THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1540, 25 January 1879, Page 3

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND.

[[Special Wire.] At the sitting of the Wesleyan Conference to-day, the President rend a telegram from the Victorian Conference, now sitting in Melbourne, announcing the sudden death of the Rev. J. Eggleston, usually known as Father Kggleston. Ho was a minister of forty-five years' standing. A second draft of the stations was read as follows: —Auckland, Revs. Morley, Bond, and Parker; Thames, Rev. Wilkin; Onehunga, Rev. Law; Waiuku, Rev. Garlick; Waikato, Rw. Bull; Raglan, Rev. Schneckenbnrg; Xaipara, Rev. Gittos ; Hokianga, Rev. Hammond. The third reading of the sittings is to be read on Monday next. Mr Hobbs, M.H.R., is to move at the next sitting of the Conference the following resolution :—" '1 hat it is the opinion of this Conference that the constitution of the Conference should be so amended that laymen shall take part in and vote on all questions excepting those of a ministerial character and theological examinations, and that this be recommended to the next ensuing conference.'' There is considerable difficulty about stationing ministers. The Rev. Bavin is now mentioned for Auckland. The Rev. Mr Best, whose application from the Irish conference was accepted, is reported to be a splendid preacher. A high character as to ability was given him by the Rev. Mr Punsheon and Mr Macarthur. The following annual returns were presented :—Churches, IGS; other preaching places, IG3; ministers, 65 ; catechists, 12; Sunday school teachers, 1322; local preachers, 237 ; class leaders, 100; members, 3G15 ; on probation, 347; communicants, 950; catechumens, 396; Sund *y schools, 106; " scholars, 12,182 ; attendance on the ministry 32,494, being an increase of IGI2. Further returns showed that the income for contingent fund was £766; Education fund, .£142; children's fund, £O3O. Nine new

churches have been erected, also three new parsonages and cue school, during the year at an expenditure of nearly £SOOO. Twelve sites have been acquired by gift during the year, and others by pui'chase. The estimated cost of new erections is £IO,OOO. The home mission and church extension has been warmly supported.