METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1378, 2 March 1912, Page 4

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

THE NEW THEOLOGICAL CON- . PEHENCB. (It T«krr«.ph—Prei« Auoelatlos.l Auckland, March 1. The Methodiflt Conference resumed today, 180 delegates attending, representing all parts of tho Dominion. The following were elected lay membors of the Stationing Committee:—Auckland, Messrs. J. Vcale, T. W. Jones, and J. B. Wheeler; Wanganui, Messrs. E. Dixon and G. H. Bennett. Wellington, Messr6. L. J. Clark and J. Tiller; Nelson, Messrs. S. Gorman and G. M. Sponce; Canterbury, Messrs. H. H, Turner, C. S. Howard, and J. A. Jlcsher; Otago, Messrs. E. Rosevoar and E. Aslin. It was resolved that committees bo set up to consider all matters connected with the new Theological College, and report at an earlv date. To-night .tho delegates wore guests of tho new Theological College Committee at a banquet. ' . CHURCH UNION.

Tho important question of church union was referred to by tho Rev. G. W. J. Spenco, retiring president, at the opening session. Ho mentioned the fact that tho legislation necessary to secure an independent conference for New Zealand had been obtained in all Australian State Parliaments (except in that of West Australia, where a change of Government had occasioned ft short delay), as well ns in New Zealand, so that tho long-sought change was now within sight, and would bo effected next year. With the severance of tho legal tie which bound tho New Zealand Methodists to Australia, there would come to tho former a larger freedom of action, accompanied of course by larger responsibilities. Untrammelled by outsido policy, thev would bo at liberty to work out their own destiny and to develop their own tvpo of Methodism. "One of the first steps liUelv to be taken under he iww order," said Mr. Sponce, "is tho unification of Methodism in the Dominion. Last Juno history was made in this direction. As you are aware, a laTge andinfluential committee was sot up last eonferforenco to meet ft similar committee representing the Primitive Methodist Church, for the purpose of drawing up a basis of union which might meet with tho approval of both Churches. It was a remarkable council-remarkable not only on account of tho important issue discussed, but because of the fine spirit which pervaded the discussion and the singular unanimity with which the end was reached. In tho end tho proposed basis found no more cordial (supporters than in epmo of those who at the beginning meant, to defeat tho whole scheme; It is gratifying to learn that after » lengthy, debate m the Primitivo Methodist I onference held in Christchurch last month, tho basis os framed bv tho joint committee was by unanimous resolution endorsed without amendment. In duo Murs* this conference will have an opportunity of duelling the basis, and' should it be fnwurably received, as I most, confidently believe ,it will, little will then stand in the way of the consummation of the union of the two bellies, possibly as soon as next year.