WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5248, 18 January 1878, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

The fifth annual session of the Conference of the Hew Zealand Wesleyan Methodists was opened in the Manners-street Church last evening. . Nearly all the members were in attendance.. The proceedings commenced by the singing of the 47Sth hymn, followed by the reading of a chapter from'the Bible, and prayers by the Revs. Buddie and Morley. After the singing of another hymn the retiring President, the Rev. Mr. Kirk, delivered an address, referring to the various matters of interest iu the Church during the past year, and the subjects that would come up for discussion during the present Conference. The election of officers was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows:—President, Rev. J. Crumb; secretary, Rev. W. Morley; assis-tant-secretary, Rev. Mr. Bavin ; general secretary, Rev. Mr. Lee; corresponding secretary, Rev. Mr. Richardson. The retiring President handed over the insignia of office to his successor, and introduced him to the charge of the Conference. The Rev. Mr. Crumb, in acknowledging the compliment, delivered a brief inaugural address. The Rev. Mr. Morley moved, —That the respectful and hearty thanks of the Conference be presented to the Rev. Mr. Kirk for the courteous and faithful manner in which he had discharged the duties of the presidentship during the past year. This was carried unanimously, as was also a similar compliment to the secretary, who was re-elected. It was resolved that the following be a committee to consider recommendations from the district meetings:—Revs.Messrs Reid, Buddie, Lee, Simmonds, Bull, and McNic-d, to report on Tuesday morning next ; the Rev. Mr. McNicol convener. The hours for meeting were fixed to be from 10 a.m. to 12.45 p.m, and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m., until the arrival of the lay representatives. Also that each morning the session be devoted to committee business, and that the afternoon sittings of Conference be public. The Rev, Mr. Pitchett asked what action had been taken with reference to a resolution of last Conference in re the Methodist union. The Secretary ready a copy of the correspondence that had been furnished to the Canterbury District Meeting, and the matter was allowed to orop. It was resolved that the Board of Examiners should meet at 10 o’clock the following morning, and the Conference at 1.30 p.xn. The Rev. Mr. Delton was appointed to preach instead of the Rev. Mr. Armifcage. Proceedings closed with prayer at 9.30 p.m.