METHODIST CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1925, Page 1

METHODIST CONFERENCE

BY TELEGRAPII —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT, WELLINGTON, -March 5.

At the Methodist Conference the report on orphanages was the first business this morning. At Alount Albert in Auckland there are sixty-two children in residence. The net capital account of this orphanage amounts to £10,328, hut the revenue account shows a deficit of £lll. The resignations of the overseer and matron (Air and Airs Annitagc) were received with deep regret. Dr. Pettit received a cordial vote of thanks for gratuitious service rendered. The children’s home at Alasterton repoi ts a year of steady progress. Dr Prior had given diligent oversight and was heartily thanked. Fifty-six children have been admitted and for sixteen of these suitable homes have been found. There are vacancies for more chi Id rep. The income for the year totalled £22Go. With regard to the South Island orphanage a.t Papanui there are forty-nine children in the home. During the year several bequests hap been received totalling £.5550. Dr. Orchard was thanked for 1 li.s services. The Bovs. AY. Layocok and J. Blight were appointed collectors for T’apanui and Alount Albert orphanages respectively.

The report on tho Bible-in-SchooL question resulted in a series of resolutions which declared in favour of Afr L. Al. Isitt'-s Bill. A hearty vote of thanks to Air lsitt and those who supported him was carried amidst loud applause. The report on the Deaconess Institute indicated that work had proceeded smoothly during the year. The work of foreign missions was introduced by the general secretary, the Bev. AY. A. Sinclair. The income showed a total of £l-1,70-1 Is Id. There was a deficit of £5882 15s Id. This deficit included £llBO taken over when receiving the mission field from Australia. The deficit on the year’s working only amounted to £l5O. Against all debts there were magnificent assets that would yield handsomely in a few years. Air Sinclair in his remarks said that tile position must be regarded as good, if only they could get rid of tbe millstone of debt, due to Australia. Tbe medical mission fund stands at £577 5s sd. Tbe sum of £5Ol lias been earmarked for a hospital. It was resolved that the amount lo be raised during 1025 be £15,000, and that quarterly meetings be instructed to give special attention to organising. Tbe Solomon Islands expect to raise at least £3OOO. A sum of £SOOO received from the Centenary Fund is to be allocated as follows:—New buildings £2OOO, hospital £ISOO. launch £SOO. and bahuice retained for further calls. A mission board for 1925 was .appointed as follow : Tbe president of tbe conference with Revs. AA . A. Sinclair. Dr laws. Dr Banston, S. Lawrv. Al. A. B. Pratt, AY. Beckett and AY AA*. Avery, Alesdames G. Bowron, 11. Tv. Farcy, and T. H. Stevens, Alis.s Carr, Messrs G. AA’instoiie, AA*. S. ATac-kay. F. AA*. Stone, A. Peak, .7. P. Blair, J. If. Astley, A. ,1. Buttle. L. P. F. Thompson. B. J. I.ynneberg, T. R. Modeler and C. -Carter. Tbe. Bev. (!. T. Marshal and Air AA*. A’oyce were thanked and leappointed treasurers. Air A. IT. ATiyrc, a theological student in college, was designated to Proceed immediately to tbe foreign mission field.