PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFEKEKCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2810, 22 January 1908, Page 29

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CONFEKEKCE.

FIFTH DAY— TUESDAY./ The Conference resumed its deliberations I at the Dundas Street Church buildings at 9.30 a.m. on the 14th. | , ccv. j. Flanagan's itinebaby. ''Tie special committee -set up to arrange iho itinerary for- the Rev. J. Flanagan's mission reported that fixtures had been agreed to as follows: — Invercargill,' January 19 to '26"; Tiinaru, February 2to 9 ; Dunedin, February 16 to, 23 ; .Ashburion,, March 1; Wanganui, March' B to 16; 'Stratford, March 16 «to 22 ; Eltham, March 23' to> 26 ; Ne-w Plymouth. March 29 to April 5; Thames, April 12;'' Waihi, April 19; Hamilton, Aprjl 22 to 23; Auckland, May 10 to . 17; Christchurch, May" 31 to, June 7. The localities to be visited in the order named,' each circuit to be held responsible for its own share of the mission expenses, a Instance sheet to be sent to the general treasurer immediately the mission concludes. 1 BUILDING COMMITTEE'S EEPOBT. The" -Building Committee's" report was # read by the* Rev- J. Dawson. The report etafced that permission had" been given to Clifton, -South o&maru ? and Linwood to •make: alterations -in their buildings, and a section had been' given ito Porjxua Church on which, to* build a- house. 'A handsome ' church had been built in Donald M'Lean street, Wellington, costing £1700, and s£l3oo had been raised during the last three years. The Island Bay Church had been Temoved -to c central position, the removal .costing £80, all of which had been raised. '..The church at Granity had been completed • end ,the electric light installed. Permission had been given to erect a 'schoolroom and 'make alterations to the church at ' w ang»nui, ..and' permission had also been" i i,iven to erect a church at Hautapu (Waixato) and' Anna! (Greendale), A manse •was in process of, erection at Edendale. >„The Temuka station requested permission *o sell the parsonage, and the permission for was granted. Waihi and Stratford stations asked permission to sell parsonages and build more suitable sites. — The ireport was approved. JUBILEE LOAN FUND. The Tepqrt " of T i;he Jubilee Loan Fund ■howed ' income £296 18s 6d, expenditure £190 63 7d, leaving a balance of £106 11b Hid. ' The capital value was 6et down as d8143011s lid.— The report was adopted. 'STATISTICS FOB 1907. \ - _ Statistics for- tha year 1907 'were read and approved as follows: — Churches 75, ' increase 4 ; house* .40, increase 1; total cost, £62,613 12a-3d: presentTOlue, £73,26911s 2d;- debt, £17,835 12s 3d; paid. .off debt during, year, I i>4s9| gross income, £4658 19s 9d; out- | goings, £4519 -15s 4d; other preaching S laces, 8?i hearers, '■ 9972;, -ministers - 39, . ©crease 1 ; circuit missionary, 1 ; home ;i missionaries, .-.A j^Jocal preachers, > 173 ; class leaders," 58^ (increase s)^ church'Tmemtiers, 2882' (increase 60); deaths, 17. • ' MEnSTEHS' SALARIES. - I , Mr G. Froggatt moved— "That the Conference be recommended to approve the principle that the stations be recommended to p&y ministers a minimum salary of £4-5 jper quarter . for . ministers who have been tfor" iour years on the approved liefe^and dB4O jper quarter for ministers out of probation." Mr C. E. Bellringer thought the Conlexence had no right to deal with the question' until those who had to pay had been consulted/ as it would be said ministers and laymen were increasing salaries without •authority. He moved as an amendment — "That the Conference strongly recommends that* wherever practicable stations should ipay , fully-approved list ministers a minimum salary of £45 per quarter ; ministers ■who have passed their probation, £40 per quarter; probationers, £28 to £30 per quarter ; also that the whole question be referred to the quarterly me'fttinss for consideration with a view to some generally acceptable scheme being inaugurated for 'the faetter payment of their ministers, the decisions of _ the quarterly meetings to be sent 1 " to the "district meetings, to be remitted to next Conference for final dcciBion. 2 " The Rev. E. Drake seconded ,the amendment. . .~ On /the amendment being put the voting nya»:— For the amendment, 56; against, 15; and the amendment was declared carried as fcgainst the motion. PBESBTTEBIAN CHUBCH^ GBEETINGS. The .Rev. " W." Don (Moderator . of the Churoh of New v Zealand) .■wrote' "under date 14th inst. as follows: — '•'Rev. J. Olphert, president pf the Primifcijne Methodist Conference, Dunedin. Dear Sir I have great pleasure,, on • behalf of. kibe General Assembly of the Presbyterian pDhnrclvof New" Zealand, in conveying to |you the very cordial greetings -of - our Ipnurch. lam sorry that owing to absence sgrom" Dunedin this^has not been.- done at tan earlier stage of 'your proceedings, when Si personal deputation might have had, the . 'Sionoiir of •«wor«duwc &© Bam© w yoa. j

We greet you in the name of the .Great Head of the Church Catholic, rejoicing with you in the progress being made by your branch, and pray that all efforts may be shaped and guided by the Spirit of Grace, and by Him abundantly blessed to the -extension of His kingdom at home and in the regions beyond. — Yours faithfully, W. DON, Moderator Presbyterian Church of New Zealand." The reading of the greeting was received with applause, and on the motion of the Rev. G. Dawson it was decided that the' letter be suitably replied to. -j.i^. . GENEBAL BUSINESS. It was decided ~-4oy place <,on record the thanks of Conferenoei.to- the^ Revs. A. J. Smith and A. T. Cuttery .for services rendered at the English Conference in securing fuller representation for the New Zealand Church. Mr H. Holland, on behalf of the Delegates' Expenses Committee, reported that the total travelling expenses, of delegates was £271 18s lid, less £72 Is contributed by various districts, or an ayerage of £2 10s 43d. It was stated that at ' the Conference held at -Invercargill two,.years ago the expenses worked out at £2 16s 6d per delnsrate. — Report received. The Examination Committee's report, which was adopted, showed the following result*:— Probationers: Fourth year— C. A.- Sims, 253 "marks out of 300; third year J. Harris, 443 out of 600; B. Metson, 445; second year — A. Armstrongj 473 out of 600; H. Daniel, 465 ; E. White, 487 ; first year— <F. Thompson, 477 out of 600; B. F. Carlisle, 407. Candidates: A. J. Davis, 299 out of 400. Mr Davis was welcomed as a, probationer by the president, and Mr J. F. Doherty was recommended as a home missionary. The Candidates' Education Fund, presented by the Rev. E. Drake (Wanganui), showed a credit balance of -£95 19s. The General Committee's delegate (the Rev. T. H. Lyon) reported that services had been commenced at 10 new places, with 280 hearers. The Publishing Committee's report, presented by Mr Watkinson, showed the following income: — Balance in hand, £129 12s 3d ; magazines, etc., £233 10s Id;— total, £363 2s 3d. Total outgoings, £363 2s 3d. Of this latter amount £70 was devoted to the Home Mission Fund. The net profits of the Jjnnexional magazine for the year amounted to £56 3s. 4d. Other assets were valued at £140 16s>3d. It was. resolved, that-only the motion and amendment on the ",union"~ debate, together with, the voting thereon, be published in tha. connexional journal. CENTENARY TEA AND PUBLIC - - MEETING. A centenary tea was held in the Pres.byterian School Hall, Caversham, under %he auspices of the. Conference. There was a large attendance at the tea, and a liberal supply of eatables, and after tea a public "meeting was held in. the Kew Primitive Methodist Church, whioh -was i taxed" to" its utmost holding capacity. - The Hon. C. M. Luke. M.IiKJ., Revs. R. J. Liddell, B. Dudley, arid J. Flanagan gave brief addressep. ~^\ , Anthems and 6olos were contributed by a large" choir, and a recitation ("The Widbw of Nam") was given by Mr jS. Feltham. SIXTH DAY— WEDNESDAY. The Conference resuumed at' 9.30 a.m. There was a full attendance of delegates end visitors, and the president (Rev. J. Olpherfc) presided. . GENERAL BUSINESS. The African Mission report showed the income £29 12s 3d and the credit balance £29 8s 3d. — The report -was adopted. It was decided that the respective District Synods hold their sittings on the following date's: — Taranaki — Stratford, October 20, 9.30 a.m. ; Wellington — Feilding, November 10," 2.30 p.m. ; Auckland — Waihi, November 3, 9.?0 a,m. ; Canterbury—Wai.mate, October 23, 6 p.m. The Otago and Southland Synod meet at the Bluff on November 10. Mr J. Watkinson presented the report of the Equilisation Fund, which showed that there were now '35 children who derived benefits from the fund, three have come on the fund this year, and four, having reached the age limit, come off the fund. The income and outgo "for the year amounted to £316 2s 6d. The investments to the credit of this account are £142. " Mr Watkinson also presented the report and balance sheet of the Unified Fund, which showed the position of the fund as follows :'— Receipts, £665 11s 2d; expenditure, £637 9s 3d; credit balance, £28 Is 4d. It was notified to the Conference that -theJßev. E. Warburton, of Auckland, who' is. 6eriously ill, had applied for euperannuation'r This was unanimously; recommended ,to the English ' authorities, .the following;" resolution being passed by the ■whole <£ -*k* .wftatnlMica of £b« jdewiaxkace

■rising: — "That the application of Rev. Ernest Warburton for superannuation be received and approved, and that t this Conference places ,on record " its high appreciation of"-ihe .-noble and self-saorifioihg service which he ' 'has rendered to the Church of Jesus Christ and TkT our own, Church in particular, and expresses its deep regret that he can no longer continue in the active work of the ministry which he loved with so great a passion, and that a 'letter be sent to him conveying the foregoing sentiments." A number of the members of the Conference spoke very- feelingly of Mr War- ' burton's personal qualities and high Christian character. STATIONING OF MINISTERS — FINAL HEADINGS. The morning and afternoon session of the Conference -was taken up principally with the 6econd and third reading of appointments to stations, 'the station list being finally agreed to as foUowei: — Taranaki District. — New Plymoufli, Jtev. J. Guy, Rev. H. White; Stratford, Rev. D. Campbell ; Inglewood, one to be obtained; Wanganui. Rev. E. Drake; East Egmont, Rev. A. Davis; Eltham r Rev. J. Benriing. Wellington District.— Wellington^l, Sydney street— Rev. C. E. Ward, Rev. B. Meteon, Rev. J. Dumbell (sup.) ; Wei-, lington 11, Webb 6treet — Rev. J. Dawßon, J. Hornsby (cand.); Wellington HI. Donald M'Lean street— Rev. J. Cocker, Rev. H. Daniel ; Feilding— Rev. P. J. , Cbssum, Rev. D. B. F. Carlisle, Rev. P. W. Jones (cup.) ; Foxton, P. J. Mairs (h.m.) ; Haicombe, Rev. J. Clover; West Coast Mission — Rev. J. Southern, J. Carlisle (h.m.). Auckland District. — Auckland I, Alexandra street— Rev. W. S. Potter, J. F. Doherty (h.m.), Rev. E. Warburton (sup.) ; Auckland 11, Franklin road — Rev. G. Clement, Rev. F. A. Thompson ; Auckland ni, Eden terrace— Rev. T. H. Lyon; Thames, Rev. A. Harding ; Waihi, Rev. T. R. B. Woolloxall; Waikato, Rev. Archibald Armstrong. Canterbury District. — Christchuroh — Rev. S. Henderson, Walter Harris (cm.), Rev. J. Nixon (one year's rest) ; Timaru, Rev. J. Olphert ; Ashburtan, Rev. R. J. Liddell ; Greendale, Rev. B. Dudley ; Waimate and Oamaru, Rev. J. Harris ; Geraldine, Rev. G. H. Mann; Temuka, Rev. T. Coatsworth. Otago and Southland District. — Dunedin — Rev. W. Laycock, Rev. S. Baile>% W. S. Hinchcliffe (cand.), W. J. Rogers (student) ; Invercargill I, Don street — Rev. R. Raine; Invercargill 11, Elles road — Rev. T. A. Pybus; Bluff, Rev. G. P. Hunt; Waikouaiti, Rev. J. Featherston ; Edendale, Rev. J. Sharp; unstationed, Rev. C. A. Sims. *s. CONFERENCE SOIREE. A soiree was held last evening in honour «f the Conference being held in Dunedin Tea, which was served in All Saints' Schoolroom, was partaken of by members of the Conference and their wives, friends, »nd "visitors, and also by a large number of the public. The ladies who presided over the tea tables were Meedames Miller, Butcher, Wilkinson. Soiith. King, and - Jlace, Misses Pollock (2), Aitken, Cabbs (2), Brinsley, M'Nair (2), Given. -Mitchell/ South, Dare (2), Biair, Gracie, Sharp, Roberts, and Laycock. After tea a public meeting was held In the Dundas Street Church, where a concert programme was taken part in by the Dundas Street Choir, assisted by Miss Brinsley (solo), Mr J. Jago (solos), and Miss Wilkinson (solo). Recitations were elso given with good effect by an amateur, and addresses were given by the chairman (Mr C. E. Bellringer), the Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C., the Revs. C. E. Ward, J. Ward, and J. Flanagan, the latter delivering an eloquent speech on the subject of spiritual power. Mr Flanagan's address was probably the best of his oratorical utterances hitherto 'given in this city, his deep earnestness leaving a marked impression on the packed churoh. During the evening the President of the Conference (the Rev. J. Olphert) presented the retiring president (the Rev. C. E. Ward) with a handsomely-bound Bible, the gift of the Conference, in honour of his having been president during the centenary year. In making the presentation Mr Olphert mentioned the fact that Mr Ward was president of the Conference in Jubilee year, when a Bible was also presented to him. Mr Ward briefly and suitably thanked the Conference for its gift of the only Book which he found up to date. At another stage of the proceedings Mr C. E. Ward (retiring president) was called on to present to Mr David Goldie (Auckland), district secretary, an artisticallyexecuted illuminated address, enclosed in a finely-polished case .of rimu, and also with a copy of the " Origin and History of the "Primitive Methodist Church." The address, which was signed by the- principal ministers and laymen in the connexion, was as follows : — Primitive Methodist Church, New Zealand, January, 1906. To Mr David Goiaie. Dear Sir and Brother, — The members of the Conference of the Primitive Methodist Church of New Zealand, held in New Plymouth, 1907, unanimously decided to present you with a testimonial in grateful recognition of your long and faithful services to our Church, often performed at great personal sacrifice. In doing so we desire to assure you of the high esteem in which you are held on account of your Christian character, varied gifts, and untiring energy in every good work. Your loyalty to the Church of your choice, your feailesa advocacy of wha-t you believe to be right, your knowledge of connexional rules, your promptness, intelligence, thoroughness, and foresight have won the respect anpl admiration of all who know you. As a. member of £he Hoiis© of Representatives and as Mayor of the City of Auckland, and in many other public positions, you have been an acknowledged force for that righteousness which exalteth a nation. As a temperance worker, especially amongst the young, you have rendered noble and untiring service. As a canable, painstaking, and generous Sunday school teacher and superintendent you have' for more than 45 years influenced large numbers of young people for good," and we rejoice that your services have been fitly recognised in the presentation by the Auckland Sunday School Union of a certificate of 'honour. As president of our Church Conference in the year 1885, as district secretary during the test 18 years, and as fire insurance secretary your services have been invaluable. The vast amount of_ time and labour required to-- fulfil the duties of these offices you have cheerfully and freely given, so that the funds of the Churcli have been conserved and her interests greatly advanced in -all parts of the colony. Your many friends sincerely pray that your valutible life may be long spared, and: that for years to come the cause ov Christ may be advanced by your wise counsels and earnest e&xcfak ju>£ that ultimately gou maj hear

that •which will be sweeter than any earthly music, even the " Well don©" of the Master whom you delight, to serve. Mr D. Goldie, in reply, stated that' he was. a Primitive Methodist by -the accident of his having been a Sunday school teacher in ,t, t that connexion 46 years ago, he could not- find emplpyment as v ,a Sunday school teacher in a church toj^whioh his parents belonged. He expressed surprise that a gift that had -been arranged 12 months ago had been kept so quiet. > He related a number of Sunday school reminiscences of early days, and concluded by thanking the connexion heartily for its gift. The Hon. C. M. Luke, M.L.C., in moving a hearty vote of thanks to the hosts and hostesses who had entertained the delegates to Conference during their stay in Dunedin, said he had been at many conferences, but had never been better treated than, in Dunedin. Very few cities, he said, were more beautiful than Dunedin — it had beautiful verdure, beautiful houses, beautiful buildings, beautiful gardens, magnificent hills, a pretty harbour, and the best of hosts and hostesses. The Rev. J. Dawson spoke in a similar strain, andthe vote of thank was carried by the delegates standing ' and clapping heartily. SEVENTH DAY— THURSDAY. The Conference resumed at 9"" o'clock on -the 16th in the Dundas Street Church buildings. The President (Rev. J. Olphert) presided, and there was a diminished attendance of delegates and visitors. GENERAL BUSINESS. A considerable portion of the morning session was taken up with the appointment of connexional officers and committees, and" the consideration of routine reports. The Sunday school report showed 83 schools, with an attendance of 5442 scholars. Three new schools were opened during the year and two were closed, and th© return showed a decrease of 11 scholars. Juvenile abstainers increased by SO, and adult abstainers decreased by 122, the totals being 4349 juveniles and 1747 adults. The Orphanage Committee report showed a credit balance of £6 3s sid. The result of efforts in connection with the Centenary Fund -were reported as follows: — Auokland: New parsonage at Auckland HI, and proposed enlargement of ohuroh and Sunday school ; proposed new church at Thames, and school hall at Waihi; new church in Waikato district. Canterbury : Promise of £1517 to fund, to be devoted to general advancement of Church work, of which £380 had been paid in Taranaki. Proposed new- churches in Wanganui, Wellington, and Otago : Matter in abeyance in the meantime. LEGISLATION. _, Taranaki district submitted a remit that a sub-committee be 6et up to consider the appointment of a special missioner for work among young people and Sunday schools, and to aol as connexional evangelist. — After consideration it - was decided to .appoint the following committee to consider and report: — Messrs Goldie, Varney, Watkinson, Bellringer, Feltham, Robinson, G.~ Howe, J. Cable, Revs. Drake. Guy, and Paweon, Hon. C. M. Luke, iI.L.C, and Miss Mills. The following resolution, proposed by Mr Varney, of WauKanui. vsas carried — "That a' Sunday school agent be appointed in each district, such agent to report annually to eaoh "district meeting oh the state of schools he may have visited, the following being appointed as agents: — Taranaki, Mr Vamey; Wellington, Mr Feltham; Auckland, Mr Moor, sen, ; Canterbury, Mr W. Dobbs; Otago and SouFßiand, Mr H. Guy." Remits from Taranaki were approved asfollow: — (1) That the time is opportune for the establishment of a "Young People's Primitive Methodist j Bible Class Union ; (2) that an order of^ service for the reception of members into the Church, as outlined in the Christian Workers' , Guide, be adopted; (3) that the Conference appoint a Sunday School Decision Day, and that it be on the day appointed fov universal prayer for schools. The following remits from Wellington district were approved ; — (1) That the President of Conference and each superannuation minister be ex officio members of the district meeting within the bounds of -which they reside; (2) that each Sunday school be recommended to _ appoint an absentee visitor, a volunteer if possible, if not a paid agent, where practicable; (3) that wherever practicable a preparatory class be held by the minister during the week, and that there be a monthly distribution of periodicals amongst scholars. Among other remits from the Canterbury district the following were adopted: — (1) That each society may elect one representative for eafh 20 members or fraction thereof, and that no person shall be eligible for election who is under 21 yeare of age or who has not been a consistent member of the Church for one year and over, the election to be for three months ; (2) _ that minutes of annual Conference be published in pamphlet form and sold fov cost price. DTON'EDIN CIRCUIT. Some discussion took place on a recommendation of the Stationing Committee that up to £100 be expended on costs connected with the exchange of the Rev. P. O. Hurst, of Glasgow, for the Rev. W. Laycook, Dunedin circuit. During the discussion it was mentioned that the Rev. W. Laycock would leave for England at the ! end of 12 months. — It was decided fo accept the exchange without any financial respon- ; 6ibility. [ THE NEXT CONFERENCE. A discussion took place on th« question [ where the next Conference would be held, and, as between Wellington. Feilding. and Auckland, it was decided that Auckland be selected for the 1909 Conference. The Conference adjourned at 6 p.m. to resume at 7 p.m. EVENING SESSION. The Conference resumed at 7 p.m. ge"nebal business. The Allocation Committee estimated the total income at £500, and recommended allocations to the amount of £595. A long list of votes of thanks were passed by Conference, and were recorded in the minutes. Included in the votes were the Union and Northern Steamship Companies and Manawatu Railway' Company for free conveyance of parcels;. to_ the Rev. J. Codker (editor of the connexional journal), to ministers and officials of Dunedin station for courteous arrangements made for y housing and convenience of visiting delegates, to the district secretary and book eteward, to the officials of Conferi' ence, and to tfce D^unedin press for the reports o£ Conference - proceedings. It was resolved, that it he A reefltnman/fa.

tlon to ibhe circuits to oonsider a request of the Methodist Preachers' Association fofi one during the year towards thfc general fund of» the- association: *- ' * Mr W. King, . on .behalf of- Otago dis^ ~tricfc, brought under "tho notice of Conferenco that' Dunedin district, with' b'etweenj 300 and 400 members, had only the same representation in .Conference as small circuits, and pointed out that this resulted owing to Dunedin and, suburbs remaining 1 as one circuit.^ He suggested that where there were over 150 members in a circuit there should be an extra minister and two laymen allowed as representatives to District Synods and Conference. — The G.C.D.. ruled that the matter must be held oyeu for consideration at next Conference owinpf to an informality in bringing" it before th« present Conference. It was decided 10 forward a letter ol thanks to a gentleman who had presented the Church with a house and land fotf church purposes at Porirua. On th© motion of the Rev. J. Cooker it was resolved that for purposes of representation at Conference a home missionary shall have the -same status as a minister. x The Temperance Council wrote urging the Conference to ioin in combination witb- < the council in its efforts to influence the no-licence polk at Hie end of the year, and asked that wherever possible an. arrangement be made'for-exchange x>f pul,pjts, and that ministers be set free for temperance work at" the no-license noils.— Reeofved, that the request bo complied with as far as possible. - ' , It was also resolved <on the niotion ol Mr Bellringer — "That the Conference expresses its fullest sympathy withr every effort made to destroy\the liquor traffic in the Dominion, and urges its people to pray and work for the complete removal of fchii obstacle to the spread of the Kingdom ol the Lord Jesus Christ." The date of the next Conference wat fixed for January 7, 1909. LEGISLATION. . In accord with a remit from Canterbury district, it was resolved that the__Jterm " District Synod" 1 " be substituted for " district meeting " in reference to .annual meerings of each district in the Dominion; 1 also that the letters D.R. (District Repres sentatiye) be used instead of D.D., to desigi nate District Delegate. A remit from Auckland district was approved as follows. : —That the StationingCommittee representatives chosen by the. Conference for the following year be chosen on the basis of two ministers ( and two laymen. " The Conference rose shortly after- midnight, having concluded all the businesi with the exception of the formal signing of the journals containing the minutes.