Methodist Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1923, Page 4

Methodist Conference.

DUNEDIN, February lb. At the Methodist Conference' to-day the report of the Board of the Wesley Training College was adopted. The report recommended that a- new principal .should be chosen from the teaching profession, and gave power to the Board to make the appointment. The Conference carried a resolution expressing its admiration for the "'oik done by the retiring principal, the He\. ,] H. Simmtmds. over a period of many years. Support in connection with the Deaconess Institute was advocated by Sister Both (Indy superintendent). The proposals cover the removal of the institute to more central and convenient premises in Latimer Septate. Christchurch. THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE. Theological College affairs "ere reported upon by the principal, the Rot . Dr Laws. Provision is to be made for a college chape! (Grafton RTnl Church, Auckland, to be used for this purpose).

on the principal's return from England: also for a Sunday school in connection with the college, the classes to be taken by the students. Large and liberal proposals were submitted with a view to making tin, classes serve students, local preachers, home missionaries and candidates for the ministry. A scheme involving the raising of from £20.000 to £25.000 was outlined.

Important changes wore necessitated, and the Rev. Dr. H. Ranstun. M. is to be set apart as tutor to (he college. Dr. Houston's attainments and tho distinction won by him in the departments of original research were warmly cnlogisde by Dr Laws. T| was reported that over £3OOO was in hand towards the cost of the new college, and legislation enabling the trustees to secure the freehold nl the sit,' in Grafton Road. Auckland, had alrendv been secured. FINANCES. The balance-sheet of tlm borne mission fund presented bv the Rev. George Bond showed a total expenditure of £11.221 10- Id. the debit balance heiic {_• 1-* 7. 8,. vised estimates r,f income and expenditure for the current year disclosed an expected deficit ot otei £ISOO. The report of the Home Missimi department. as presented by the Rev. G. Brooke (organising secretary) was adopted. OTHER BUSINESS. Important proposals in econect ion "lib the appoint ill,'llf of a sun-esser to Mr Brooke, who becomes a supernumerary next year, were discussed at length, and wort 1 adjourned till a lat-w stage of the conference sessiens. The Dev. Dr. G. 11. Laws. R.A.. was accorded the best thanks ot the ( **nfpi'eiice for bis able address on the occasion of tile oi diiia 1 inn of !",X • ytmg ministers mi Sunday aflerrioon. Laws was also appointed representative to idle Methodist C -nfei'eiK-e ~ the Homeland, lor übi.b ho leave., shoitly. The Rev. T. G. Brook,* was appointed lu act on ihe si.itimiing committic in place of l)r Laws.