METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1400, 10 March 1905, Page 2

METHODIST CONFERENCE.

(Per Press Association. 1 ) Wellington, yesterday. The Methodist Conference resumed today. The Bov. C. Porter (64 votes) was elected Bible class organiser-, Mr Nott securing 58 votes. The Conference decided to suspend the standing orders to review the ease of Waipawa, and decided to-retain a married man there. The decision .to place a third married man at Wellington was revoked.

’ Wellington, laat night. The Conference held an open session to consider the general returns and wort. There was a good attendance of the public, The total number of churches is 306, other preaching places 350 ; ministers and probationers 131, home missionaries 32, members 13,924, adherents 72,062. In Maori work there are nine ministers, 12 churches, 1355 members, and 5600 attendants at public services; also 12 Sunday schools with 393 scholars. 'A resolution moved by ?he Rev. T. G. Carr, and adopted by the meeting, expressed gratification at the increase of 604 members, and referred with pleasure to the stimulus given by the Welsh revival ; also to the successful work in connection with Bible classes and Christian Endeavor societies. It viewed with hopefulness the growth of public opinion on no-licenso and the work among the natives of the South Island. It expressed joy that tho. interest in foreign | missions was deepening, and also reaffirmed the saoredness of the day of rest. The Conference took much interest in the appointment of an organiser for the young men’s forward movement. Eventually the Rev. O. Porter, of Hawera, was appointed. The eases of Waipawa and Wellington were re-opened, and a married man replaced at the former station and a probationer as third minister in Wellington circuit.

The second reading of stations occupied much of the day, the sheet boing re-coni' mitted before adoption by the Confereneo, Changes were effected as follows: Birkenhead, Rev. G. 8. Cook; Maori Missions, Rev. A. X. Seamer; Mahurangi, Rev. W. Wills; Rotorua, Rev. E.‘ P. Blamires; New Plymouth, Becond, Rev. R. T. Williams ; Hawera, Revs. S. J. Gibson and A. J, Read ; Wanganui,second, Rev. W. J. OxbrOw; Kimboltan, one wanted ; Taihape, Rev. A. C. Randerson 8.A.; Wellington, 3rd, Rev. A. Mcßean ; Potone, Rev. A. B. Chappell, M.A.; Blenl heim, second, Rev. B. J. Jameson ; Richmond, Christchurch, Rev. L. Hudson, Kaiadoi, 2nd, Rev. E. O. Blamires; Malvern, Rev. E. P. Keall; Ashburton, 2nd, Rev. G. F. Stookwell; Balclutha, Rev. F. W. Boyes; Oamaru, Rev. C. Griffin. The third and final reading will be the first business on Monday morning. The report of the Prince Albert Collego was adopted. A resolution was passed expressing muoh satisfaction at the marked success of the College, as shown by the very large percentage of honors gained by tho_pupile.

I The Foreign Mission report presented I by the Bov. \V. Slado expressed gratificaI tion at the inoreased interest in the Missions during the year, the total amount raised being £1737, including giftg of £2OO j from Canterbury and £SO from Cargill road, Dunedin. The Bev. J. W. Burton, j Fiji, will labour hve months in New Zealand as a deputation this year. I Miss Jennes, of the Lower’ Hutt, goes I to New Guinea as the first Methodist lady I missionary from New Zealand. I