PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 448, 9 January 1909, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Auckland, January 7

The annual conference of the Primitive Methodist Church was opened at the Eden Terrace Church, Auckland, this afternoon. Seventysix delegates attended, and were welcomed by the retiring president, the Rev John Olphert. The selection of a new president fell on the Rev Robert Raine, of Invercargill, who defeated the Rev John Dawson, of Wellington, in a second ballot by a single vote. The Rev G. H. Mann was the only other nomination. The Rev H. Holland was unanimously elected vice-president, and the Rev John Southern secretary. The remainder of the afternoon was occupied in the election of other office-bearers and committees. The conference will continue till Wednesday.

The Primitive Methodist Conference entered upon its second session at the Eden Terrace Church yesterday morning. A resolution of sympathy with the sufferers in the Italian disaster was passed. The Rev. Geo. Clement, of the Franklin Road Church, Auckland, was granted permission to visit England. The question of opening up new territory was referred to the General Purposes Committee. The Rev. J. Dawson was released from circuit work for twelve months to engage in New Zealand Alliance work. The annual conference report was presented by the retiring president (Rev. J. Olphert), who was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The conference passed a resolution rejoicing at the progress of the No-License movement. Routine reports were presented, and the following probationers were notified as having passed :—Fourth year: Revs. C. A, Sims, B. Metson, and A. Armstrong. Third year : Revs. A. Armstrong, H. Daniel, and A. White. Second year : Revs. D. B. Carlisle and F. Thomson. First year: Rev. A. Davis.