METHODIST CHURCH.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2001, 7 March 1914, Page 7

METHODIST CHURCH.

THE CONFERENCE.

TERM OF THE PASTORATE.

(By Telegraph.—Pres9 .Association.)

Dunetlin, March 6. At tho Methodist Conference this afternoon a proposal relating to tho lay representation on tho Stationing Committee, and 'also to the sizo of tho conference was referred to the quarterly meetings and synods, and to conference of 1915. " '

An animated debate'took placo on a: proposal to extend the term of tho pastorate beyond fivd years. It was eventually resolved- to provide' for such an extension under certain safeguards, the extension to' bo endorsed in every, case by a majority vote of 75 per cent, before becoming law. This resolution will need the endorsement of tho various district synods and approval by tho conference of 1915.

Provision was made for holding special quarterly meetings in tho circuits. . Itwas resolved to elect secretaries of synods at tho conferenco instead of at tho synod.. Resolutions affecting the constitution of district> synods, with a view, to increasing tho numbor of lay representatives, were adopted. Homo missionaries of seven years Continuous standing were granted a seat in synod. The establishment •of a Conference Travelling Expenses Fund was referred to the quarterly' meetings, with a view to recommendations being ihade to the next conforenco on tho subject. Management 'boards for the four central missions 'Were appointed; and the conference endorsed a scheme for carrying on tho Wellington work, with headquarters at Webb, Street. The conference resolved that the' following bo the order of probationers' circuits:—Waiuku, 'Wainiato, Gisbomo, Feilding, Taumarunui, Havclock, Auckland, Wcstport, Albert, and Balclutha. The report of the principal (ReV. 0. H. Garland) showed that the Theological College had opened in Match with 13 students, and tho present number Was eleven. Tho conference instructed the principal that no student is to conduct more that 13 services in any quarter. It was further decided that every student bo required to sign an agreement to repay the cost of training- in tho overit of'his retiring frOirt the ministry within ten years. The Rev, C.,H. Garland was reappointed principal. Tho work of the committee in connection with the now theological institution has been at a standstill for twolve months. At a meeting hold a year ago it had boon decided that no active steps be taken until a site for a university has been decided by the Government, the committee realising that the theological institution building should bo as 'conveniently near a university os possible. Tho site is still unsettled. These mat-' tors were reported on to-day, and it was mentioned that £8000 was in hand.

A deputation from the Dunedin Pres ? . b.vtory convoyed fraternal greetings to the conference. ' . . '