling to Synod.

On tho motion of the Rev. T. Fell. it was resolved thai the Synod urges the Government so to amend the provisions of tho Defence Act that lads Trho haro nob tho'rights and privileges of citizenship, shall "bo no longer compelled to take the oath and responsibilities of citizens, and that no lad shall l>e compelled to undergo military training when such training violates his conscience; a copy of this resolution to bo sent to the Prime Minister and to Sir J. G. Ward.

A resolution -was carried expressing disapproval of tho system of holding caucus meetings to deal with tho invitation of ministers.

On tho Chairman's motion, it was resolved that in ciren instances of extraordinary urgency, a special quarterly meotincc may be held to no convened by the superintendent minister, either; on ]iis own initiative -or at reqnost of six inembors of the quarterly meeting. Tfc was reconimonded that tho secretary of the Synod be elected at Conference and charged with the dnty of preparing the Agenda of measures for Synod. It wan resolved that this Synod expresses its continued support of the platform of. the .Bible-in-Schools' League, records its confidence in Canon Garland as the organising secretary of the : League, and recommends the work of the league to the members of our Church throughout the districtCarried (wiili one or two dissentients).

In view of December 14tli bavins l.een adopted as Xcajni? Sunday, the Synod urges that League sermons <>c preached as far as possible in all churches on that da£e, in .accordance with tho request of the president, and that opportunities be afforded for receiving of offertories on behalf of tho League* funds. ' . It was decided to hold t*ne nest Synod in Ohristchurch. tho dato to be determined by tho chairman of tho- district.

Votes of appreciation were carried of tho services of the Roy. S. Griffith.as secretary, and the Rev. C H. Laws as chairman. Regret was expressed that both these gentlemen- will probably be leaving the district at the forthcoming Conference. Votes of thanks -wero also passed to the assistant and journal secretaries, and'the rooorters to tho Press and to the "Methodist Times." . The Synod expressed ite thanks to the host's and hostesses of the representatives for their kind hospitality. A voto of thanks was also passed to the local Press. •

The- reading of the Journal concluded tho business, .and tho session closed.