WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5252, 23 January 1878, Page 3

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

(Morning Session, January 22.) The President took the chair at X 0 o’clock. Prayer was offered by the Revs. J. Law and P, W. Fairclough. After the calling of the roll, the records of the previous day’s session was read by the Secretary and adopted. The report of the medical examination of the four candidates for the ministry was brought up and declared satisfactory in each ease. The remainder of the morning session was occupied by the annual ministerial examination. The Conference re-assembled at 1.30, prayer being offered by the Rev. G. W. Thomas. Letters of resignation were received from the Rev. T. F. Reeve, and from the Rev. G. W. Russell, a probationer for the ministry. Each case occupied the careful consideration of the Conference, and it was agreed that the resignations be accepted provisionally, a deputation of the Revs. Kirk, Reid, Harper, and Bull first to wait upon Mr. Reeve. In the case of Mr. Russell, the Conference agreed to request that he remain in charge of the circuit till April next. The (Secretary read the draft of the aunu 1 address to the churches. It refeired to the harmony prevailiug throughout the connection, and the progressive constitutional changes which had been peacefully effected. The number of fully accredited Church members was 3594, being an-increase of 181, with 195 ou probation for membership. There were 762 communicants and 339 catechumens. The address expressed thankfulness at the results of mission work at Moruiugton,. Ashburton, and Pukekohe; it referred also to the cheerful liberality manifested throughout the colony iu supporting the various institutions of the Church. The importance of the Church Extension Association was dwelt upon, and its funds commended to increased support. While expressing thankfulness for ministerial laborers raised up in New Zealand itself, the address pointed out the promising fields of labor which still awaited occupation. The Sunday-school department was in a flourishing condition. Parental responsibility, family prayer, and the religious culture of youth, were eacli commented upon. The peculiar temptations presented to young people in the present day were noted, and the importance of Biblical study and of the cultivation of an acquaintance with sound, healthy literature urged. The address referred io the good work being effected by the collegiate institution at the Three Kings, where three English and eight native candidates fur the ministry were under training during the year. , , The address was closed by urging on the members of the churches the importance of Christian fellowship, personal holiness, and entire consecration to God’s service. An interesting discussion followed the reading of the address, iu which the Revs. Messrs. Reid, Buddie,, Bavin, Thomas, Harper, Lee, and Simmouds took part. On the motion of the Rev. J. B. Richardson, seconded by the Rev. D. McNicoll, the address was received and ordered to be printed iu the annual minutes. A cablegram was received from the Missionary Committee in Sydney asking if tlie Conference could spare one of its agents for work in connection with tho New Guinea Mission. Tlie Rev. T. G. Hammond had expressed his willingness to proceed to that new field of labnr, but was reluctantly compelled to withdraw his offer through the urgent counsel of his medical adviser. It was understood, however, that Messrs. Buttle and L. Isitfc had volunteered for service in connection with the mission. On the motion of the Rev. W. Morley, the 'matter was remitted to a committee, consisting of the President and exPresident. On the motion of the Rev. W. Morley, the Revs, T. Buddie, A. Reid, and the mover were appointed a committee to examine the model deed with a view of ascertaining whether any emendations had been rendered necessary through the recent legislation of the British Conference. A memorial was read from the Wanganui circuit, praying the Conference to reappoint the Rev. A, R. Bavin, whose three years’ term of supor'.utondency will expire iu March next. The Rev. J. B. Richardson .brought up a draft of reply, which was adopted by tlie Conference. The reply referred to the present law of the itinerancy, which limited a minister's residence in a circuit to three years. Wore it not for this, the Conference would have much pleasure iu complying with tho wish of the memorialists. The Secretary laid before the Conference the draft of ministerial appointments for the ensuing year, as amended by the Stationing Committee. This was read a second time aud passed. The President pronounced the benediction, and the Conference adjourned at four o'clock