METHODIST CONFERENCE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 42, 18 February 1913, Page 3

METHODIST CONFERENCE

SOCIAL QUESTIONS. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, February 15. The Primitive Methodist conference to-day passed a resolution deploring Sabbath desecration. The following clause in the report of the committee on temperance and public morals caused some discussion: “We deplore the rapid growth of the spirit of antagonism, suspicion and even of hate between different sections of the community over social questions. The old spirit of fair play for all sides and the capacity to differ without ’ cjuarrelling, which has been the boast of our race, seems to be passing away. In its place is arising a most unChristian and un-English party and class spirit, which is most injurious to social well being and good neighbourship, # .as well as destructive of church life. We advise the conference, as well as ministers, to inculcate especially in dealing with the young, moderation in temper and speech, and charity in judgment.” Exception was taken by several speakers to the clause, which, it was stated, would be misunderstood. A motion to delete the clause lapsed. FINAL DRAFT OF STATIONS. Wellington, February 17. The following is the final draft of stations, adopted by the Methodist Conference, excepting Home Missions, which are subject to further consideration : Taranaki—Wanganui District: New Plymouth, Revs. J. W. Burton, R. J. Liddle, H. T. Peat, and W, Canned (,supernumerary). Waitara, Rev. J. W. Griffin. Inglewood, Rev. C. Griffin. Stratford, Revs. Amos Reader and E. Baudy. Elthara, Rev. H. White. Hawera, Rev. E. 0. Blamires. Manaia, Rev. J. B. Beeche. Cape Egmont, Rev. R. 8., Tinsley, and a home missionary. East Egmont, one wanted and a homo missionary, Kaponga, Rev, F. Rands. Wanganui, Revs. J. A. Luxford, A. B. Chappell and a home missionary. Aramoho, Dev. W. B. Scott. Rangitikei, Rev. J.' J, Mather. Taihape, Rev. J. E. Parsons. Waimarino, Rev. A. A. Bensley. West Coast Maori Mission, Revs. Thomas G. Hammond and R. T. P. Haddon. Hamiorakingi, two home missionaries and two deaconesses. * Uruti, a home missionary. Mohair, 1 a home missionary. Patea, A home missionary. FOREIGN MISSION BOARD. At the Methodist Conference the report of the Foreign Missions Board in Sydney showed, that the expenditure in 1912 was £43,162. The grants sought for in 1913 totalled £55,390, while those approved amounted to £47,290. The estimated income for 1913 is £47,467, apd. New Zealand has been asked to contribute £4OOO, an increase of £433 on the previous year. The supernumerary fund board of management reported a balance of £7278 7s lOd. The report of the actuary to the Australasian fund respecting the diyision of the fund as on December 31, 1911, was adopted. The actuary reported the value of liabilities of Australia and New Zealand sections at £348,780 and £55,432 respectively, and he recommended the payment of £60,413 16s to the New Zealand Conference on assuming the responsibility' for benefits to, members accepting the guarantee of the newlyconstituted New Zealand fund, in lieu of that belonging to the whole Australian Church. The following appointed a board of management: — The Connexional secretary, the Revs. C. H. Laws, W. Lee, J. N. Buttle, W. A. Sinclair, and W. Lavcock, Messrs J. C. Prudhoe, J. L. Scott, C. E. Salter, J. A. Flesher, W. H. Seed, and W. Dobbs, and the corresponding secretaries, the Rev. J. Guy and Mr A. S. Froggatt. It was decided that the next Conference be held in Dunedin in the third week in February, 1914. The plans of the proposed new orphanage were submitted, and the committee’s recommendation to establish such an institution as soon as possible in Canterbury was adopted. At the rising of the United Conference the old Methodist Conference sat and passed formal resolutions adopting, ratifying, allowing and confirming all the decisions the United Conference had arrived at. Similar formal resolutions will be adopted by the old Primitive Methodist Conference tomorrow .