METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 8

METHODIST CHURCH.

9 ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (PRKSS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DTJNEDIN, March 4. At the Methodist Conference to-day it was resolved that the Ministers' Children's Fund levy should be increased by raising the assessment to circuits from 12 to 15 per cent. The report and balance-shcet of the Board of the "Wesley Training Collegs, Auckland, was adopted. The capital value of the Board's properties amounted to £81,597. Conference expressed complete confidence in the Board. _ Conference considered schemes for alteration of the constitution and organisation. The Rev. S. Lawry moved: "That in view of the cost of holding conference as at present constituted, and the difficulty felt in some cities in providing adequate hospitality, it is desirable that the constitution be altered so as to provide for a substantial reduction in the number of ministers and lay representatives entitled to attend conference." Mr Rosevear seconded the motion. He said the conference at Auckland two years ago cost £G9l. The Rev. Mr Wills moved, as an amendment : '"That the question be referred to the .September quarterly meetings for a report." The amendment was carried by 126 votes to 63. A further amendment, by *the Rev. Mr Ready: "That no further action be taken," v/as ruled out of order. On the amendment being put as the substantive motion, it was defeated by a large majority, with the suit that the whole proposal dropped A statement of income and expenditure showed: Income £6544, expenditure £6421, with a credit balance on January- 31st of £1099. Many circuits having failed to reach the existing minimum of £200, conference decided to give aid from the Tiome and church extension fund to enable them to do so. The estimates for 1918 were presented. The estimated home mission and church extension expenditure was £6847. Increased grants amounted to £1006, and £1000 from last year's credit was placed to the reserve, making the total expenditure £8853. The estimated income, apart from the credit balance, was £7224, and with the credit balance £8323, leaving a debit balanco of £530. It was decided to add 25 per cent to the district levies. Tne constitution of the Home Mission Committee was amended to provide for the addition of two home missionaries to the membership.