WESLEYAN CHURCH DISTRICT MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 225, 13 November 1880, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH DISTRICT MEETING.

The opening session of the Annual District Meeting ia connection with the Wes leyan Church was held ia the Hardy-street school-room yeßterday at 3 o'clock, when there were present, the Revs R. Bavin (Chairman), W. Rowse, T. G. Carr, C. H. Standage, and J. Hosking, home missionary. The Chairman in his opening address spoke of the work of the year and its results, stating that the finances were in a much sounder condition now than they were twelve months ago, the congregations larger, and that spiritual successes were not wanting. He had been much gratified by what he had recently seen on the West Coast of the labors of the Rev Mr Standage at Greymouth, Mr Smith at Hokitika, and Mr Hall at Kumara, and also by what had been doing at Motueka. From Blenheim, too, there were good accounts, and a new and handsome church had been commenced there on a new and eligible site. The hours of session were then fixed, and arrangements for the Sunday services were made as follows :— Hardystreet, Revs Smith and Carr 5 Richmond, Revs Carr and Standage ; Spring Grove, Rev Smith ; Wakefleld and Foxnill, Rev Standage ; Hope, Rev Smith ; Stoke, Revs Carr and Hosking ; Dove 'ale, Rev Hall ; The Port, Rev Hamilton and Bavin. The session was continued to-day. The Rev John Smith, of Hokitika, and the Rev George Hall, Home Missionary from Kumara, were welcomed by the Chairman, and took their seats in the meeting. The questions of ministerial character and efficiency were satisfactorily answered) and arrangements were made for the usual examination of the Rev George Hall, a candidate for the ministry in theological and literary subjects. The matter of new stations was next considered. The Rev T. G. Carr reported concerning the spiritual condition of Havelock and the Pelorus. The Rev W. Rowse moved the following resolution, which was seconded by the Rev J. Smith:— "That this meeting haviug heard the report recommends the Blenheim Circuit to give the matter its care ful consideration at the next quarterly meeting, and to report to the Conference of January next through their minister/' The state of the Kumara charge was next considered, t?nd the enquiry made as to the art visability of a minister beiog appointed there. It was stated by the Home Missionary that the cause had maintained its good position in Kumara during the year in every respect. The Chairman also confirmed this statement, but he considered that. there was scarcely sufficient reason for a Minister's appointment. It was ultimately decided to recommend to Conference the re-appointment of a Home Missionary. The question re Sunday Schools was referred to the District Secretary, the Rev J. Smith, who so ably fulfiTed this office la9t year. His report may Inexpected in Tuesday's issue. The Financial District Meeting was arranged for Tuesday next, when laymen from the different circuits may be expected to take part in the deliberations.