MINISTER’S BRIDES

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1933, Page 8

MINISTER’S BRIDES

REMARKABLE PROPOSAL MADE

RECOMMENDATION 'REJECTED

LONDON, August 14

: Dr J., H. Ritson,. general of the. (Ministerial Training,; Committee, made <an unusual recommenfiatiom at •the first Conference of the Methodist Church yesterday. It had reference to the fiancees of candidates for the minutry. Dr Ritson said that, the committee desfred to make .the following addendum“lf any candidate has entered into a matrimonial engagement, the superintendent of the circuit j shall furnish - a written statement as to the ’ suitability of his fi-nceo ” Following u,p an outburst of surprise which the recommendation called forth, Dr. Ritson observed ;—“Some delegate called out ‘No.’ It sounded. as if he would be afraid to do this ” A delegate : Does “suitability’' mean | suitable .as a minister’s wife or suitable ] to b e married to the candidate? Dr Riison: Suitable ag a minister’s wife.

Dr 'Dinsdale T. Young: I did not gather who was to be judge of the suitability. One who was present says that some, of the delegates continued to be excited and amused at the proposal, and the president, the Rev. Luke Wiseman, observed sharply, “It is not a matter to be lightly treated. The committee has made a. serious proposition, and I hope the conference will treat it seriously. If you do not like it you will have an opportunity of expressing your dislike, but take the ordinary way of doing .it.’' The proposal, on a show of hands, was defeated and declared to be “not approved.”