METHODIST CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1927, Page 3

METHODIST CONFERENCE

SPIRIT OP THE AGE. [r.Y TKf.KC.ItACIl —mil I’UESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND. March 3. The New Zealand Conference of the Methodist Church opened here this evening, when Rev Dr 11. Ran.stim was installed as President. He later delivered his presidential address. Dr Ranston said that the Great War had falsified many expectations in that it did not beget a regenerated world. Signs were, indeed, not wanting of increasing soci.il passion, and of the growth of spiritual idealism. There was also abundant proof of the existence of a great deal more real goodness than some people believed, and immense forces were being released which made for spiritual reconstruc-

tion and regeneration. Nevertheless, many elements in the life of to-day were disquieting. All round there was a swirl of rising dissatisfaction. From a Christian point o| view, the scale, of international affiirs disturbed the conscience. At Home there was a growing unrest, and a pa-sion for low pleasures. also a loosening of moral restraints. and an increasing dislike lor the simple pleasures of home life.

Dr Ranston said that the Church was not a spent, force and never were there opportunities si numerous as there were to-day fir the Cfliurcjh, which really meant serious business. A revival is needed of High Chiirciiism —th,*:L was. of faith in the all-suffi-ciency of God working within. Dr Ranston continued that they knew that any compromise with lower ideals spelt certain disaster, so that, to-day, to yield to the spirit of the age meant a lost campaign. AUCKLAND, A lurch 3.

At the Methodist Conference most of the opening session was occupied will the installation and address of the new President. Dr Ranston and Rev J. H. Floshor (Christchurch) was elected Vice-President, 'J lie following officers were elected for the 1923 conference: President. Rev. AY. .T. Elliot (Cambridge), secretary. Rev. A. X. Scotter (Wellington). McCarthy trust. AUCKLAND, March L A decision was made by the New Zealand Methodist Conference to-dav to tube no further advantage of the benefits conferred on the Church by Hie T c McCarthy Trust, This was in view of the fact ('•■’ H was stated, the Trust had derived much of its revenue from interests allied to the liquor trade. A lengthy discussion was held, in committee, on a remit from Ho Ffawkes Bay-Man’watu Synod, strangle protesting against the Wellington Methodist Charitable and Education Endowment Trust anplving for any mniioy from, the T. G. AIV-Oartliy T rust for the Masterton Orphanage, which has already received £2(!0 a year lor the past three years from the T. G. McCarthy Trust. On the Conference resuming in open Council it. was slated that no further aiN-intage of the AleCarthy I rust would be taken. !i was added that this year's application lor the I rust’s donation lor the Masterton Orphanage would be withdrawn, and it WJs decide Dial, if the usual amount has already been granted, it should be returned.

Alien tion was also drawn, at the Conference to the fact thot the name of the Public Trustee lias been appended Ip a, statement advertising a sale qi liquor. A resolution was passed in protest against this.