METHODIST CHURCH.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 11 July 1919, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH.

QUARTERLY MEETING,

.The quarterly moeting of officers of tha Otaki circuit, Methodist Church, was held at tho Otaki Parsonage last tight. Present: Eev. W. G. Slade, M.A. (chairman), Mosdnmos J. Best, Slade, and Frank Penn, Misses Kirk and M. Best, Messrs F. Cordukcs, Hardhnm, G. W. Kirk, H. Best, H. Cockrell, and Frank Penn.

The chairman stated his pleasure at meeting the church offieors for tho first time, and expressed tho hope that they might work together in perfect harmony, having In view the single purpose of extending God's Kingdom. Tho senior circuit steward reported the steps that had been taken to secure means of travelling for the minister. A gig and harness had been purchased, but they were still without a suitable horse. Later in tho meeting Mr Cordukes was authorised to purchase a horse which he had inspected. ■ The balanee-sheot showed a debit balance, largely caused by the extraBrdinary expense incurred by removal expenses. The Chairman, reported the steps that had been taken to fill the vacancy Caused by the retirement of the home missionary in the southern end of the district. The services were being largely supplied by a Wellington local preacher; who was being paid a small fee and expenses. The meeting passed n resolution urging the Home Mission Committee to do its best to appoint a home missionary as soon as possible. It was resolved to fake up the special Collections for home missions on the Sunday oh which a visiting deputation would be in the district. .Verbal Sunday school reports were feceived, showing that the work was proceeding fairly satisfactorily, though hampered somewhat by bad weather of late.

Mr G. W. Burk (missionary agent) Reported that the sum of £7 Os 4d'had been collected during the past quarter for Foreign Missions, and £S 14s 3d for for Homo Missions. Mr Kirk said he hoped to be able to secure missionary agents in every centre of the circuit, BS the work had been sadly neglected recently, especialy in the southern end i>f tha circuit. He also emphasised the fact that the year for Foreign Missions Closed on September 30th next, and it was imperative that allocations for the fund should be completed by that date. On the motion of Mr Cordukes, Seconded by Mr Hardham, it was resolved that the circuit' stewards be instructed to ascertain the wishes of the officers of the various centres of the district ,with respect to the invitations tO ministers, a few weeks prior to the September quarterly meeting of each year. A lengthy discussion ensued as to the

beat means of serving the very esten- * slvo district embraced in the circuit by ministerial services, and the best method of filling the preaching appointments. Tho meeting expressed tho opinion that, in view of the fact that the southern end of the district Was at present handicapped by the ab- ' gence of a home missionary, the superintendent minister should give that part of the district a little special com

hold the next meeting at Te Horo on Wednesday, October members of the meeting were kiadlv entertained at supper by Mrs Blade, who was heartily thanked for her hospitality.