Wesleyan Conference.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1626, 4 February 1886, Page 2

Wesleyan Conference.

(united press association^) Christchurch, Tuesday. At the conference on Monday evening, session, a motion was tabled affirming the desirableness of securing sin independent Conference for New Zealand, and after considerable discussion was carried almost unanimously. It is felttliat ■the laymen should have equal rights with the clergy m discussing and voting upon all questions excepting that of-re-ceiving, exaniiriing, and judging of ministerial character, and that this is not likely to be granted. In discussing the position of the' New Zealand Methodist it was felt desirable that the edito. i] ; should be liberated' frbui ' pastoral obligations, and that he should reside m Cliristchurch. The matter was. submitted'to the consideration of ' a : ; committee and the various district meetings to report to the next Conference. The reports of the Foreign Mission were re-/ discussed .and- adopted. The sum of £372' 5s 4d has been raised m the Colony 'during; the year for this object. On tlie subject! of. higher education,, a large amount of information was . furnished; 'Estimates of the probable cost' and ' income of a college, if established m Auckland, m theilighfc-fO± c jsinnlar ifraHtutlonsj m the other colonies, were submitted. I .: : : - . j ■ < Later v . ■ 4^tlfe 'Wesleyan Conference concluded The report of* the ' Committee on higher education was presented by the Rey. R. Bavin.) ; The report'was receiived'/ ,a>d. She Committee thanked, for their valuable services.- 'The report recpm • - "mended • ' Tjiat it is extremely desirable, ia the interests of : higher education ' 'on Christian-principles, that a college should, be established m or near Auckland, and that the present time is- opportune for' commencing such, a college.;' that the; Conference give a general jassent -to /the;, fcpro'pbs'als ,of the Cp.inmittee to.seU the f jWesley • College property at Auckland, w t!i a view ; tb 'the .purchase of a proV ■perby<at orriear Auckland more siiifc'ably situated! for the purpose of such college J' that a committee :be appointed- for the new ye/ir, consisting of ; Ministers .and influential. Liyman residing at. .or . near. Auckland^ of Which the ßei'R. Bavin be secretary; the Committee to be empowered .empowered to, solicit subscriptions, and. to take such action as may seem neces-' saiy to start the college as soon as practicable, and report to next conference." The Home Mission grants ,' were, reduced by one hundred pounds to meet the de .ficiency caused by the -fresh arrangements for returned missionary. The re port ofj the deputation to Tonga was read. Beep sympathy was expressed 'with the members o£ the. church now so ' cruelly persecuted, and a. series of resolutions; were adopted ion. this subject. Soine miscellaneous business was transacted^ and L resolution regardmg the ; . present depression and sabbath bb^efvknce were adopted. The Conference dosed with "devotional services. —