THE CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 141, 10 March 1919, Page 6

THE CONFERENCE

Christchurch, March 8. At the Methodist Conference to-day the Board of the Connectional Fire Insurance reported it had the pleasure to report another year of successful business. The total loss by fire had been only ,£9 10s., and this was fully covered by reinsurance. The assets of the fund had increased during the year by X 1062 13s. Bd. Tlis total assets were now .£10,687 15s. lid. In view of the value of the fund to the church as a whole the board urged that the strongest possible measures be taken by conference to provide that as far as possible all church property be insured in the Coimectional Fund. The total amount of insurances reported on the circuit trust property schedules was £382,139 The total amount insured in the Connectional Fund was £269,017. This included a considerable fund for parsonage furniture, and about .£3500 on buildings that were not included in the circuit schedules. This comparison showed that there was still a considerable amount of business to bo secured for the fund if those responsible would be loyal to the interests of the church. The report was adopted. The Military Camps Committee, in its 'report, expressed its gratitude for the generous response of the people and also for the munificent gifts froin'several patriotic societies. In view of tlie altered conditions the committee did not consider it necessary to make an appeal for this ensuing year as the amount in hand would be sufficient to meet contingencies arising in future. The report was adopted.

The financial statement of the Military Camps Committee showed receipts .62348 2s. Gel., and expenses 9s. Id., leaving a credit balance of .£536 13s. sd. A recommendation was received from the North Canterbury Synod expressing the hope that it would lie found possible for a Methodist chaplain to be in attendance _ during the whole period of training in the Territorial camps. This was approved. An appeal for 'assistant for work amongst returned men at Rotorua -was considered and it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Military Cninps Committee. The following were elected chairmen of district l ;:—B<>v. H. 13. Bellhouse iAuckland), Rev. H. Ti. Blamires fTarannki and Waneanuil Rev. T. R. Richards OTawke's Buy), Ti"'. E. Drake (Wellington), Rev. S. Griffiths (Otapro), .Rev. A. Peters (Southland). I:i the rase of South Auckland, Nelson, and North Canterbury districts a second ballot was necessary', and the results will be announced on Monday.