METHODIST LEADERS IN CONFERENCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 593, 20 February 1929, Page 11

METHODIST LEADERS IN CONFERENCE

NOTABLE PERSONALITIES Signallnl out for the honour on recount of long and valuable service to the Church, the llev. John F. Goldie, of the Solomon Islands, is the presi-dent-elect of the 19-9 Methodist ConMr. Goldie has worked in the Islands for the past 27 years, and is chairman of the Now Zealand Methodist Mission in the group. Mr. Goldie is also on>' of the three non-official members oi the advisory council to the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific. Sir Gyro Hutson. Arrangements have been made for Mr. Goldie to live in New Zealand during his term of oflu . A church worker of varied activities is the Rev. W. J. Glliott president of conference in 1928. Mr. Thliott has been a prominent cricketer for many years, and also a well-known football referee and cricket umpire. Jn addition to occupying many important pulpits, Mr. Glliott was also a prominent official of the New Zealand Alliance. Ho is a chaplain of the New’ Zealand Forces, and has written extensively on flora, fauna and insect life. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair, conv< nor the Missionary Rally Sub-committee, is general missionary secretary for New Zealand. He is the chief departmental officer of this important branch of Methodist work, and as such is responsible for the work in connection W'ith the foreign missions. His chief hobby is the making of 1929 a record missionary year for the Method W Church in New Zealand. The Rev. L. B. Dal by is in charge of the Pitt Street Church, .which has prospered greatly under his charge. Mr. Dalby is resigning his connection with the- church in April, to join the Plymouth circuit in England. A minister who has occupied many of the important pulpits throughout New Zealand, and one who has given long and honoured service to the Church is the Rev. W. J. Williams. Mr. Williams began preaching at the age of 17, and arrived in New Zealand in 1870 with the Revs. J. J. Lewis, .). S. Smalley and F. W. Isitt, and was also a fellow-passenger of the late Mr. W. F. Massey. In addition to other offices, he was principal of Wesley College in 1893 and president of conference in 1888. His son. the late Mr. Harold Williams, was a foreign editor of “The Times.” * * * The Rev. G. O. Blamires is as well known to the general public as lie is to the adherents of the Church, having represented Otago, Wellington, Taranaki and Waikato as a cricketer, in which capacity he has also worn the silver fern leaf of New Zealand. He is at present stationed at Mastertora His brother, the Rev. G. P. Blamires, is organising secretary of the Young People’s Department. Pronounced organising ability is ono of the qualifications possessed by the Rev. A. N. Scotter, secretary of conference for the last six years. In this capacity he has given great service to the Church. The Rev. K. D. Patcliett is connettional secretary for New' Zealand, ami resides at Christchurch, where a large block of land has just been acquired for new and up-to-date offices. Recently he came prominently before the public through his criticism of the introduction of the Nelson amendment into the Parliamentary discussion on the Bible in schools question. Is a fearless critic. The Rev. Dr. C. M. Laws, 8.A., principal of Trinity College, has had a tinguished career. Was preside nt of conference 1910; secretary 1904-8 and 1913-14; Dominion representative at the 1908 British Conference; and at the Australian General Committees of 1904, 1907 and 1910. Dr. Laws is regarded as the father of Trinity College, having been largely responsible for the raising of most of the monev required for its establishment. He retires in 1931. The Rev. H. Ranston. M.A., Litt.D., resident professor; is also a member of conference. Mr. J. W. Shackleford, who has just relinquished office as vice-president of the conference, is a well-known church worker and Auckland business man. He is treasurer of the conference arrangements committee, and is activelyassociated with the Pitt Street C hur h. * m m Mr. J. Stanton, LL.B., solicitor, of Auckland, represents the Weajev Training College. Mr. Stanton, in addition to being a prominent member of the legal fraternity, has token a keen interest in educational matter.-, being a governor for several years of Auckland Grammar School. • * * Mr. H. Holland, M.P., C.8.E., and the Hon. L. M. Isitt, M.L.C., are familiar figures at conference. Mr. Holland, who represents Christchurch North, had charge of the Bible in Schools Bill in the House, and Air. Isitt, both pi the House and also in the Uppor House, has always been a strong advocate of the measure.