METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1061, 25 February 1911, Page 6

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

CITIZENSHIP MEETING. (By Telceraph—Press Association.! Christehurcli, February 24. Tho Methodist Conferenco resumed this morning. A committeo was set up to framo a suitable rcsponso to an appeal from tho New Zealand Alliancc for increased effort in the temperance cause. . A coinmittco was appointed to report on tho overture from the Presbyterian Church on the subject of combating Sabbath desecration. Conferenco committees wero set up and a coinmittco was also set up to prepare loyal addresses in connection with tlio King's Coronation and tho appointment of Lord Islington. Soveral lay members wero appointed to tho Stationing Committeo. A letter was read from tho president' of tlio Primitive Methodist Conferenco on tho subject of union, and the Rev. C. H. Laws gave notico of motion in connection therewith. Tho citizenship meeting in connection with tlio conferenco was held to-niglitr in His Majesty's Theatre. It was very numerously attended, and tho proceedings wero enthusiastic throughout. His Excellency tho Govornor presided, and in an eloquent speech referred to the growth of Methodism in Now Zealand, and expressed tho sincere, hope that tho unity of all Methodists in tho Dominion would bo accomplished. Bishop Julius gave a thoughtful address on "Tho Church and Our Social Destiny," in which he traced tho ■_ influence of Christianity upon civilisation, and indicated tho direction in which tho Church could reform and uplift society. Tlio Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, spoko on "The Claims of Local Citizenship," in which lie deprocatcd tlio proueness of tlio people of the Dominibn to rely on financial aid from the' State, and advocated greater attention being paid to tlio beautifying of our cities. ... _ . , "Our Imperial Citizenship and Responsibilities" was tho subject of an eloquent and convincing address by tho Rev. P. W. Fairclough, in which ho' pointed out tho duties of tlio individual to tho Empire. On the motion of the president of tlio conferenco, tho audience, by acclamation, accorded its thanks to tlio Governor and to tlio other speakers.