METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 451, 9 March 1909, Page 7

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

FINAL READING OF STATIONS. NO-LICENSE MATTERS. THE UNEMPLOYED AND IMMIGRATION. The Methodist Conference resumed its sittings yesterday, tho Rov. Thos Fee presiding. A groat part of tho day was occupied with the third and final reading of stations. NoLiconso matters wore also considered, and in the evening a deputation from tho Now Zealand Alliance was received. Among the resolutions of the day was ono expressing sympathy with tho uuomployed. At O.'lo p.m. the conference adjourned, and will resumo at ten o'clock this morning. THIRD READING OF STATIONS. ' _ The third draft submitted by tho Stationing Committee was adopted as follows: — . Auckland District. Auckland, Pitt Street: Rev.'W. Ready, G..S. Cook, A. N. Scotter, 8.A.; supernumeraries, Revs. J. Thomas, J. S. Smailey. Wesley College, Three Kings: Rev. J. H. Simmonds; Governor Theological Institution, Rov. J. H. Simmonds. Homo, Mission and Church Extension Secretary and Organising Agent: Rev. T. G. Brooke. -■ Auckland West: Rev. G. Bond. Auckland East: Rovs. H. It. Dowsbury, E. Beggs, and R. Wilson (resting). Auckland Methodist Mission: Rov. J. Wilson. i ; North Shore: Rev. R. Taylor; supernumeraries, Revs. W. G. Thomas, and J. S. Bishworth. ■-.- Birkenhead: Rev. T. G. Carr. Maori-Mission: Rev. W. Gittos. Onehunga: Rev.. S. J. Gibson. Otahuhu: Revs. E. Cox, : W. J. Watkin, (Supernumerary. Mahurangi: Rev. J. D. Jory. , Thames: Rev. J. Blight. Upper Thames: Rev. A. J. Reed, and two 'home missionaries, . . Waihi i . Rev. J. Wrigley. Paeroa: Rev. A. C. Randerson, M.A. Franklin: Rev. J. Dukes, ono wanted. Cambridge: Rev. W. H. Beck, and home missionary. ... Hamilton: Rev. H. L. Blamires, and home missionary. Huntly: Ono wanted. . ■ Eaparoa: Rev. G. F. Stockwell. Northern Wairoa: Rov. W. Wills, and home missionary. . , / Whangarei: Rev. J. J. 'Mather and home missionary. Rotprua: Rev. H. A. G. Keck. Maori Mission, Hokinnga: Revs. Te Tuhi Herotiin and Hamiora Kingi. Maori 7 Mission,', Kaipara: Rev. Hauraki Paul. . ' .''■■■.■■ Maori Mission, Waikato:. Revs. Piripi Rakena and Hone Marena Hare. Maori Mission, Whangaroa: Rev. Hapeta Benata. ' , Tauranga, Coromandel, Helensville, Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Whangaroa, Port Albert: Homo missionaries. • ■ ' '.' •- Wanganui District. 1 New Plymouth. Rev. J. G. Chapman; one wanted; Rev. W. Cannell, supernumerary. Waitara: Rev. F. T. Read. Inglewood: Rev. W. S. Bowie. Stratford: Rev. C. C. Harrison. . "" Eltham: Rev. F. Copeland. Hawera: Rovs.F. W. Boys and W. W. 'A very. '■ Cape Egmont: Rev. R. P. Keall, and homo missionary. Kaponga: Rev. W. B. Scott. ; Wanganui: Rev. J. A. Luxford. .-' Aramoho: Rev. E. D.Patcbett. Rangitikei vßev. C. Griffin, and home missionary. . ;,; Saridon: Rev. G. Frost. Feilding: Rev. C. E. Beecroft. Palmerston North: Rovs.G. W. J. Spence, T., T. Thomas, 8.A., andv.one wanted; Rev. G. S. Harper, supernumerary. Taihapc; Rev. R. B. Tinsley; Waima'rino: Rev. J. F. $fartin. West Coast Maori Mission: Revs. T. G. Hammond, R. Haddon, home missionary, and two deaconesses. Patea, Kimbolton,,.Tauma'runui, Ohura, North Taranaki: each homo missionary. Wellington District. Taranaki Street, Wellington: Revs. S. J. Serpell, J. R. Clark; supernumerary, Rev. H. B. Redstone, without ■ pastoral charge, , Bev.-F.--W.'lsitt. . ■•■- ■ Central Mission: Rev. A. F. Burchill. Organising Secretary Bible-class Movement : Rev. A. B. Chappell, M.A. Thorndon: Rev. T. Fee (president of the conference). I . ' ' ■ Wellington South: Rev. ~W. J. Williame. AVellington Suburban: Rev. W. R. TuckM.A. •. ■ / :■• Johnsonville: Rov. C. Eaton. Hutt: Revs. B. F. Rothwell and A. J. Seamor; supernumeraries, •'- Revs. W. Kirk and S. J. Garlick. . '■- South Wairarapa: Revs. W. J. Elliott, and W. -G; Maslin, and homo missionary. Masterton: Rev. C. Porter. Napier: Revs. A. O. Lawry and one . wanted. . ' Hastings: Rev. AV. Tinsley. Gisborne: Rev. J. A. Lochore. Eketalmna: Rev. J. J. Pondray. Dannevirke: Rev. J. W. Griffin. Levin-Otaki: Revs. T. F. Jones and 0. B. Jordan. Waipawa: Rev. B. J. James. Woodville: Rev. B. H.' Ginger. Pahiatua: Rev. W. H.Speer. Norsewood and Waipukurau: Home missionaries. ■ , Nelson District. Nelson: Rev. J. J. Lewis; supernumerary, Rov. J. Crump. Richmond: Itev. G. H. D. Peryman and home missionary. Blenheim: Revs. T. R., Richards, E. P. Blamires, and homo missionary. Hokitika: Rov. 11. Eanston. Greymouth: Rev. T. W. Vealie and home missionary. ■ .•• Motueka: Rev. G. Snadden. Reefton: Rev. T. W. Newbold. Westport: Rev. C. Blair. ; Havelock: Hbmo missionary. ■". ■ Canterbury District. Christchurch, Durham Street: Revs. C. H. Garland, O. If. Laws, 8.A.,J. N. Battle, A. M'Bean, and N. Turner; supernumeraries, Revs. J: Smith, D. M'Nicoll, and W. C. Oliver. . ■■ Connexional secretary and representative: Rev.'H. Ml. Sydenham: Rov. L. Hudson. Aldington: Rev. S. Grifiiths and homo missionary. St. Albans: Rev. W. A. Sinclair and homo missionary. Papanui: Rev. S. Lawry (secretary of conference). , ''.'' Lyttelton: Rev. A. supernumerary, llov. W. Lee. Spriugston: Rev. J. T. Pinfold, F.R.G.S. Tai Tapu: Rev. A. Ashcroft. Leostou: Rov. T. A; Joughin. Kaiapoi: Revs. T. Trcstrail and C. RobRangiora: Revs. C. Abornethy and J. H. Hoslam. , Malvern: Rev. R. Richards. Timaru: Rev. W. Baunlber and home m!sBionary. Waimato: Rev. 0. Penney. •■ ' Temuka: Rev. W. Beckett. Ashburton: Rev. H. E. Eellhouse and home missionary. ' Willowby: Rev. C. H. Standago and home missionary. Amberloy: Rev. W. Lea. Oxford, Banks Peninsula arid Methven: Homo missionaries. Otago District. . Dunedin, Trinity Church: Revs, P. W. Fairclough, Y.&.&.5.. and R. H. Wylie. Dunedin Central Mission : ReV.. W, Slade, Rev. E. O. Blamires (assistant). Southern Maori Mission: Rev. Neho Hemi Papakakura. ■ ■ , ' Dunedin, Cargill Road: Pvcvs. W. Grigg nnd F. Rands. Mornington: Rov. D. J. Murray. Roslyp.i Rev. T. J. Wnllis. Mosgiol: Rev. W. H. E. Abbey, Port Chalmers: Rev. J. Ward. Methodist Editor "Outlook": Rov. J. iWa'rd. . ' ■ Balclutha: Rev. j. A. Hosking. -Milton: Rev. A. Reader. s . I, . Lawrence: Rev. W. J. Oxbrow. Revs. A. Mitchell and P. R. Paris.

Oamaru: Rev. T. N. Griffin. Gore: Rov. W. Greenslado. Otautau: Rov. G. T. Marshall and home missionary. Roxburgh: Rev. M. A. R. Pratt. Cromwell, Rivorton, Palmcrston, Winton, Waiau: Each homo missionary. WELLINGTON'S NEW MINISTER. The Rov. A. F. Burchell, who is appointed to take charge of tho now central mission, is a single man, and hails from England. He was under engagement to proceed from Homo to South Africa, but the financial depression in that country rendered the cancellation of his engagement necessary, so that be came on to New Zealand. Tho Rov. W. It. Tuck, M.A., who succeeds the Rov. E. P. Blamires in charge of tho suburban circuit, took his degree in the Now Zealand University. For two years he was second minister at Wanganui, for three years at Hutt, two years at Pitt Street, Auckland, and two years at Auckland East. Ho is an unmarried man, an able preacher, an excellent administrator, and a great student. The Rev. A. J. Seamer, who succeeds tho Rev. R. Wilson at Hutt, began his ministry in ISO 3. He served one year in Springston, and ono year in ehargo of the Eotorua Church. 'At the end of tho time ho. applied for permission to tako up work among the Maoris, and for four years he laboured in tho Maori Mission in the North of Auckland. Having received advice that his health would would be better conserved were ho to como south, ho has now been appointed to ■ Petone. His work among tho Maoris has met with the greatest approval of tho Church. Tho Rev. Tlios. Fee, who has been appointed to Thormloii in place of the Rev. 0. Porter, vas born in Ireland in ISSO, and for some years was engaged in tho teaching profession. In 1873 he came out to New Zealand and took up teaching, but left this a little later to study for the ministry. From 1876 to 1877 he studied at tho Three Kings Training Institution, and has since laboured as a minister in the following circuits:—Waimate, LawrencOj Temuka, Waitara, Port Chalmers, Rangitikei, Blenheim, Springston, Ashburton, Rangiora, and Hamilton. Last year, with the permission of the conference, he temporarily relinquished ministerial duty in ordor that he might dovote himself to pushing forward the cause of No-License, and that is still his present work. Mr. Fee is a fluent sneaker, and a well-read man, with all the wit of his nationality. Tho ministers will take charge of th-sir new circuits between the second and third Sundays in April. FOREIGN MISSIONS. In representative session, conference considered foreign mission matters. Tho incomo for the year amounted to £2912 3s. Sd.', an increase of £742 Bs. 10d. on the previous year's. This amount includes a donation of £729 11s. Bd. towards the boat fund. Tho Rev. J. W. Poynton and Mr. M. R. Poole, both of Fiji, were appointed to the foreign mission deputations in tho Dominion for the coming year,' and a request was mado that the Rev. J. G. Wheen, one of tho general secretaries from Sydney, be a deputation for 1910. A recommendation was mado that the Foreign Missionary report cease to be published, and that the "Missionary Review" be enlarged so as to contain fuller information hitherto contained in the annual report. Foreign Mission Sunday was fixed for June 3, instead of the first Sunday in August, as previously arranged. The thanks of the conference wero extended to the co-treasurers, tho Rev. J. N. Buttle and Mr. James Elliott, and to Mr. A. L. Denton (auditor), for their services during the past year, and tho Rev. J. N. Buttlo and Mr. A. Sherriss were appointed treasurers for the coming year. In connection with this office Mr. Buttle was also appointed secretary. HYMN BOOK SALES. Tho Rev. H. Bull presented the report of tho committee on part profits received from the sale of new hymn books. The sum of £254 6s. Id. has, up to the present, been received, and paid to tho special branch of tho Church Building and Loan Fund. Tho report was received and adopted, and the committee thanked for its services. Tho following were appointed tho committee for the ensuing year:—Revs. H- Bull, S. Lawry (convener), and Mr. J. A. Flesher. NO-LICENSE MOTIONS. A series of motions (already published) in regard to the No-License movement were brought forward by the Rev. T. N. Griffin. In the motions, pleasure was expressed at the continued growth of the movement, as shown in tho large increase in the No-License vote at,the recent option poll; congratulations wero extended to thoso electorates which had secured or retained No-License; sympathy was expressed for those which had polled large majorities against the traffic, and had yet fallen short of the required number; tho conference pledged itself to increased effort on. behalf of the temperance reform; and recorded its opinion that the law should bo so amended that No-License may bo secured by a majority less than at present. In regard to the last-named motion, the bare majority proposal did not meet with general approval, but it was felt, that the 60 per cent, at present required was far too much. In supporting the motions Mr. Griffin said that during the two years he had been in Oamaru ho had soon very little djunkenness in tho town. The majority of the people there favoured the continuanco of No-Li-cense. ■ From the Prohibition point of view, the results in Oamaru wero very satisfactory. The following motion was also brought forward by Mr. Griffin:— "The committee also recommends that , the conference express its sympathy with tho promoters cf the English Licensing Bill in the temporary check that their offorts at reform have received through the action of the House of Lords, and wishes them God-speed in their future attempts and final victory over all opposition," ' A similar motion was also brought forward by the Rov. J. J. Lewis as follows: — "Conference learnt with deep regret that the Licensing Bill of the English Government had been rejected by the House of Lords. It assures the English conference of its appreciation of the stand it took in support of the measure, and thanks the president, tho Rev. J. Scott Lidgett, for his strongly-worded and dignified appeal on its behalf to tho opposing peers represented by Lord Lansdowne. New Zealand Methodism, as represented by its highest Church - Court, earnestly hopes that the ■ English Confererro will unite with the best forces of the nation in renewing a struggle that shall not coase until the.. peopTo' of the United Kingdom have complete control of tho liquor traffic." In speaking to the motion, Mr. Lewis said that it was a grand thing to see tho way in which the House of Commons had stood' by the Bill. The Ministry wore told they would bo driven from office, members wore told that'thoy would lose- their seats, but m face of all this tho Government and its supporters had tho courage to say, "iou may drive us from our soats, you may turn us out of office, but wo will not abandon the 1 measure." , . "This is one of the kind of things that is put in the columns of 'Punch,' " said the llev. P. W. Fairoloush. He thought that it ' was ridiculous for a body from New Zealand to approach tho House of.Lords. A sugeestion was made that the two motions should bo combined, and this was carried, tho motiou which was adopted reading aa follows: —

"Tho conferenco loarned with deep regret that the Licensing Bill of the English Government had boon rejected by tho House of Lord 3, and expro3ses its sympathy with thoso whose offorts at reform have been thus checked. It assures tho English Conference of; its hearty appreciation of the stand it took in support of tho measure, and thnnks tho president, the Rev. J. Scott Lidgott, for his strongly-worded and diainfied appeal on its behalf to the opposing peers represontod by Lord Lausciowne. New Zealand Methodism, as represented by its highest Chiiroli court) earnestly hopes tho JSnglish Conferenco will unite with the best forces of tho nation in rcnowing tho struggle ■ that should not ccaso until the people of the United Kingdom have complete control of the liquor traffic. A copy of this resolution to bo sent to the president . of the English Conference."

In tho evening a deputation from the N.Z. Alliance waited upon tho conference. Tbo deputation, which was introduced by tho Rev. W. J. Williams, consisted of tho Revs. A. Dowdncy, F. W. Isitt, Messrs. A. Hoby, and J. W. Helyer. Tho president of tho conferenco (Rev. Tlios. Fee) said that tho Methodist Conference presented n united front to tho great curse, of tho land—tho liquor traiilo. He welcomed them heartily. Tho Rov. A. Dowdncy regretted that the Rev. John Dawson was not present to head tho deputation. Ho said that it would bo idle for him to ask for tho sympathy of the Methodists—ho know that they had it already, for tho Methodists had given up some of their most prominent men to tho movement. As Mr. Hwang had said in speaking of tho opium traffic, they needed more, than physical force—they ' required spiritual aid, and they had it. It was this that tho liquor party forgot in their fights. Last year they had a spectacular victory— ono which evon mado the papers congratulate them. They bad secured a majority of 33,331, and they wero going to Parliament and insist that tho shackles that had been put on tho temperance movement should be removed. They wero going to insist, that they bo not robbed or tricked out of any p<irt of that victory when that victory was won. The Rov. F. W. Isitt, who also" spoke, was accorded a very hearty reception. He slpnko of tho good effects of No-Licenso in Clutha and tho south. In replying on behalf of tho conference, tho Rov. W. Slado said that ho was sure ttoy wore in hearty accord with all that had been said by tho previous speakers. From tho very boginning tho Methodist Church had been in favour of temperance. They must not be too suro of fch« final victory until they had tho victoiy hon, for they wero fighting an enemy whose fighting strength consisted not only in money, but in art and cunning. They were quite ono with tho Alliance- in desiring to do away with that iniquitous provision of tho threefifths majority, and he believed that they would soon secure it, for Parliament was boginning to realise that the No-License party held the balance of power. The politician, he said, was quite an artist at trimming his sails to suit the direction of the wind. ORDINATION SERVICE. A motion expressing thanks to the expresident, the Rev. C. E. Boecroft, for his ordination address, was carried unanimously. A proposal to hold tho ordination service on a week-night was defeated. PASTORAL ADDRESS. A pastoral session, presided over by tho Rev. T. G. Brooke, wao held, and the pastoral address was read by tho Rev. J. T. Pinfold. Afterwards some discussion took place as to the use of pastoral addresses. One member, when a defect in tho address was pointed out, interjected: "Nobody will ever know it, brother 1" (Laughtor.) The Rev. C. H. Laws suggested that the address would be of great use if they struck out a new line. The Rev. P. W. Fairclough: Strike out a good many lines. (Laughter.) The Rev. H. Bull: I suggest to the president that Mr. Fairclough prepare the next pastoral adrlress. (Laughter.) Mr. Fairclough: Oh, no I, If I prepared tho address, tho conference would havo nothing to do with it. ■ MINISTERS FROM HOME. Tho Rov. C. 11. Laws reported regarding he attempts which ho had made to secure ministers from. England. Ho said that when ho told tho conferenco that 55 untrained men had been sent last year to circuits at Home, it would bo understood that no trained men could bo spared for Now Zealand. "I think the upshot of tho whole thing is," said Mr. Laws, "that we shall have to learn to grow our men in Now Zealand, and in that way we shall got a better class." There was an additional disadvantage, he said, in the way of securing English ministers, in that they expected to get the whole of their expenses out. THE "OUTLOOK." Tho report of tho "Outlook" Committee was received and adopted. Thanks wero extended to the editor, the Rev. J. Ward, and to all those who had assisted in the production of tho paper. A special committee was sot up to consider tho possibility of establishing a connexional organ for the Methodist Church alone. THEOLOGICAL TRAINING. Tho report on tho theological training of students for the ministry Urged that a term of three years should be. insisted upon, and that arrangements should be mado immediately for an increaso in the number of students, at an estimated cost of £300 per annum. Tho Rev. W. Baumber moved that a supplementary fund be established for tho purpose of training four moro studenta, the amount to bo raised in donations of £1. It was decided by conference to raise tho required £300 by a levy of Li per cent, upon the contingent fund. THE NEXT CONFERENCE. Mr. E. Rosevearo moved that the invitation extended at the last Dunedin quarterly meeting for the conference to meet in Dunedin noxt year bo accepted. This was carried by acclamation, and tho date was fixed for February 24. RAILWAY CONCESSIONS. The subject of travelling concessions to members attending conference was introduced by Mr. J. Veal, who moved that tho authorities be approached with a view of securing' some concession.' It was pointed out by several members that deputations had waited upon tho Minister for Railways in this regard, hut had obtained no satisfaction. The President: But we have a now Ministor for Railways and a now Parliament. The Rev. P. W. Fairclough thought that they had every right to concessions when such wove grunted to travelling sports bodies. The Rev. S. Lawry reminded them that the , new 'Minister for Railways had stated his intention or making no reductions or concessions for 12 months. They had better leave the matter for v a year, at any rate. Mr. T, W. Jones moved that this course be adopted. "If wo do not succeed," he added, " I would Biiggest that Mr. Rose-' ver.rc alter his invitation t'roin'on cto a conference to one for a game of bowls." (Laughter and cries of "Oh!") SYMPATHY FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. In accordance with notice of motion, the Rev. H. L. Blamires moved:— " Thai; tho conference expresses ■ its -sympathy with the employable unemployed in the Dominion, and urges tho Government to tako steps to discourage the undue importation of such classes of immigrants as will be calculated to throw out of employment those who aro already at work in tho Dominion." As a church, lie said, they took no action in a purely political matter, but this was a question of concern to them. There wero at the time a number of labourers who wero feeling the 'pinch of unemployment. On tho suggestion of tho Rev. P. W. Fairclough, the word " employable " was deleted.

As an amendment, l!r. 0. H. Jones moved: —" That tho words after ' unemployed in tho Dominion , bo deleted." Ho expressed peat contempt for tiiip " little Euglander, or rather "little New Zealander," kind of action. A great number of New Zealand people lind received their start in the country by means of tho assisted immi.grant provisions of the Government, and yet they wished to keep others out. The agitation, which began against Asiatics, had now extended to their own kith and kin, to whom they should rather extend a helping Land. Instead of this welcome, new arrivals were greeted with howls, and this by tho men who wore being appointed to Government inspectorships. It was not the people who wore objected to, it was (.lie little eivpH.il they brought with them. If this policy of exclusion were persisted in, it would retard the progress of the country considerably. In conclusion, Mr. .loner, appealed to the conference not to support the exclusion of the poor man who was fleeing from want in tho Old Country to the Dominion, which was bearing only a small portion of tho population wliicli it was capable oi supporting.

Tlio amendment wns not seconded. Another amendment was proposed by the Rov. J. Wrigley as follows: "That the conference, expresses sympnthy with the Now Zealand unemployed and asks the Government to rjive greater nK.si.st.inco in providing employment for all who require it" This was accepted by Mr. Manures and carried by 28 to IG. Owing to the Stationing Committee's third reading, in which a number of members of the conference were interested, coining on, the open-air meeting proposed to bo held at the CJuct'ii's Statue was not carried out. THE CENTRAL MISSION. The following message was received from the secretary of the Victorian conference now sitting in Melbourne: "Cannot transfer Tregear "present." The Rev. Charles Tn-goar is tho minister whom the conference wished to secure for the Central Mission. In the evening a cable message was received from Dr. Morley, of tho Victorian conference, stating .that tho proposal to transfer Jlr. Tregear next year had been favourably received, and stating that an exchange would liavo to be r-ecurcd. It is now for ministers in tho Dominion '.rilling to go to Victoria to make application to the president (liev. Tlion. Fee) at once, as the conference closes today. Tho president announced in the evening that the sum of £238 had been promised towards tho fund for supporting the home mission organising secretary. A report on the Christcluirch misFion wns presented by the Rev. H. R. Dev.sbur.v. It stated that good work had bron done, but tho efforts to forward the mission were hampered to a great extent by inability t<l secure the Opera House for Sunday afternoon and evening services.