METHODIST CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 19797, 22 February 1928, Page 10

METHODIST CONFERENCE

DEMAND FOR LICENSING BILL PRESIDENT DEFENDS PICTURES [Pis United Puses Association,] CHRISTCHURCH, February 21. At the Methodist Conference to-day the Supernumerary Fund Board reported on the request of the conference for a new valuation of the fund with a view' to ascertaining whether it is possible to increase the annuities. The report was that the board expresses its emphatic conviction that the time has not arrived to incur the expense of a new valuation of the land. The following were appointed as members of the board for 1928: —The Revs. W. Bauraber, J. Guy, S. Lawry, W. Grecnslade, and Messrs J. Bowrou, A. F. Bray ton, A. Borrows, P. W. Sharpe, H. W. Heslop, H. P. Lawry, and a minister to be nominated. The conference decided to support the New Zealand Alliance in pressing for the reintroduction of a favorable licensing Bill next session. A resolution proposing the abolition of tho Legislative Council was not carried!, being received with much laughter. The conference set up a committee to act for the Methodists in pressing for the reintroduction of a Bill similar to that passed by the House, hut killed by the Legislative Council last session. Conference considered the report ot tho Temperance and Committee on films and posters. The report stated that there was evidence that films of most objectionable quality were still passing the censor. The report was supported by various speakers, but the president (Rev. W. J. Elliott) said he had gone to a few so-called doubtful pictures, and had not seen much to cavil at.

Conference proceeded to discuss the showing of films on Sunday, especially on the West Coast and in the King Country. The question was referred to the Temperance and Morals Committee. ’