Wesleyan Methodist Conference.

Te Aroha News, Volume XVI, Issue 22216, 22 March 1900, Page 2

Wesleyan Methodist Conference.

The above important Conference came to a close on the 14th inst., after nearly a fortnights work. A large amount of important business was transacted under the able presidency of the Rev J. S, Smalley, assisted by the capable secretary, Rev D. J. Murray, of the Thames. The stationing of the- ministers is a- matter which always demands special attention and excites the keenest interest. Of the three ministers in the Upper Thames Circuit the-superintendent, Rev IS. Griffith, is re-appointed for a fifth year. Rev W S. Bowie, of Paeroa, is removed to Waipawa in the Hawkes Bay district, .and the Rev W t . Beckett becomes the fourth minis'erih the Pitt-street,.Auck-land circuit, having special charge of the newly formed congregation at Mr. Eden, and als'o.bf Kingsiand. Capable and earnest successors have been appointed as follows: To Waihi, the Rev David' Woatherall, of Waipawa ; and to Paeroa the Rev W. Greenslade fr< m Prince Albert College. ’ The Conference carefully cons-dered. the progress of .the C< ntury '‘Fund, which has now reached £13,000. With a view, however, to increase the interest in the Fund the Conference, after a vigorous debate, resolved to enlarge tli rt basis of tho Fund, by permitting the allotment of gifts b}' donors, to such general or local objects as they may desire, including new local enterprises. This ’is ex-' pected greatly to stimulate tlie Fund. As illustrating- the meaning of this concessit iff wo may ins'ance To Aroha, whore a new Church is about te he erected, and where over £IOO has been promised- te the Contury Fund. By the above concession those who have promised to the Cen'ury Fund may allot their Century offerings to the Now Church Fund,, and no doubt many, if not all, will avail themselves of this advantage.

A substantial increase of members was repoited to the Conferonco, and a resolution of gratitude was passed in connection therewith, thankfully' acknowledging the valuable service of the Rev D. O’Donnell, the Victorian evangelist. The public and social functions of the Conference were highly successful, and at the close cordial votes of thanks were passed to the Committee of Arrangements, and’ to the host and hostesses who had so hospitably entertained so large a number of delegates. The next Conference is to be held in Wellington,.