Methodist Centenary.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1922, Page 2

Methodist Centenary.

(ji Jj iuii i Ann. lu.nu.iAl'Ji —VJ-.lt I’ite.oS ASSOCIATIONJ AUuvuAeiJ, -Uarch i. The Town n;ui uas oo.vued last L.en.ng icr tlie centenary lestival of tin *ufiiiouist come. eime. ilio chair was ocLupieu oy ti.e xiev. C. ir. Raws, in Ooveiuo.-eic-neial was ta have presided, out important easiness prevented, m is. ne telegraphed cordial good wishes. Revs U. Hargreaves (hnghuid), A. McCallum (Australia), and ijtsliop Lock (America 1, in eloquent speeches couveyeu tlie good will and congratulations oi their several churches.

Tlie Conteionce met at a. luncheon at tdc town Hall to-day, about 270 being, present, and. the Hon Mr Parr presided jiii the absence of Mr Massey, whose apologies and cordial greetings he tendered. Replying to the toast of the Dominion, the Minister emphasised that adebt was owing to the early missionaries. He noted with interest the efforts being made by the Church tosecure Bible readilng in the schools; He predicted that thc-ir efforts would not be very successful unless the various Churches joined forces, and spoke with one voice. The future of New Zealand would be greatly helped by the work of the Education Department. About 72 per cent, of the children passing through the primary schools went on to secondary schools. Medical and dental services to the schools under (the Child Welfare Department, he claimed, were certain to be of great value in future.

The Conference resolved that it was so impressed with the magnitude and rapid growth of gambling that every Methodist Church should ho urged to offer concerted and determined opposition to any legislation in the interests of ritcihg Clubs. Tllp conference further rtcotded Its conviction that the present- anti-gambl-ing laws are imperfectly administered, and desi’reS tfl call the l attention of tin Government to this cotivietion: The Removal Expenses Committee recommended, and it was adopted, that the cost of removal be borne by the whole Church, which would divide the cost over a number of years. A separate fund would be established, by means of a levy of one per cent, upon the amount paid in ministerial stipends by circuits.

The Fire Insurance Fund Committee’s report was adopted. The treasurer was authorised to pay to the Centenary Fund £3OO and further to pay to the BetievoleHt Branch of the Supcrnumary fund £itX)> to the Deaconess’ House Committee £lO6, aiid the balance to be addod to accumulated funds. ltcv S. Lawry was re-appointed General Secretary for a period of two years. This evening a memorial service for

Ministers who died during the year wa. hold. Rev. J. J. Lewis delivering an ad dress.