THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1067, 4 March 1911, Page 6

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

PUBLIC MORALS. QJy Telegraph.—Press Association.! Christchurch, March 3. The Methpdist Conference this morning resinned the discussion 011 tho .report on public morals. Resolutions were carried urging the Minister for Internal Affairs to refuse permits to art unions; protesting against unnecessary Sunday work in military camps, and urging ministers to attend all camps. Some discussion ensued as to whether any Methodist church has held an art union. The president said there was a rule requiring ministers to abstain from participation in raffles and lotteries, and tho secretary was instructed to ascertain the identity of the _ Metliodist church alleged to have obtained a permit for an art union. THE LICENSING BILL. . Mr. Isitt, referring to the allegation that the J'emperance party had been sold over the Licensing Bill, declared that Sir Joseph Ward had treated the party generously. All the members of the party wore impressed with tlio absolute fairness of the treatment received. Sir Joseph Ward-had been quixotically just, even saying that' ho would fulfil liis_ promise regarding tho 55 per cent, majority, even if the Government, went out of office on-the issue. Tho party (lid nofc_ accept the offer, but contented itself with an advantageous compromise. Ho felt tho statements mado in conference showing a lack of appreciation should liofc go unchallenged. EVENING SITTING. At the evening sitting of the conference, a committee was set up to negotiate with the Primitive Methodist Committee regarding union. The ex-president (the Rev. C. H. Laws) was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his services during the past year. It was agreed: "That the Minister for Defence be requested to arrange for Methodist chaplains to attend encampments of Territorials, and that such chaplains be quartered amongst the men, aud take their-part in conducting church parades." A committee was set up to nominate eight additional chaplains for tho military districts of Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago." ' A motion was agreed to suggesting an amendment of the Defence Act in order to relieve those who have conscientious objections from undergoing military service or training.