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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 284, 2 December 1870, Page 2

Wbsleyan Church. — The annual session of the Wesleyan Methodist Ministers : for the Middle District of New Zealand j was held in Wellington, commencing on Wednesday, November 16th. There were present — Rev. Thomas Budcle, chairman; Rev. W. Watkin and J. A. Taylor, from Nelson ; J. B. Richardson, Blenheim ;W. G. Thomas, Motueka ; W. Morley and G. Stannard,, Wanganui ; J. A. Cawdell, Wairarapa ; and G. S. Harper, Hutt. The Rev. \V. Watkin, who was elected Secretary, was appointed to preach the

annual sermon to the young on the following Sunday, and the Chairman was requested to preach the official sermon on the succeeding Wednesday. The first question — What ministers have died during the year, was gratefully answered in the negative; and to the second question, viz., are there any objections to any minister in this district as to moral and religious character, purity of doctrine, fidelity to discipline, and general ministerial ability, after strict examination the word was — none. The plan of ministerial appointments for 1871 to be recommended to the Conference is as follows : — Wellington — Thomas Buddie, Gr. S. Harper, Hetaraki Worahi, native assistant. Creytown — James A. Cawdell. Wanganui — William Oliver, G-. Stannard. Rangitikei — W. S. Harper. Nelson — William J. Watkiu, J. A. Taylor. Motueka — One from England. Blenheim — J. B. Richardson. Napier — G-. W. Thomas. Westport — One wanted. The statistical returns of the district were presented, and are as follows: — 7 circuits. J 6 chapels, 36 other preaching places, 10 ministers, 30 local preachers, 21 class leaders, 489 church members, 26 candidates for membership, 17 Sabbath Schools, 1200 Sabbath scholars, 96 Sabbath school teachers, 3280 attendants on public worship, the iucrease of church members during the year is 52. The state of the Home Mission and Contingent Fund was considered. Tbe receipts for the year amounting to £197 10s 6d., and the expenditure to £249 155. ; showing a deficiency of £52 4s. 6d. In order to meet the above deficiency, without disturbing the grants that were made to struggling circuits last year, it was resolved that no grants in aid be made for next year, but that all claims be met when the state of the fund shall be ascertained next district meeting. It was also resolved that the attention of the respective circuits be especially called to the importance of this fund, and recommeud the organisation of a system of public meetings, pressing the subject especially on the older circuits that have been largely aided by mission funds. The ability of the committee to extend tbe work of God into outlying districts and to follow the pioneers of civilisation into the interior will depend on the liberality with which the fund is supplied by existing churches. A report of the Nelson Trust Fund was presented, and certaiu alterations in the mode of administration recommended to the trustees. On Friday, the meeting, which had been most harmonious throughout, broke up.