METHODIST AMALGAMATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8348, 7 February 1913, Page 2

METHODIST AMALGAMATION

HISTORIC CERE-MONIES CONDUCTED YESTERDAY. FIRST CONFERENCE OPENED. Union of the two branches of the Mcthodist Church hitherto working in New Zealand was consummated in Wellington yesterday. The two sectional conferences completed their sittings in the morning. In the afternoon they met as one in Wesley Church, Taranaki street, where the new Methodist Church of New Zealand was constituted and its first officers elected and installed. The Declaration of Union (which was published in the “Times” yesterday) was signed at a big public meeting in the Town Hal l in the evening. FORMAL RESOLUTIONS TO UNITE. The formal resolutions, in respect to union which were passed by the two separate conferences were practically identical in form. Each branch of tho church through its conference resolved forthwith to unite with the other upon tho terms and conditions set forth and embodied in tho Basis of Union which had been prepared. Following upon this, each conference signified its approval of the Declaration of Union and authorised representatives to sign and execute the document upon its behalf at the Town Hall meeting. The Methodist Conference empowered tin? following to sign for it; The Revs. S. Lawry (president), C. H. Laws (secretary), W. Ready AV. Gittos (representing the Maori Mission) and Mr J. A. Flosher (chairman of th« legal committee). Drs Youngman and Morloy were nominated as' witnesses. Tho signatories appointed by tho Primitive Methodist Conference were: The Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C. (president), the Revs. C. E. Ward (vice-president), G. Knowles Smith (ex-president), and Mr C. E. Bellringer (secretary of the union committee.) The Revs. J. Dumbell, P- Wright, and Mr H. Holland were nominated as witnesses to the deed. UNITED CONFERENCE AUTHORISED. The next step was for each conference to authorise and empower the delegates to the separate annual conferences ro meet together as a united conference. In the united conference was vested all the powers hitherto exercised by tho separate conferences, and it was authorised to transact and deal with ah business and matters that they previously have attended to. Further than this, each conference undertook in representative session to adopt, allow, ratify, and confirm whatever the united conference migb* do or cause to be done under or by virtue of tho powers and authority then conferred upon it. Finally, both conferences authorised the making of such alterations and amendments to tho laws and regulations of the church as might be found requisite to .bring them into harmony with tho provisions of the Basis of Union. The sectional conferences adjourned until the conclusion of the united, conference after passing votes of thanks to their respective officers and to those who had been foremost in bringing union about. The Methodist Confidence passed special votes of thanks to, the General Conference of Australasia for delegating the Revs. Dr Youngman and Morley to visit New Zealand for the consummation of union and also to Drs Youngman and Morley for their addresses the previous evening. STATIONING COMMITTEE. The following lay members to the Stationing committee were elected by the Methodist Conference: Auckland—-Messrs J. Peak and J. Veale. Wanganui—Messrs E. Dixon and T. R. Header. Wellington—Messrs C. E. Daniell and W. E. Redstone. Nelson—Messrs A. A. Lucas and W. D. Pike. Canterbury—Messrs J. H. Blackwell and W. H. Seed. Otago—Messrs E. Aslin and E. Roaevear; extra representative, Mr C. S. Howard.