METHODIST SYNOD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26629, 27 November 1947, Page 6

METHODIST SYNOD

OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND Special to the Daily Times ROXBURGH, Nov. 26. The ministerial Synod of the Methodist Otago and Southland districts met in Roxburgh to-day. In the absence of the Rev. W G Slade, the Rev. D. J. Hickman occupied the chair, and presided over an attendance of 75 representatives. Congratulations on his reception ot an honorary divinity degree whilst representing the Methodist Church of N . e w Zealand at the world coiiference of Methodists in the United States was extended to the Rev Mr Slade. In discussing church welfare business, the Synod recommended to conference that '-he p pointment of a new minister frhall t*° r three years unless such exceptional cir cumstances arise in any earlier year as to cause the minister or circuit officials to request a change of appointment. The Rev. A. P- Dorrian, a candidate for ordination, was recommended for ordination subject to written examinations proving satisfactory. Mr P. Stead and Mr H. Too thill were recommended to the conference for theological training. The Svnod, in discussing the question of immigration, expressed appreciation of tlie Government’s provision tor increased immigration, and moved that it be recommended to the Government, as a special act of humanity, i -0 n-.its immediately for the 350 surviving European relatives of New Zealand Jewisn residents to enter New Zealand lnaccordance with the representations of the Jewish community. It was also decided to urge tire Government to make a declaration that, its immigration policy will not longer be based on racial discrimination involving complete exclusion of Asiatic or other coloured people, and that orderly immigration of such people, with due regard to a suitable balance of population, bt permitted in future. A third resolution stated that the Government be commended for permitting Indian and Chinese students to come to New Zealand on temporary permits to attend agricultural and other colleges, and, more recently, for permitting Ind an girls to tram as nurses. It was urged that such friendly co-opera-tion be extended whenever possible. In view of the independent status obtained by the people of India, it was recommended that specialists in ■administration, agriculture and health and other fields be offered on loan to India and Pakistan, and that all other possible cooperation and friendship be assured to these countries and people in their endeavour to make their own way in the modern world.