PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1356, 17 January 1905, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODISTS.

Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Tho Primitive Methodist Conference received a deputation from tho Christchurch Ministers’ Association. 'Able addresses were delivered by the Revs. Lawry, President of the Methodist Conference, who spoke on the prevailing indifference and att-i----tu'do to social problems, and Dr. Ewin who urged need of attention to spiritual realities- The Rev. W. S. Grottor and Mr C. M. Luke r<s)liod. The report on Church properties stated there were 69 churches, an increase of 5.37 ; house property cost £53,682 ; an increase of £7803, and was valued at £59,946, an increase of £5974, The amount paid oft the debt was £II3S, and the income was £11,659 18s. There wero 14,226 sittings', and 9683 bearers. A temperance deputation was received, Dr Russell and Mr Whiehther giving addresses. Rev* R. J. Dawson and Mr Leadley replied. The latter said prohibition had been successful in Ashburton ; the moral status was being improved, and prosperity iiad increased. The Gas Company bad declared one per cent, higher dividend than ever before. Deposits in tho b'uilding society, and savings had increased.

A public meeting was held tonight, the Rev. Mann. Mr T. El Tayr lor, and Mr C £ M. Luke delivering addresses on temperance work. Mr ■Taylor spoke of the coming licensing campaign, predicting success for the lio-licenso party- He said that iselwyn and Courtenay electorates would almost certainly join Ashburton in tlic Prohibition ranks.