NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2436, 26 January 1882, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

f>EB PEBBS ASSOCIATION.! DUNEDIN, January 26. Arrival of the DredgeThe Harbor Board's hopper dredger arrived to-day, 126 days from Grreenook. Brown, the firßfc engineer, was drowned on January 14th. A Totalisator Case. Pirio, a hairdresser, wti fined £5 on each of two informations for keeping a totalisator open in connection with the Southland race meeting. The instrument was ÜBed in defer? dant'a shop. Notice of appeal was given.

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The Oonftrenoe of ministers and laymen resumed its sitting yesterday morning at 11 o'clock, the opening devotional exercises being led by the Bey. J. S. Smalley and Mr Howard. A telegram was read from the stewards of the Waikato oirouit, asking that the division of the circuit recommended by the quarter Board, and paused by the district meeting, be confirmed by the Conference, or that the circuit be permitted to remain in its present undivided state. On the motion of the Eev. W. Morlcy, the question was re-considered. The Kev, J. Berry thought it unwise and undignified on the part of the Conference to consider telegrams of the nature that had been received, and moved the former question. The Rev. Alex. Reid had voted for the twofold division of the oirouit, but tho evidence furnished by the telegram had led him to alter his opinion, and he would vote for tho request being granted. The Bev. H. R. llewsbury urged that the circuit be divided in accordance with the wish of the quavterly meeting, which might be assumed to understand its own ciroumatances best.

The President ruled that the resolution of Tuesday, dividing the Waikato circuit into two, was informal; and after some discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of the Bev. W. Morley, " That it be resoinded, and that Gambridge, Hamilton, and To Awamatu be each made a separate circuit." The report and balanoe sheet of the Homo Mission and Church Extension Committee were read by tho Rev. Thos. Buddie, general secretary. It was shown that the income for the year was £2437 J2j Id, of which £607 3s lOd was raised in tho Canterbury district. The expenditure for the year was £2534 10s 3d.

The conference proceeded to discuss tho estimates for 1882.

Mr Leybourne asked permission to move that the sum of £2O be placed on the estimates as a grant in aid to the Auckland (Grafton road) Circuit. He explained that it wes entirely owing to an ovoraight that the claim had not been made at the district meeting.

Mr Harris opposed the motion on tho ground that there was already a deficit balance.

Mr Manchester asked that £75 be placed on the estimates for parsonage and furniture at Waimate, and the Rev. J. Luxford made the some request for Patea. It was urged in both these cases that engagements had been entered into on the distinct understanding that; such grants would be made. Claims were also put in on behalf of the Woodend, Ashburton, Leeston, Rangitikei, Hokitika, and Temuka circuits. Tho question was still under discussion when the hour of adjournment arrived. EVENING SESSION. On re-assembling at 730 p.m. devotional exercises were led by Mossrs J. Manchester and Keall. The President announced that the session was to be devoted to the further consideration of the work of God in connection with the conference, A large number of friends were present to hear the conversation on this subject, which is usually of considerable interest, but has been especially so on the present occasion. Rev. J. Berry spoke of the way in which a good work had been oarried on in the Richmond oircuit; and Mr J. L. Williams reported very considerable progress in the churohes in and around Auckland. Mr Buchanan spoke of what was being done at Ashburton, and was followed by Rev. J. J. Lewis, who referred to the work done at Waimate in connection with the mission of Hampson. Rev. J. A. Luxford spoke of the present attitude towards Christianity of the Maoris of the West Coast of the North Island. Several others, both ministers and laymen, spoke at length of successes from one end of the colony to the other.

Several others, both minioters and laymen, ioke at length of successes from one end of e colony to the other. The conversation terminated by passing a resolution, on the motion of the secretary, expressive of gratitude for the unparalleled progress of the Ohuroh during the past year, us shown by the increase of 465 Church members, 460 Sunday scholars, and 2470 attendants on the services, with 730 on trial for membership, and urging a fuller consecration to Church work and the study of the Holy Scriptures. The session was brought to a close by engaging in devotional exercises and the pronouncing of the Benediction.