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Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 844, 16 June 1910, Page 6

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HOW METHODIST SEPARATION WAS AVON. "Tho question of New Zealand independence dominated the conference. It received quite as much attention as all the other business put together." This statement was made by the Rev. S. Lawry, of Papanui, Chrislchurch, to. a.Dominion representative yesterday, in tho course of some interesting impressions of the Australasian Methodist Conference at Adelaide, which Mr. Lawry was oil his way home from attending. It will )>c remembered that Mr. Lawry led the case for New Zealand separation in the historical two-days' debate. Mr. Lawry states that Dr. Fitchett, who, with the Rov. W. Baumbor, representing the Now Zealand minority, offered the principal opposition to separation, spoko for an hour and a half, producing every possible argument against tho change. He put forward his arguments with such an air of certainty that the champions of independence did not know to what extent they were general,, or how far the conference would be influenced'by his '.'cocksureness." At the end of the first day prospects for separation appeared very doubtful, but the advocates of this cause wero well drilled by a Melbourne barrister, who was a. member of the conference, and jvlio showed them what points in their opponents' arguments could bo assailed most'effectually at tho next encounter. Dr. Fitchett contended that an Act of Parliament would bo required in every State of the Commonwealth, as well as in New Zealand, before separation could be brought to pass, and in this opinion he was supported by Sir Samuel Way, Chief Justice of South Australia, and a member of the conference. The speech made on the second day in support of independence by the Rev. C. H. Laws, president of tho New Zealand Conference, was admitted on all sides to be one of the finest speeches members had heard at any conference. After that address.there was no doubt as to the result; it was onty a question-of the majority. The retiring; president, tho Itev. W. Williams, who had been opposed to separation) declared, after this speech that he would vote for it, in view of the strong determination in New Zealand to bring about the change. This statement had a great effect in influencing other members, but when Mr. Lawry, ■ffho was one of the clerks of tho.conference, counted only 13 hands held up in opposition to the proposal lie .could hardly believe the evidence of his'sroscs. Tho majority of more than eight to one was n surprise to the most eanguine. Tt was agreed that separation should be conditional on the passing of legislation in all the States, but no* opposition will be raised to any of the bills as tho completed scheme of separation was afterwards unanimously adopted by the conference, and it is expected that the Bills will all lie passed next year. It is not expected that New Zealand delegates will require to attend another Australasian conference.