WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2432, 21 January 1882, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

The Conference re-assembled in the Council Hall yesterday morning at 10 o’clock. After singing a hymn, the Secretary read a portion of scripture, and prayer was offered by exPresident Lee and Mr Buddie. The journal of Thursday evening’s session was read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr Smalley, it was resolved—“ That a letter be sent to the Conference of Victoria, expressing sympathy with them in the loss they have sustained by the death of the Rev, J. Waterhouse.” The corresponding secretary was also directed to write to the Rev. James Buller, expressing deep regret that illness had prevented him from attending the sessions of the Conference, and the hope that he would soon be restored to health. The minutes of the several districts, and the reports of the examining committees were laid upon the table. The first draft of ministerial stations for the next year, prepared by the committee appointed for that purpose, was read, of which the following is an extract: —Auckland, Pitt street, Reid and Dewsbury ; Thames, Bull; Waiukn, Salter ; Cambridge, Carr; Hamilton, Caughey; Kawakawa, Brooke; Whangarei, Dellow ; Gisborne, Hudson; Taranaki, Kirk ; Palmerston North, Parsonson; Wellington, Bavin and Baumber ; Greytown, Dukes ; Masterton, Wills; Blenheim, McNiooll; Greymouth, Griffin; Christchurch, Durham street, Best and Tinsley; St. Albans, Morley; Springston, Thomas ; Leeston, Keall j Ashburton, Standage ; Dunedin, Smalley; Port Chalmers, Smith; Milton, Gillam. The usual questions as to ministerial character were put and answered. Messrs Buddie, Kirk and Watkin, requested permission to retire from the full and regular work of the ministry, on account of increasing infirmities. It was resolved that the consideration of their requests be deferred till a later stage of the meeting, with a view to ascertain whether a charge of a less laborious character might be given them. Messrs Buttle, Gray, and Salter, probationers, who have completed their fourth year, were subjected to a viva voce examination in regard to their theological views. The examination was regarded as satisfactory, and they were unanimously received into full connection with the conference. Messrs Abernethy, Dellow, Hudson, Spence, Isitt, and Wills, probationers of three years’ standing ; Messrs Caughey, Brooke, Dukes, Martin, and Murray, probationers of two years’ standing; and Messrs Gillam, Parsonson, Pinfold, and Slade, probationers of one year’s standing; were passed in their respective years, the report on their examination having proved entirely satisfactory. It was resolved that in consideration of the circumstances under which Mr Gillam came to New Zealand, he gain an additional year’s standing. The meeting adjourned at 5.15 p.m.

The Conference re-assembled at ten o’clock this morning. In the absence of the President, who was called out of town, the chair was occupied by the ex-president, Mr Lee. After devotional exercises, led by Messrs Kirk and Eeid, the roll of members was called, and the journal of Friday’s proceedings was read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr Morley, the corresponding secretary was directed to send a letter of sympathy to the Eev. ffm, B. Marten, of Lyttelton, expressing regret at his absence on account of death in his family. The Eev. Te Kote, Maori minister for the Canterbury and Otago districts, addressed the Conference, and gave an interesting account of his work, Mr Eeid acting as interpreter. In the course of his remarks he referred to the difficulties and discouragements he met with in connection with his work, and asked that he might have the sympathy and prayers of his brethren in the ministry. He stated that most of the Maoris in his district, extending from Kaiapoi to Waikouaiti, were really Wesleyans, and desired to recognise him as their minister. As regarded their spiritual condition his people were strong. When he visited Temuka and Waimate the people assembled in considerable numbers, but Eaupaki was the only place at which he administered the Sacrament, and ho regretted that there were but ten communicants. He was glad to report that drunkenness had greatly diminished, and that there was a marked improvement in the morals of the people under his care. On the motion of the secretary, seconded by Mr MoNicoll, a resolution was passed expressing the pleasure with which the meeting had listened to Te Kota’s account of his work among his fellow countrymen, and their sympathy with him in his difficulties.

Mr Marshall, from the Auckland district, and Mr Ohrietoffersen, from the Scandinavian settlement of Wellington, were presented as candidates for the ministry. After careful examination as to their present religions experience, theological views, and literaryattainments, Mr Marshall was received as a student for further training at the Three Kings Wesley College, and Mr Ohrietoffersen as a preacher on trial among his own countrymen at Maurioevillo.

A lengthened report was given by the Secretary as to the character of the work being done at the Three Kings Theological Institution, Auckland, and it was resolved that Messrs Wills, Jones, and Griffiths, who havo_ been under training for two years, be appointed to circuits during the next year. It was also resolved that Mr Mather, who has been under training for one year, be permitted to remain for another year at College. The appointments for to-morrow’s service* were then read, and the Conference adjourned at one o’clock.