WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5251, 22 January 1878, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE

Morning Session, January 21. The President took the chair at 10 o’clock. Prayer was offered by the Revs. W. Lee and H. Dewsbury. The record of Saturday’s proceedings was read by the Secretary and approved. The Conference then proceeded to the consideration of the status of probationers for the ministry. The results of the examination papers, prepared by the board of examiners, and filled in by the probationers, on theology, classics, ecclesiastical history and machomatics, were read by the Secretary. Messrs. S. Lawry, Henry Ellis, and E. Neilson were admitted as probationers of the first ye ir ; Messrs. Luxford, Garlick, Russell, Purchon, and Baumher passed as probationers of the second year ; Mr. Armitage as a probationer of the third’ year; and Messrs. Pairclough, Hammond, and P. C. Dewsbury as probationers of the fourth year. In the case of the Kev. John Armitage, a probationer of the third year, the representative of the Otago District read a resolution of the district meeting, asking the Conference to receive Mr. Armitage into full connection at once. The Rev. D. MoNicoiX moved that the district meeting recommendation he complied with. This was seconded by the Rev. A. E. Puckett, who referred to the valuable services Mr. Armitage had rendered to the Church during many years, and also to the superior excellence of the annual examination papers he had filled in. The motion was supported by the Revs. Messrs. Buddie, Berry, and Richardson, and having been put to the Conference by the President, was carried unanimously. The Secretary read the Principal’s report respecting Messrs. Pee and Buttle, students of the collegiate institution. The report showed creditable progress in every department of study. It was resolved that both students be now received as probationers, and appointed to circuits. On account of special services rendered by Mr. Pee during the year, it was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. T. Bcddlu, seconded by the Rev. H. Bole, that his period of probation date from the Conference of 1877. The following candidates for the ministry— Messrs. Wills, Salter, Martin, and Dellow—passed satisfactorily the necessary preliminary examinations. It was decided that they should be admitted to the collegiate institution at the Three Kings, as students, to receive the necessary training for ministerial work.

The afternoon session commenced at 2.30 p.m,, prayer being offered by the Bev. J. H. SIKMONDS. The llev. J. Law (Patea) took his seat in the Conference. The Revs. John Armitage.P. W.Fairclough, T. G. Hammond, and F. C. Dewsbury having fulfilled successfully their duties as probationers during the period prescribed by the Conference, underwent an oral examination conducted by the President. The questions had reference to their religious experience, views of Methodist polity, doctrine, &c., and the answers were deemed satisfactory in each case. The three first-named probationers were unanimously received into full connection, to bo ordained at the present Conference. In the case of Mr. F. C. Dewsbury, whose health has been for some time in a delicate state, it was decided, solely on this ground, that his ordination be deferred for one year. The subject of native candidates for the Maori Mission was next considered. There were two candidates —Messrs. Rameka and Karaweui—who have already received two years’ training for the work at the Three Kings institution. The particulars respecting their progress in the College during that time were laid before the Conference by the Principal, Bev. T. Buddle, on whose motion, seconded by the Rev. W. Kirk, they were admitted as probationers for the native ministry. The remainder of the session was occupied by the second reading of the station-sheet, the Conference adjourning at five o’clock.